Welcome Back Songbirds Festival

March 20–21, 2026

Join us for a joyful two-day celebration of spring migration! Enjoy guided bird walks, inspiring speakers, hands-on activities, and family-friendly fun as we welcome resident and migrating songbirds back to Florida. 

Friday, March 20 | Evening Kickoff

📍 Chinsegut Conservation Center

• 5:00 PM – Guided Bird Walk
  Explore Chinsegut’s trails as we listen for migrating songbirds.

• 6:30 PM – Keynote Presentation
  Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director, Audubon Florida
  “While You Were Sleeping: Unlocking the Mysteries of Bird Migration and Florida’s Hemispheric Importance” 

Saturday, March 21 | Festival Day

📍 Multiple Locations

Perry Oldenburg Wildlife and Environmental Area

8:00 AM – Guided Bird Walk

Chinsegut Conservation Center

• 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Festival Activities at Chinsegut
  Enjoy a lively festival atmosphere with:

• Guided bird walks

• Engaging talks

• Hands-on workshops

• Fun activities for kids

• Local artists showcasing their work

• Community and food vendors

• Exciting display exhibits 

•  9:00 AM – Guided Bird Walk

• 10:00 AM – Presentation
  Joe Murphy, Hernando Audubon
  “Attracting Songbirds to Your Backyard”

• 11:00 AM – Presentation
  Terri Jones, PERCH
  “Fun Facts About Owls”

• 11:30 AM – Guided Bird Walk

• 12:00 PM – Presentation
  John Hoch, Ecology Unit Supervisor, Florida Forest Service
  “Why and How Birds Migrate"

Fort Cooper State Park

• 2:30 PM – Guided Bird Walk