CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The upcoming Heron Festival slated for Saturday, May 5, at Redbud Park in Clearlake, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to travel in to Anderson Marsh on pontoon boats and enjoy excellent speakers and presentations, including one by renowned wildlife photographer Phillip Greene.

The annual Heron Festival, presented by the Redbud Audubon Society, is returning to the south part of Clear Lake this year, where it was born 18 years ago.

Pontoon Boat passengers will enjoy a wonderful trip on Cache Creek, through Anderson Marsh, to view great-blue herons, egrets, and much more including double-crested cormorant and osprey, Western and Clark’s grebes and a variety of other ducks.

Each boat carries about 10 people and is accompanied by an experienced Redbud Audubon birding guide who shares expertise on birds and wildlife observed on the trip.  

The boat rides last about 90 minutes and cost $20 per person.  

Given the popularity of the rides, advance reservations are advised and may be made by going to www.heronfestival.org or by calling 707-263-8030.

The festival is only one day this year, and one of the featured speakers will be Philip Green, internationally known photographer of herons and egrets.

His spectacular photos and lecture focus on the nesting cycle of herons, with special emphasis on mating behaviors, nest building, and fledging. His presentation will be at 11 a.m. at the festival event tent at Redbud Park.

Many other activities are planned for the Heron Festival, including a nature fair, children’s activities, and “Raptor Speak – a live owls and hawks presentation by Native Bird Connections,” that will give visitors a rare opportunity to see raptor behavior up close.

For a complete schedule of activities or to reserve your space for a boat ride go to www.heronfestival.org or call 707-263-8030.