Summer Parrot Camp! (Age 7-10) ($250)
Jul
7
to Jul 11

Summer Parrot Camp! (Age 7-10) ($250)

  • Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

If you have a child that LOVES parrots, this is the camp for you! This summer-camp style “Parrot 101” class combines traditional camp experiences (games, arts & crafts, etc), with hands on education all about parrots. Each day has a specific theme, as we explore parrot adaptations, communication methods, diets, care & enrichment requirements, and conservation efforts around the world. Learn, have fun, make friends, and enjoy the summer days in the company of our vibrant flock of parrots!

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Summer Parrot Camp! (Age 11-14) ($250)
Jul
7
to Jul 11

Summer Parrot Camp! (Age 11-14) ($250)

  • Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

If you have a child that LOVES parrots, this is the camp for you! This summer-camp style “Parrot 101” class combines traditional camp experiences (games, arts & crafts, etc), with hands on education all about parrots. Each day has a specific theme, as we explore parrot adaptations, communication methods, diets, care & enrichment requirements, and conservation efforts around the world. Learn, have fun, make friends, and enjoy the summer days in the company of our vibrant flock of parrots!

As many participants in this camp have had prior experience in the age 7-10 camp and are a little older, we delve deeper into the topics, complete more complex projects that require critical thinking skills and teamwork, and help prepare the campers with the avian knowledge they’ll need in the future if they choose to apply for our Jr Docent program. Students in this age group are given more opportunities to develop parrot handling skills, as well.

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Summer Painting Event!
Jun
27
4:30 PM16:30

Summer Painting Event!

  • Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us at Free Flight for a late afternoon painting event! Artist Erin from @paintingandvino will teach everyone to paint an image of one of our beautiful resident, “Milo” the blue & gold macaw! Enjoy light refreshments generously provided by Lazy Acres of Encinitas and the company of our vibrant flock of parrots while creating art with friends, family, and loved ones!

Open to all ages! Ticket sales will open soon! Keep an eye on our social media platforms and monthly newsletters!

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Junior Docent Training Program (age 14-17) *by application only*
Jun
23
to Jun 27

Junior Docent Training Program (age 14-17) *by application only*

  • Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Each year, Free Flight takes on up to 15 new Junior Docents! These are high school students passionate about parrots and interested in gaining experience/skills in the areas of avian care & enrichment, public speaking & advocacy, community engagement & public service, and work in the nonprofit sector. Selected applicants will train with our Education & Outreach coordinator from 10am - 1pm each day this week. On Friday, as their culminating project, they will introduce their families to the sanctuary and our flock, and give an in-depth presentation on a resident parrot of their choice to the combined audience to demonstrate what they’ve learned (and their public speaking skills!).

*Applications go live in March. Please keep an eye on our monthly newsletter and social media platforms for links to the app once it goes live!

Questions? Email Isabelle at freeflightbirds@live.com

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San Diego Bird Alliance: Family Day at Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary
May
17
9:00 AM09:00

San Diego Bird Alliance: Family Day at Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary

The Free Flight Outreach Team (and our avian ambassadors) will be participating in the SDBA’s Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary for Family Day! We’re looking forward to introducing local students and their families to everything that makes parrots amazing, and to teaching everyone how to make fun (and safe!) foraging enrichment items for our flock to enjoy when we get home!

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Animals on the Bay Day 2025
May
4
10:00 AM10:00

Animals on the Bay Day 2025

Animals on the Bay Day 2025 at the Living Coast Discovery Center is sure to be a blast! For just $5, spend the day engaging with animal ambassadors (such as Free Flight’s avian ambassadors!), meeting the LCDC’s community partners, exploring the refuge, and participating in fun, educational activities while enjoying fresh food from food trucks and more!

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Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival
May
3
9:00 AM09:00

Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival

Visit the Free Flight Outreach Team (and some of our avian ambassadors) at the Cuyamaca College Nursery on May 3!

Cuyamaca College Nursery, a student-operated nursery, has proudly hosted the Spring Garden Festival for over 30 years. Student interns take the lead in planting and managing a diverse selection of plants, which are sold to the public at budget-friendly prices. The nursery remains a cherished community resource for plant lovers and gardening enthusiasts alike.

The Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival is BACK — and better than ever! Enjoy FREE admission to a day filled with specialty vendors, food trucks, plant sales, live music, and fun, family-friendly activities throughout the campus. We’ll be buzzing with excitement all day long, ready to celebrate spring with you and your loved ones!

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Rancho Bernardo Community Earth Day Fair
Apr
6
10:00 AM10:00

Rancho Bernardo Community Earth Day Fair

Join us at the Rancho Bernardo Council’s annual earth day fair. The event will take place Sunday, April 6th, 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. at the Rancho Bernardo Community Park. Say hello to members of the Free Flight flock and enjoy approximately 30 unique vendors, a couple of craft booths for the kids and a scavenger hunt.

