International Migratory Bird Day, which takes place on the second weekend in May each year, celebrates the incredible journeys of migratory birds between their breeding grounds in North America and their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central, and South America.

Join Pinnacles National Monument in the celebration on Saturday May 8 and Sunday May 9 as we explore the rich birdlife of San Benito and Monterey County through guided hikes, bird watching and information about birds and migration. Easy to moderate two hour walks will begin at Peaks View picnic area (on the East District) and the Chaparral Ranger Station (on the West District) at 9:00 a.m. on both Saturday May 8 and Sunday May 9. Bring water (at least one liter per hour), hiking shoes, binoculars, sunscreen and a hat. On Sunday afternoon (May 9), join park biologists in the field looking for Prairie falcons, Peregrine falcons and California condors. Check at the Bear Gulch Visitor Center or Chaparral Ranger Station for locations.

If you plan to visit Pinnacles during the spring, remember that weekends can be very busy at both entrances and parking is often limited. Please carpool whenever possible, arrive early or consider visiting during midweek. Weekend campers at the campground are strongly encouraged to hike into the monument or use the shuttle service. There are no concession services at the monument and the closest gas stations to the east entrance are thirty miles away.

For more information about International Migratory Bird Day, visit www.birdday.org. For general information about Pinnacles National Monument call (831) 389-4485 or visit our Web site.