Ladd Marsh Bird Festival: May 19-21, 2023

Scheduled at the height of spring migration and nesting in the Grande Ronde Valley, the annual Ladd Marsh Bird Festival celebrates World Migratory Bird Day with an uncrowded, non-competitive birding opportunity for the whole family.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area is located about 7 miles south of La Grande, Oregon, and has one of the the most diverse bird populations in Union County. Over 200 species of birds either visit or live permanently at Ladd Marsh.

On Bird Fest weekend, birders can explore areas of the wildlife area generally closed to the public, providing increased opportunities to see abundant ducks, geese, raptors, passerines, and shore birds.

Print and post a Bird Festival Schedule (PDF) at your workplace or favorite hangout.

Registration Starts…

April 1st – Festival Registration

April 8th – Field Trip Registration

Bird Festival Partners have been:

  • Eastern Oregon University
  • Friends of Ladd Marsh
  • Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • Too many volunteers to list

Bird Fest Schedule

See what is planned for this year’s Annual Bird Festival.

Festival Passport

Get details for registration, parking, and logistics.

Field Trips

Sign up to participate in activities on and off of Ladd Marsh.

Locations & Map

Get your bearings on where to be for Bird Fest activities.