Gualala Arts Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961
Gualala Arts will host a lecture celebrating the return of migratory species and the beauty of the season on Sunday, May 10.
Schedule of Events
8 – 11 am Morning Bird Walk with Dave Jensen
11 am – 2- pm Lunch, Look, Learn & Tinker
2- 3 pm Live Raptor Experience
Spring has arrived, and the meadows are alive with wildflowers, birdsong, and the quiet magic of migration. Join us for a day of discovery as we slow down, look closely, and truly savor the season’s vibrant visitors — like the dazzling Rufous Hummingbird and the lively Wilson’s Warbler, along with local birds who live and breed here.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply curious about the natural world, this program invites you to experience the joy of learning to look. Birding isn’t just about identification — it’s about noticing movement in the grasses, listening for subtle changes in song, watching how a bird feeds, perches, or catches the light. Together, we’ll practice patient observation and discover how much richer time outdoors becomes when we pause and pay attention.
The day begins with a relaxed, guided morning bird walk with Dave Jensen, who led the Mendocino Audubon Society for 20+ years — an opportunity to tune your senses and enjoy the rhythms of our local landscape. In the afternoon, Jenny Pakaka from Native Bird Connections, will introduce live raptors, offering a rare chance to observe these powerful birds up close and deepen your understanding of their lives.
This is a day to gain new insights, sharpen your observation skills, and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts — while also enjoying the Meadow as Muse exhibition, featuring local birds throughout.
Come to practice seeing.
Come to enjoy unhurried time in nature.
Come for the birds — and stay for the inspiration.
All experience levels are welcome.
A Day of Birds & Birding for Everyone!
Whether you’re a curious beginner, a seasoned birder, or just love being outdoors—join us for a full day of feathered fun, learning, and hands-on discovery!
8:00 – 11:00 AM • Morning Bird Walk Adventure
Start your day with fresh air and birdsong!
Dave Jenson will guide a relaxed, all-levels bird walk through the meadows of Gualala Point Regional Park and Mill Bend Preserve. Learn how to spot birds, listen for their calls, and enjoy the peaceful morning together.
Meet at the Visitor Center at 8:00 AM
Perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike
11 am – 2 pm PM • Lunch, Look, Learn & Tinker
Take a break, refuel, and explore at your own pace!
Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a mix of relaxed learning and hands-on fun:
- Try Birding Optics
Test out binoculars and spotting scopes with Marilyn Rose,
from Out of This World in Mendocino.
- Springtime Birds Talk
Discover which birds are here now and learn to identify and locate nurturing
“mama birds” during nesting season.
- Tinkering Together
Get creative building your own whimsical mechanical bird
contraptions—great for kids and playful adults!
2:00 – 3:00 PM • Live Raptor Experience
Be amazed up close!
Enjoy an exciting presentation by Native Bird Connections, featuring live birds of prey. Learn about their behaviors, habitats, and the important role they play in our ecosystem.