With Spring on the horizon, our calendar of events is shaping up and we wanted to share it with you so you can join in the fun. See below for highlights.
Also below, an update about our first babies of the 2025 season less than one month after their arrival. They've grown and are already learning skills that will help them thrive once released back into the wild.
Read on for details...
Do you recognize these faces?
Last month, we shared the arrival of our very first babies of the 2025 season, two tiny Anna's Hummingbirds, whose nest had been displaced during tree trimming. Looking more like breathing pin cushions than the beautiful birds they would become, they will be with us for some time until they are able to fend for themselves on their own in the wild.
In just three weeks, these youngsters have grown significantly and are now looking like little hummingbirds. They have graduated from feedings every 30 minutes for 12 hours each day to feedings every 45 minutes for 12 hours straight. Their diet is also transitioning from the pre-fledge slurry to a fledgling formula with more natural proteins to support growth and feather development. Before they are released, they will be on a full natural protein diet including live prey using fruit flies, a species favorite!
These youngsters are also already learning to fly. As with all baby hummers, their first attempts have been awkward and many times comical as they learn to control direction and landings. One of the pair has been nick-named Magellan, a moniker given to one baby each season for their bold forays into the unknown with no navigation skills to direct their explorations. He has shown his inclination for adventure almost since the day they arrived, a welcome sign indeed!
We'll keep you posted about their progress, so stay tuned!
Get your calendars out...
2025 is shaping up to be a busy year for our education program with lots of fun opportunities to learn about local birds, how to help safeguard their habitats, and how we can be good stewards as we coexist together.
Some events will include special appearances by our Ambassadors, others will focus on our educational materials and displays. All promise to be informational and a lot of fun!
Saturday, March 29th from 1-3pm
Part of a four-day film festival, don't miss seeing a short film about BRC by local filmmaker Derek Knowles. The film airs at 1:15 followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker and, at 2:30pm, a special appearance from two of our Ambassador . Information and Tickets
Thursday, April 12th at 11:45
Join BRC Board member Janet Bosshard as she leads a family adventure in the Winged Wonders exhibit at the Sonoma Botanical Gardens. Learn fascinating details about bird species, their habitats, and conservation efforts, while also spotting their real-life counterparts. Learn more
Saturday, April 26th from 10am until 2pm
At Family Nature Day, honoring naturalist Elizabeth Terwilliger, we will be joining sister organization WildCare for a day of family fun! This free event offers naturalist-led hikes, wildlife themed crafts, the opportunity to meet live non-releasable wildlife, and much more. Information
Saturday, May 31st & Sunday, June 1st
Hosted by The Children's Museum, Dino Trax is a dinosaur-themed event combining the timeless charm of trains with the thrill of dinosaurs, promising track-loads of fun for the whole family. Look for BRC's owl pellet demo plus lots of fun and interesting exhibits. Information and Admission
Sunday, June 1st from 10am until 3pm
A fun-filled day of free emergency preparedness activities including a live demonstration of first responders and animal rescue volunteers rescuing “injured” humans and animals during a simulated disaster. BRC will be on hand with lots of fun educational exhibits. Information
Sunday, June 22nd from 10am until 4pm
Trail walks with knowledgeable docents through the Hallberg Gardens is sure to include lots of birds, butterflies and wildflowers. An education center with display common butterfly host plants, an insect display, interactive learning materials and some of BRC's Ambassadors. Free Admission
Check our website for more information about upcoming events.
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