# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Life's Extras Birding Celebration
- **Event Start and End Date**: Fri, 01 May, 2026 at 07:30 pm – Sun, 03 May, 2026 at 09:00 am (-04:00)
- **Event Description**: Join us for the Life’s Extras Birding Celebration, a weekend dedicated to the excitement of birding and our wonderful volunteers - especially Randy Smith, who gave a lot of himself to nature, to birds and to the park. 🕊️

Whether you're an experienced birder or just curious about the feathered friends in our forests, this event has something for everyone. Enjoy guided walks, expert tips, chances to spot both common and elusive species, and hands-on activities.

Bring your binoculars, curiosity and the whole family to celebrate the remarkable “extras” nature gives us every day. 💚


🦉 Friday, May 1; 7:30 p.m. - Owl Prowl
Set out on a night time adventure to learn how owls thrive in the dark. Meet at the Boat Ramp off Mitchell Valley Road.

🪱 Saturday, May 2; 7–9 a.m. - Early Bird Gets the Worm Hike
Meet at the Beach and join guides Bobs Riggs and Elaine Sharpe for a morning of fresh air, feathered friends and great company. 

🐦 Saturday, May 2; 10–11:30 a.m. - Birding by Ear While Kayaking
Join Virginia Master Naturalist Melanie Smith for a peaceful kayak outing where you'll listen for a variety of bird calls. Meet at the Dock ’n Shop.

🐦‍⬛ Saturday, May 2; 1 p.m. - A Symphony of Nature
Discover the powerful connection between native birds and native plants with Virginia Highlands Community College Professor Ben Casteel. Meet at Ferrell Hall.

🥾 Saturday, May 2; 1:30 p.m. - Hike with Mike
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon walk with our volunteer, Mike Evans, to explore a unique "edge habitat" and the birds that live there. Meet at the boat ramp area off Mitchell Valley Road.

🪽 Saturday, May 2; Headliner Event at 4:30 p.m. - Wings to Soar at Ferrell Hall
During this live program, you’ll watch birds of prey and more up close as you learn about their behaviors, habitats and the critical roles they play in keeping ecosystems healthy. Free to attend, but donations to Wings to Soar are appreciated.

🦅 Sunday, May 3; 8 a.m. - Saltville Bird Hike Field Trip
Meet us at the Food City parking lot in Saltville for a guided exploration of the area's rich aquatic habitat and its water-loving bird species. Bring binoculars and appropriate footwear.


ℹ️ These programs are free to attend, but our standard parking fee applies. For more details about each, please see our website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2025-11-24-16-54-51-222408-n4x
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/marion/lifes-extras-birding-celebration/200029947554137
- **Event Categories**: trips-adventures
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Marion
- **state**: VA
- **country**: United States
- **location**: Hungry Mother State Park
- **lat**: 36.88686430854
- **long**: -81.524682454746
- **full address**: Hungry Mother State Park, 203 E Hungry Mother Dr, Marion, VA 24354, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Life's Extras Birding Celebration
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/017360310c99555ac167eae946495d3b1517c5ea112e5d95a8c79e6ba3032902-rimg-w1200-h900-dc798d5f-gmir?v=1776270096

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Life's Extras Birding Celebration being held?
  - **A:** Life's Extras Birding Celebration takes place on Fri, 01 May, 2026 at 07:30 pm to Sun, 03 May, 2026 at 09:00 am at Hungry Mother State Park, 203 E Hungry Mother Dr, Marion, VA 24354, United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Life's Extras Birding Celebration?
  - **A:** Life's Extras Birding Celebration is organized by Hungry Mother State Park.

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