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Creekside Critters Talk
Apr
5
1:30 PM13:30

Creekside Critters Talk

The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy Presents: “Creekside Critters” Featuring Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary

Come join us for a unique, FREE opportunity to meet exotic birds up close with Free Flight!

We will learn all about the diets, behaviors, and unique adaptations of the diverse parrot species living among us and the ways we can all support global conservation efforts. This event is perfect for animal lovers of all ages, but please note that parrots can be noisy animals which may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to loud noises.

Bring your family and friends to enjoy a morning of meeting new animals and learning more about their amazing lives. At the San Diego Library - Del Mar Branch

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San Diego Bird Festival!
Mar
2
12:00 PM12:00

San Diego Bird Festival!

  • Marina Village Conference Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join staff member Isabelle at the San Diego Bird Festival for a FREE talk all about parrots! This family-friendly, 45-minute discussion will cover a variety of common parrot FAQs, such as ‘what makes a bird a parrot?,’ ‘how and why do parrots talk?,’ ‘what are the parrots we see here in San Diego?,’ ‘do parrots make good pets?,’ and ‘how can we help parrots around the world?”

After the presentation (or before), drop by the exhibitor hall to say to some of our ambassador parrots at the Free Flight outreach table!

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9/27/2024 San Dieguito Lagoon Trilingual Nature Walk
Sep
27
11:30 AM11:30

9/27/2024 San Dieguito Lagoon Trilingual Nature Walk

  • Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for a tri-lingual nature walk around the San Dieguito Lagoon! We are teaming up with Education staff from the Living Coast Discovery Center and interpreting students from the Palomar College ASL Interpreter Training Program to observe and learn about native plants and birds in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language!

This event is FREE and Family Friendly! It also counts towards the LCDC “Trail-to-Bay” program! If you would like to visit Free Flight afterwards, you will need to make a reservation ahead of time at www.freeflightbirds.org/visit. If you would like to have an ASL interpreter present during your sanctuary visit, please email Isabelle at freeflightbirds@live.com to make arrangements.

We recommend bringing water, closed toed shoes, and binoculars (if you have some). We will meet in front of the Free Flight entry gate

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9/7/2024 Sweetwater Safari Trilingual Hike! (11:30AM)
Sep
7
11:30 AM11:30

9/7/2024 Sweetwater Safari Trilingual Hike! (11:30AM)

  • Living Coast Discovery Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us at the Living Coast Discovery Center for a morning nature exploration in three languages! We’ll team up staff from the LCDC as well as student interpreters from the Palomar College ASL interpreter training program to observe and learn about native birds and plants in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language!

This event is FREE and Family Friendly! It is also part of the LCDC Trail-to-Bay program! We will begin our walk at 11:30am in front of the Discovery Center. Please note: If you would like to visit the center afterwards, you will need to purchase admission.

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Parrot Camp (Ages 7-14)
Jul
15
to Jul 19
Education

Parrot Camp (Ages 7-14)

  • Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Campers will journey around the globe as they meet exotic birds from almost every continent. While they interact with our vibrant flock, the will learn about parrot lifestyles and behaviors, both in the wild and in captivity. What makes parrots such unique creatures? What is it like to keep one as a pet? How can we help wild parrots? We will explore this and more through hands-on learning experiences, games, arts and crafts, and of course, enjoying the company of the Free Flight Flock!

Open to ages 7-14, split into two age groups, 7-10 in the morning and 11-14 in the afternoon.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about Parrot Camp.

If you would like to sign up for this program or if you have any questions not answered by the FAQs above, please email Isabelle, our Learning Center Coordinator, at freeflightbirds@live.com.

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Junior Docent Training Program (Ages 14-17)
Jun
24
to Jun 28
Education

Junior Docent Training Program (Ages 14-17)

  • Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A week-long course designed for individuals (ages 14-17) interested in working and/or volunteering in a sanctuary setting. Teens will learn all about captive and wild parrots, develop bird-handling skills, and gain experience educating the public about these beautiful creatures. After completion of this one-week training course, they are eligible to continue volunteering with Free Flight as their schedule allows.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about our Junior Docent Program.

If you are interested in signing up for this program or have any questions not answered by the FAQs above, please email Isabelle, our Learning Center Coordinator, at freeflightbirds@live.com.

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Feb
25
10:00 AM10:00

San Diego Bird Festival 2024

  • Marina Village Conference Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In partnership with the CA Climate Action Corps Fellows, we will be participating in the San Diego Audubon Society's annual bird festival! Meet members of our Outreach flock at our table in the main Exhibit Hall! Sunday's bird festival exhibit hall is family friendly and free to attend. However, if you are interested in participating in some of the AMAZING field trips and talks given throughout bird fest week, you need to register to attend!

