Fun and education await nature lovers at the eighth annual Wings on the Wind Bird Festival, which takes flight from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at Volusia County’s Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet. 

The popular event provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about bird migration, watch raptor demonstrations, and witness the release of rehabilitated sea birds.

Admission is free.

“The event features nature groups, crafts, music, food vendors and children’s activities,” said MSC Manager Michael Brothers. “Visitors will enjoy tours of the Marine Science Center and its Mary Kelly Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary.”

The event will culminate with the release of rehabilitated birds at 3 p.m. at the "dog beach" in Lighthouse Point Park, a five-minute walk from the Marine Science Center.

Since the MSC opened, more than a half-million visitors have been educated about marine life and staff has cared for thousands of turtles, birds and other sea animals – 17,196 of which were reptiles such as gopher tortoises, freshwater turtles and snakes. The seabird rehabilitation sanctuary has received 8,961 birds since it opened in 2004.

The goal for all animals that come to the MSC is to be rehabilitated and eventually released back into the wild, Brothers said.

The wooden bird walk leading to the seabird rehabilitation sanctuary features live displays of bald eagles, brown pelicans and other birds that are recovering from injury or that permanently reside at sanctuary.

For more information about Wings on the Wind or other programs and activities at the MSC, please visit marinesciencecenter.com or call 386-304-5545.

ABOUT THE MARINE SCIENCE CENTER

The Marine Science Center, 100 Lighthouse Drive, is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4 for seniors, $5 for adults, $2 for children 3 - 12, and free for children under 3.