British Birdwatching Fair

One of the most exciting events of the year, for bird lovers, is the annual British Birdwatching Fair. Every year thousands of people descend on the fair, taking part in its informative seminars and workshops, or merely to enjoy the breathtaking surroundings of the venue and browse through the hundreds of exhibitor stands. But the most important feature of the British Birdwatching Fair, is the organizations it is able to assist, through its fundraising, and in so doing, saves hundreds of birds each year.

The first British Birdwatching Fair was held in 1989, and over the years it has grown in strength and support, welcoming approximately twenty thousand visitors and accommodating more than three hundred exhibitors at the fair. Entrance fees and projects enable the fair to raise funds for conservation organizations and foundations that do outstanding work locally and internationally, saving bird species from extinction, raising awareness and giving many birds a second chance at life. The fair also supports and showcases businesses in the conservation industry, such as eco-tourism establishments, bird products, books and research, equipment and various other initiatives that enhance the life of birds and wildlife as a whole.

This year, the Birdfair will take place from the 21st to the 23rd of August 2009, at the Egleton Nature Reserve in Rutland. A vast variety of exhibitors have confirmed their presence at the Birdfair this year and range from bird food and accessories stalls, bird specialists, booksellers and tourism agencies; to camera and binoculars experts, photographers, artists and charity organizations. This offers visitors an extensive range of products and information throughout the fair. Facilities include courtesy busses, disabled parking, campsites, toilet facilities, first aid, bicycle parking and mouth watering catering services.

The Birdfair does not only give visitors the opportunity to indulge in their passion for birds and wildlife, but to explore new territory and ideas by speaking with exhibitors, fellow enthusiasts and workshop hosts. Visitors also have the knowledge that just by attending this spectacular bird watching fair, they are aiding the conservation efforts made by the various foundations. Purchase an item at the auction, listen to seminars or just enjoy the festivities and celebration, either way, the Birdfair should not be missed. It is a fair that will entertain and be enjoyed by all, from avid bird watching fanatics to the curious.

The Annual Cape May Autumn Weekend

The Annual Cape May Autumn Weekend and Cape May Bird Show, is a festival of nature that should not be missed by avid bird watchers or nature lovers. It is not just your typical bird show where birds of different species are exhibited; it is an interactive and educational event that includes sea birds, wild birds and birds of prey. Birders are also able to brush up on their identification skills and get an in-depth look at raptors such as hawks, eagles and owls.

To join in on the fun, interested parties should make their way to the Annual Cape May Autumn weekend, that takes place between 26 to 28 October 2007. Of course the Cape May Bird Show is spectacular, but it is the field trips, workshops and presentations by well-known bird handlers, naturalists and authors that make this event exciting and adventurous.

The field trips that are organized by the festival include locations such as Stone Harbor Point, Cape May Point, Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and Higbee Beach. On these spectacular trips, visitors will be able to view a total of two hundred different bird species and join seabird watching, hawk watching and migratory birds of prey expeditions. Botany Field Trips are also offered. And if raptors are your passion, then attending the presentation by Jonathan Wood, from the Raptor Project, is essential. He will be discussing various interesting facts and aspects of eagles, hawks and many others. Workshops and programs that are offered at the Annual Cape May Autumn Weekend include Birding for Beginners, Hawk Identification, Waterfowl Identification, Binocular Workshop, Seabird Identification, Spotting Scope Workshops, How to Sketch Birds, Birding Field Craft and How to Spot an Owl. A trip on the Cape May Lewes Ferry is another relaxing and entertaining way to enjoy the festival, and visitors might be lucky enough to view birds such as jaegers, gulls, gannets, scoters and loons.

Special evening programs, banquets and guest speakers have also been arranged. Many bird lovers will be thrilled to know that some of the authors and artists of the book, “Good Birders Don’t Wear White”, will also be at the festival for a book signing event that takes place on Saturday the 27th of October 2007. The Convention Hall is a treasure trove of interesting stalls and stores that give visitors the opportunity to purchase a few gifts, souvenirs, crafts, and other beautiful items. For a true autumn and bird life experience, the Annual Cape May Autumn Weekend is the place to be.