Link to Register: https://www.sandiegoaudubon.org/birding/san-diego-bird-festival/san-diego-bird-festival-2024.html

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Trilingual Nature Hike (English, Spanish, ASL)
Feb
10
11:30 AM11:30

Trilingual Nature Hike (English, Spanish, ASL)

  • Living Coast Discovery Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In the second part of our FREE tri-lingual hike series, we're going to the Living Coast Discovery Center! We will be walking trails surrounding the center to celebrate local avian and plant life! All ages are welcome but you must register in advance to attend.

Link to Register: https://www.thelivingcoast.org/programs-events-upcoming-events/sweetwater-safari-hikes-2024-02-10/

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"Creekside Critters" Talk
Feb
3
10:00 AM10:00

"Creekside Critters" Talk

In partnership with the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, we will be giving a "Creekside Critters" talk at the Del Mar Ranger Station! Meet members of our Outreach Flock as we discuss the importantance of responsible pet ownership, environmental stewardship, and conservation efforts that protect the biodiversity of our beloved San Dieguito River Valley home. All ages are welcome, but you must register to attend.

Link to Register: http://sdrvc.org/events

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Jan
27
10:00 AM10:00

Wings Over Wetlands Festival

  • San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In partnership with the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve & Nature Center, we will be participating in a Nature Collective "Wings Over Wetlands" Festival from 10am - 1pm. We will discuss the naturalization of exotic birds in San Diego, as well as the basics of exotic bird ownership (including why its not for everyone!). Find us in the upstairs conference room with several members of our outreach flock! All ages are welcome but you must register in advance.

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Trilingual Nature Hike (English, Spanish, ASL)
Jan
26
11:00 AM11:00

Trilingual Nature Hike (English, Spanish, ASL)

  • Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In collaboration with our friends at the Living Coast Discovery Center and Palomar College's ASL Interpreter training program, we are hosting a FREE series of tri-lingual (English, Spanish, ASL) hikes! All ages are welcome, but you must register in advance. We will be exploring the avian and plant life along the nearby RiverWalk Trail (or) the San Dueguito Lagoon Trail depending on bird activity sighted in the morning. Meet us at Free Flight!

Link to Register: https://www.thelivingcoast.org/programs-events-upcoming-events/free-flight-bird-sanctuary-hike/

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Parrot Camp (Ages 11-14)
Jul
17
to Jul 21
Education

Parrot Camp (Ages 11-14)

  • Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Campers will journey around the globe as they meet exotic birds from almost every continent. While they interact with our vibrant flock, the will learn about parrot lifestyles and behaviors, both in the wild and in captivity. What makes parrots such unique creatures? What is it like to keep one as a pet? How can we help wild parrots? We will explore this and more through hands-on learning experiences, games, arts and crafts, and of course, enjoying the company of the Free Flight Flock!

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about Parrot Camp.

If you are interested in signing up for this program or have any questions not answered by the FAQs above, please fill out the interest form below or email Isabelle at freeflightbirds@live.com.

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Parrot Camp (Ages 7-10)
Jul
17
to Jul 21
Education

Parrot Camp (Ages 7-10)

  • Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Campers will journey around the globe as they meet exotic birds from almost every continent. While they interact with our vibrant flock, the will learn about parrot lifestyles and behaviors, both in the wild and in captivity. What makes parrots such unique creatures? What is it like to keep one as a pet? How can we help wild parrots? We will explore this and more through hands-on learning experiences, games, arts and crafts, and of course, enjoying the company of the Free Flight Flock!

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about Parrot Camp.

If you are interested in signing up for this program or have any questions not answered by the FAQs above, please fill out the interest form below or email Isabelle at freeflightbirds@live.com.

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Junior Docent Training Program
Jun
26
to Jun 30
Education

Junior Docent Training Program

  • Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A week-long course designed for individuals (ages 14-17) interested in working and/or volunteering in a sanctuary setting. Teens will learn all about captive and wild parrots, develop bird-handling skills, and gain experience educating the public about these beautiful creatures. After completion of this one-week training course, they are eligible to continue volunteering with Free Flight as their schedule allows.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about our Junior Docent Program.

If you are interested in signing up for this program or have any questions not answered by the FAQs above, please fill out the interest form below or email Isabelle at freeflightbirds@live.com.

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Parrot Camp (Ages 11-13)
Jul
5
to Jul 9
Education

Parrot Camp (Ages 11-13)

  • Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Campers will journey around the globe as they meet exotic birds from almost every continent. While they interact with our vibrant flock, the will learn about parrot lifestyles and behaviors, both in the wild and in captivity. What makes parrots such unique creatures? What is it like to keep one as a pet? How can we help wild parrots? We will explore this and more through hands-on learning experiences, games, arts and crafts, and of course, enjoying the company of the Free Flight Flock!

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about Parrot Camp.

The application period is now closed for 2022 Parrot Camp. For those interested in next year’s camp, look out for materials to be posted in March 2023!

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