"Where world-class birding meets small-town hospitality."
As a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich birdlife of Morro Bay and its surrounding habitats, we are committed to fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.
"Join us on a journey of discovery and education as we come together to enjoy our feathered friends and the environments they call home."
Upper Banner Photo credit: Bill Bouton (25+ year volunteer/bird festival leader)
January 14-18, 2027
The 2027 festival schedule will be posted online this September. Registration opens 8 AM Pacific Time November 7, 2026, with a "practice registration" available the week before.
Early check-in is available to registrants on January 13, 2027, 3-6 PM.
Festival Countdown
Why Morro Bay
Morro Bay and the surrounding area is an ideal spot for avid birders. Located on the Pacific Flyway, Morro Bay is a Globally Important Bird Area and a designated State and National Estuary.
Morro Coast Audubon Society ranks in the top five for the yearly Audubon Christmas Bird Count. In most years, over 200 different bird species are spotted during the Festival.
What To Expect
Over 230 events:
- Field Trips
- Boat/Kayak/Bicycle Trips
- Presentations/Workshops
- Master Classes
- Special Events (including 3 keynote speakers)
All-day and half-day excursions offer participants the chance to explore a diverse range of habitats, including deep-water pelagic zones, oak woodlands, riparian areas, wetlands, estuaries, and the distinctive grassland of the Carrizo Plain. Workshops delve into a wide spectrum of subjects, from beginner birding classes to gull identification, as well as an exciting new workshop focusing on bats.
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