In lieu of its annual Family Bird Festival, California Botanic Garden is dedicating the month of February to celebrating our feathered friends, hosting activities and events for all ages and levels of birding expertise: from beginner birders to dedicated twitchers.

The Garden has three activities available to bird watchers of all ages throughout February, including a family friendly Bird Month Scavenger Hunt, Bird Month Photo Contest, and iNaturalist Bird Contest. These activities are all free with general admission.

California Botanic Garden is also participating in a global birdwatching weekend, the Great Backyard Bird Count. You can participate free at the Garden with general admission or from the comfort of your own backyard.

It is also offering two online classes for bird lovers. The first, Introduction to Birding, starts at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 13.

“Dive into the wonderful world of birding as you learn the basics of getting to know the birds around you,” read a CBG news release. “Join us virtually as Tina Stoner, President of Pomona Valley Audubon Society, walks you through how to use the tools of the trade (binoculars and field guides), keeping records, and how to identify birds by using the four fundamentals of birding.”

The second class, Habitat Gardening for Birds and Other Pollinators, takes place at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 27.

“The connection between California native plants and local wildlife is both fascinatingly beautiful and extremely important,” read a news release. “Learn how to shape your garden into a habitat that is enticing to birds and other pollinators with Chip Grubbs, Horticulturist at CalBG. Join us as we focus on the care requirements for various native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers that attract and support different types of birds.”

The cost for each class is $20 for garden members and $25 for the general public.

For more information on each event or to register for a class, visit https://www.calbg.org/events-programs/calbg-bird-month.