The middle of May is an incredible time to be a nature lover in Boston. Our fair city lies squarely on the Atlantic flyway, the "migration superhighway" for hundreds of species of birds. This means that for a few weeks, a walk around your local park could mean an encounter with any number of fascinating feathered friends from far away.

The Birds & Bards festival was started 5 years ago to celebrate the 1,000+ acres of greenspace in the southern portion of Boston (The Arnold Arboretum, Boston Nature Center, Franklin Park and Forest Hills Cemetery), along with the birds (and people) that use the areas each spring. While the birds are using the area to rest and refuel during their long migrations, people are using the spaces to rejuvenate and reawaken their senses after the long winter. Join the stewards of these special places for free and low-cost events all throughout the weekend.

For the full schedule, please visit: http://arboretum.harvard.edu/visitors/pdfs/birds_and_bards.pdf


Bird Walks

May 13 - 16, 7 to 8:30 am: FREE Morning Bird Walks
expert guides • spring migration • birders of all levels welcome
Thursday, May 13: Arnold Arboretum
Friday, May 14: Franklin Park
Saturday, May 15: Boston Nature Center
Sunday, May 16: Forest Hills Cemetery

Friday, May 14th from 6:00 – 7:00 pm: Evening “Bird-a-thon” Bird Walk
at Boston Nature Center - Binoculars will be provided, if needed. Birders of all levels welcome. FREE.


Other Walks and Tours

Saturday, May 15th from 10:00–12:00 pm: History Walk in Franklin Park with noted guide Julie Arrison. Meet at the Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse. FREE.

Saturday, May 15th from 2:00–4:00 pm: Bards & Blooms: Interactive Poetry Hike at Arnold Arboretum - Bring a short piece inspired by nature to read aloud– your own writing or a favorite poem by someone else. Meet at Visitor Center. FREE.

Sunday, May 16th from 2:00 – 4:00 pm: Horticulturists of Forest Hills Walking Tour, Forest Hills Cemetery - Led by historian Anthony Sammarco and featuring edible creations such as Bartlett’s Pear and Downer’s Late Cherry. Meet at Main Gate. $9


Concerts & Poetry Readings

Thursday, May 13: Festival Kick Off from 8:00–9:30 pm: A Festive Evening of Music, Poetry & Talk at Forsyth Chapel, Forest Hills Cemetery
Enjoy a sophisticated, playful and participatory performance of improvised jazz inspired by the sounds of birds and nature featuring the wonderful musicians of the Tom Hall Quartet and a talk by world-renowned naturalist Peter Alden! Admission: $10 donation; children 12 and under free. Peter Alden leads a free twilight bird walk through Forest Hills at 6:30; free refreshments at 7:30.

Sunday, May 16th from 11:00 am–12:30 pm Family Concert: Peter & the Wolf at Forsyth Chapel, Forest Hills Cemetery
A narrated performance of Sergei Prokovief’s classic childhood favorite performed by the master musicians of the Solar Winds Quintet. $12/$10 members; children 12 and under free.
Sunday, May 16th from 2:00–3:30 pm: Poetry Reading at Forsyth Chapel, Forest Hills Cemetery
Featuring Michael Casey, Danielle Legros Georges, Elizabeth McKim, and Lainie Senechal. $5

Family Events

Saturday May 15th from 4:30 – 6:00 pm: Family Bird Walk in Franklin Park
Stroll with local birder and children’s performer, Stephen Baird from the Emerald Necklace Bird Club. Birders of all levels welcome. Meet at the Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse. FREE.

Sunday, May 16th from 1:30 – 2:30 pm: Meet and Greet with the Birds
Boston Nature Center
This live bird demonstration will allow you to see the avian residents of Mass Audubon's Blue Hills Trailside Museum up close and learn about how they live in the wild. FREE.

Sunday, May 16th from 2:30 – 3:30 pm: Bird Olympics
Boston Nature Center
Join us for bird relay races, beak seed pick-up, and other fun activities inspired by the bird world. FREE.