See the birdies on Saturday

The action begins at 7 a.m. Saturday at the "Cradle of Birding" wildlife and conservation festival at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum.

That's when refuge volunteers Skip Conant and Denis Brennan will lead a guided field session on the refuge covering biology, habits, and identification of native birds.

What a great way to kick off a day that will be all about the birds, from bird houses to bird song recognition to bird photography and more.

At 9 a.m., State Rep. Greg Vitali (D., Delaware County) will give an update on the state's environmental programs and legislative bills. At 2 p.m., environmental consultant John Rogers will talk about designing landscapes with native species.

If you just want to come browse, all kinds of exhibits will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The Academy of Natural Sciences, a bird rescue foundation, Bartram's Garden, a climate change education group, bird clubs decoy carvers and more will be there.

Everything is free.

You can read more about it at the refuge website.