Songbird Celebration is Blue Jay Point County Park's annual event celebrating the return of migratory songbirds and in honor of World Migratory Bird Day, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m with a few early bird hikes and activities starting at 10 a.m.

This year we are observing the World Migratory Bird Day theme Protect Insects, Protect Birds! Learn how insects play a critical role in birds breeding and migration (and our ecosystems!). Find out how we can help our winged friends in surviving and thriving and what innovative ways you can help insects and birds flourish. Come see how we incorporate the theme as you enjoy bird-related activities, bird hikes, crafts and games at the park.

This is a great outing for individuals, families, scouts and other youth groups. This is a free, family-friendly event for a fun day.

Check out our Songbird Celebration Flyer to help plan your visit!

Get ahead of the crowd and pre-register for one of our many hikes or classes held throughout the day. Remaining spots will be available day of the event.

Adult Bird Hike
8:30–10 a.m.
Join NC State Park I & E Specialist Brian Bockhahn on a hike to locate spring migrants through bird song and observation. Bring your own binoculars or use a loaner pair. Enjoy a cup of shade-grown coffee when you get back! Criteria II/III or Continuing Ed credit available for the NC Environmental Education Certification Program. For ages 16yr & up.

Family Bird Hike
10–10:45 a.m. & 11–11:45 a.m.
Start your family on the track of a lifetime hobby by taking a trek around Blue Jay with NC State Park I & E Specialist Brian Bockhahn in search of our springtime bird residents! This Family Bird Hike is free and pre-registration is recommended. Remaining spots will be available day of the event.

Osprey Hike
10–10:45 a.m. & 11–11:45 a.m.
Join a park ranger from the US Army Corps of Engineers for a short hike down the Sandy Point Trail to observe a man-made osprey nesting platform and this year's avian inhabitants. This Osprey Hike is free as part of Songbird Celebration and pre-registration is recommended. Remaining spots will be available day of the event. Baby backpacks are recommended rather than strollers.
 
Feeding Frenzy
11–11:30 a.m. & 12:30–1 p.m.
Just like human babies, baby birds need soft food to get started. Squishy insects are a critical part of a baby bird’s diet. Find out how parent birds find insects for their young and what kinds of plants will bring those yummy insects to your yard. We’ll play a Feeding Frenzy game where the race to feed your hungry little chicks is on! For ages 6–11 yrs. old.

Audubon Family Bird Hike
12–12:45 p.m. & 1–1:45 p.m.
Join members of Wake Audubon for a family bird hike around Blue Jay. Be sure to stop by the Wake Audubon booth for great information and activities – and a peek at their bird-related merchandise! This Wake Audubon Family Bird Hike is free as part of Songbird Celebration and pre-registration is recommended. Remaining spots will be available day of the event. Baby backpack are recommended rather than strollers.
 
The Great Bug Bake-Off
1:15–2 p.m.
Have you ever watching a baking or cooking show? Do you think you can make a “winning” confection for migrating birds? Learn how important insects are for bird’s diets and then compete to pull all the ingredients together in a game to win the Great Bug Bake-Off prize! For ages 12–15 yrs. old.
 
Audubon Bluebird Hike
2–2:45 p.m.
Learn about how the Eastern Bluebird populations have been brought back from the brink by Citizen Science efforts like those at Blue Jay Point as you scope out the Bluebird Trail and take a peek into a nest box or two. This Wake Audubon Bluebird Hike is free and pre-registration is recommended. Remaining spots will be available day of the event. Baby backpacks are recommended rather than strollers.