Bird Bash

Seagulls and pelicans come to mind when considering the winged wonders of the Florida Keys, but the area also boasts the largest transient population of peregrine falcons in the world. The spectacular and powerful predators spend autumn in the area, so now is the perfect time for the Florida Keys Bird and Wildlife Festival. The islands will jam all weekend in celebration of regional wildlife, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday with Larry Manfredi's presentation about pelagic birds, Where the Sea Meets the Sky, at Crain Point Hammock. Bill Keogh will sign his book The Florida Keys Paddling Guide, and wine and dessert will be served.

Bob Krist/Florida Keys News Bureau

Details

The festival begins Friday, with registration from 3:00 to 5:00 at Crane Point Hammock, mile marker 50, Marathon, and from 5:00 to 7:00 .The fee is $15 per person, which includes admission to the Friday-night event, a festival T-shirt, admission to the museums at Crane Point Hammock, all programs at Crane Point, and the environmental fair. Call Bruce Horn at 305-852-4486 for registration information. For other details, call 305-872-0774 or 305-743-2437, ext. 21. For accommodations, call 305-743-5417 or 800-262-7284, e-mail visitus@floridakeysm arathon.com, or visit ww w.fla-keys.com.

The Marathon Garden Club, mile marker 49.5

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More About

• Larry Manfredi
• Bill Keogh
• Key West
• Wildlife
• Nature and the Environment

Many other events abound, including outdoorsy opportunities for real-wildlife encounters. Manfredi will lead a boat trip to a deep-water mound off Marathon in an effort to eye frigate birds, shearwater, marked booby, and many others. The Saturday-morning venture costs $75, but there are plenty of less expensive outings, such as a chance to see falcons at Curry Hammock State Park (admission is only two dollars) all day Saturday.

Although the bulk of activities will take place in Marathon, many events are slated for other parts of the Keys, including trips to Bahia Honda State Park, the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, and the National Key Deer Refuge in Big Pine Key. Topics include plant life, bird rescue, and the rare American crocodile. And of course, no matter what, you'll see plenty of seagulls and pelicans.