Celebrate Rogue Valley Bird Day: A Free Morning of Birding, Fun, and Community
Looking for a joyful, family-friendly way to spend a spring morning outdoors? Rogue Valley Bird Day is coming to North Mountain Park Nature Center in Ashland on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon, and everyone is invited. This free community event celebrates the wonder of birds, the beauty of migration, and the many ways people of all ages can help protect the birds that share our neighborhoods, parks, and skies.
Rogue Valley Bird Day is Ashland’s local celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, a global campaign focused on protecting migratory birds and the habitats they depend on. This year’s theme, “Every Bird Counts — Your Observations Matter,” highlights the power of community science: everyday observations from backyard birders, families, students, and nature lovers can help researchers better understand bird populations, migration timing, habitat needs, and conservation challenges.
You do not need to be an expert birder to take part. In fact, Rogue Valley Bird Day is a perfect introduction for beginners. Visitors can enjoy educational exhibits from local bird and conservation groups, kid-friendly crafts and games, self-guided activities, and easy bird walks throughout the morning. Adult and children’s binoculars will be available to borrow, and walks will head out every 15 to 30 minutes along bark-chipped park trails or the accessible paved bike path. Those who prefer a quieter experience can also enjoy birdwatching from the covered pavilion.
The day also brings plenty of playful competition. At 11 a.m., all ages are invited to take part in the annual Bird Calling Contest, where participants can imitate the call or song of a wild North American bird. Contestants are judged on tone, cadence, pitch, volume, and accuracy, with extra points for showing accurate bird behavior while calling. For bird lovers ages 14 and up, the Name that Bird Contest follows, challenging participants to identify local resident and migratory birds by their songs and calls.
Rogue Valley Bird Day is coordinated by Klamath Bird Observatory, Rogue Valley Audubon Society, and Ashland Parks and Recreation, with support from local partners. It is designed to be welcoming, educational, and fun, whether you are a longtime birder, a curious beginner, a family with young children, or simply someone who enjoys being outside in a beautiful place.
Rogue Valley Bird Day is made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors and partners. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Watchable Wildlife, Rogue Valley Audubon Society, and Ashland Parks and Recreation for helping bring this celebration of birds, conservation, and community to life. Their support helps ensure this free, family-friendly event continues to inspire people of all ages to notice, enjoy, and protect the birds around us.
Join the celebration on Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to noon at North Mountain Park Nature Center, 620 N. Mountain Avenue, Ashland, OR 97520. Admission is free, and the morning promises birds, learning, games, prizes, community, and a chance to see how every observation can make a difference.
Come for the bird walks. Stay for the contests. Leave with a new appreciation for the birds all around us—and maybe even a new favorite spring tradition.
