Mitchell Lake Get Involved

Migratory Bird Fest 2026

Join us for our annual celebration of community, birds, and migration!
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Photo: Lorraine Snipper/Audubon Photography Awards

Saturday, March 21 | 9am - 1pm


Each spring, Migratory Bird Fest celebrates the incredible journey of birds along the Central Flyway and the connections between people, wildlife, and the habitats we share. This free, family-friendly festival brings the community together to welcome spring, learn about birds and conservation, and enjoy a morning outdoors at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center.

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., visitors of all ages are invited to enjoy live bird shows, guided nature walks, hands-on activities, local vendors, food trucks, and more — all in the heart of South San Antonio.

Schedule & Festival Map

Check out festival map and schedule to make the most out of your time at Migratory Bird Fest! If on a mobile device, scroll to the side for description and location (→). 

TimeEventDetails
9:30amLast Chance Forever Bird ShowA look into the amazing lives of animals and their abilities. We may feature animals such as a hawk, owl, falcon, and more. The audience is allowed an up close view of otherwise unapproachable wildlife. *Actual species may vary on the day of the event.
10:15amNature WalkJoin a naturalist to explore birds, bugs, butterflies, plants, and more as we take a stroll down the Education Trail. It’s approximately a 0.5 mile walk. The trail is not paved, but is generally flat and stroller and wheelchair-friendly. *Weather dependent.
10:45amMeet a SnakeMeet Mitchell Lake Audubon Center’s Animal Ambassador snake and learn why snakes are important for our ecosystem and how to be safe around our scaly friends.
11:30amLast Chance Forever Bird ShowA look into the amazing lives of animals and their abilities. We may feature animals such as a hawk, owl, falcon, and more. The audience is allowed an up close view of otherwise unapproachable wildlife. *Actual species may vary on the day of the event.
12:15pmNature WalkJoin a naturalist to explore birds, bugs, butterflies, plants, and more as we take a stroll down the Education Trail. It’s approximately a 0.5 mile walk. The trail is not paved, but is generally flat and stroller and wheelchair-friendly. *Weather dependent.
12:30pmStorytime and CraftJoin us for storytime and make a craft.
Ongoing 
9:00am–1:00pmGolf Cart Wetland ToursHop on a golf cart with a Mitchell Lake naturalist to learn more about our center, wetlands, and the birds that use our site as a stopover during migration. Tours last approximately 30–45 minutes. Sign up on site; limited seats available on a first come, first served basis. Last sign-up at 12:00pm.
9:00am–12:00pmWetland Van ShuttleDrop off and pick-up every 45 minutes to the head of the polders. From there, it's about a 1-mile walk to reach the lake.
9:00am–1:00pmCPS Energy Tree Giveaway*While supplies last
9:00am–1:00pmHome Depot Bird Feeder BuildingBuild your own bird feeder to take home with Home Depot. *While supplies last.
9:00am–1:00pmPollinatives Plant SalePurchase native plants from Pollinatives to plant at home this spring. *While supplies last.
9:00am–1:00pmEducation Activity Booth: Helping Hands for BirdsAssist a stuffed bird friend into different migration areas to learn about different ways to help birds.
9:00am–1:00pmLawn GamesEnjoy lawn games while waiting for activities or tours. Games include a bean-bag toss to “Feed the Pelican” and Pollinator Tic Tac Toe, plus Migration Challenge.

Our sponsors play a vital role in making Migratory Bird Fest possible. Their support helps keep this community celebration free and accessible while supporting environmental education, conservation efforts, and meaningful outdoor experiences for visitors of all ages.

Thank You to Our 2026 Migratory Bird Fest Sponsors!

A special thank you to our generous donors from the San Antonio River Authority, Bexar Audubon South Central Texas, and Wild Birds Unlimited San Antonio, for helping make this free community celebration possible.  Beyond supporting MBF, they each play an important role in conservation and community here in South Texas:

San Antonio River Authority is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the health of our rivers and creeks through stewardship, science, and community investment. Their work supports the very ecosystems that migrating birds depend on, helping ensure these habitats are here for generations to come.

Bexar Audubon South Central Texas works to protect birds and the places they need through conservation, education, and advocacy right here in our region. Their efforts help build a stronger, more informed community of bird lovers and conservationists across South Texas.

Wild Birds Unlimited San Antonio isn’t just a great place to get your bird seed & nature gifts! They help people connect with birds in their everyday lives, offering expert guidance and resources for creating bird-friendly spaces at home and beyond.

Want to join us as a sponsor in the future? We'd love to have you join us!

Several American Avocets standing and wading in shallow water, showing black-and-white plumage and long upturned bills.
Interested in supporting Migratory Bird Fest?
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how to get involved.
Learn More & Become a Sponsor