Carlsbad is unique in that it is home to three coastal lagoons, all of which are important resting stops on the Pacific Flyway – the migration route taken by birds travelling up and down the west coast.  Agua Hedionda, Buena Vista and Batiquitos Lagoons all provide critical  habitat for migrating birds throughout the year.  Every year in the month of May, Migratory Bird Festivals are held around the world  to increase public awareness about the problems facing these seasonal travelers. 

In May  2009  the AHLF joined forces with the other Carlsbad lagoons – Buena Vista Audubon Society and the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation – to host the First Annual International Migratory Bird Festival. Worldwide, migrating birds face many environmental challenges and their numbers have decreased dramatically over the past 20 years.  Among the hazards faced by migrating birds are disappearing wetlands and habitat, severe weather, night lights, utility line hazards, predators and competition from non-native species.    

The 2010  Bird Festival included interesting and educational activities for all ages, including:

• Creating home-made bird-feeders to attract more birds to your yard
• “Attracting Birds to your Backyard” – Native plant expert Greg Rubin will give this presentation on how to create backyard habitat, followed by a tour of the Center’s native plant garden with special emphasis on those plants especially favored by migrating birds
• Migratory Journeys:  children take a mock migratory bird journey to gain a greater understanding of the hazards faced by migrating birds
• All ages will enjoy learning how to make bird calls from Nicole Peretta, bird-caller extraordinaire who can mimic the calls of over
  125 different birds.
• Live hawks and owls will provide an additional dimension to the educational experience.

Also on permanent display at the Discovery Center is a special Photographic Exhibition entitled, “The Birds of Agua Hedionda Lagoon” which feature over 30 stunning photographs  taken of migrating birds as they stopped to rest and feed on the shores and mudflats of our beautiful lagoon..  

Join us every May as we celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center. Check this website for more details on next year’s Bird Festival.