Turkey Vulture Festival, Saturday, June 18, East Overlook

Turkey vultures have taken advantage of the rocks on the south side of the Coralville Dam.  When the sun hits the rocks, they warm up and the vultures come to warm up.  On Saturday, June 18, 2011, we be celebrating the turkey vulture with the First Annual Turkey Vulture Festival, from 8 a.m. until noon at the East Overlook of the Coralville Dam.  There will be something for all ages.

 The Corps of Engineers, the Iowa City Bird Club, The Johnson County Songbird Project, the Children's Museum and Johnson County Conservation Department will all be involved with activities.  There will be face painting for the kids (and maybe some of you adults), fun crafts, and other activities.

Dr. Tex Sordahl of Luther College in Decorah will be on hand to answer all the questions you've ever had about turkey vultures.  A video about turkey vultures will be showing in the theatre at the Visitor Center. The Children's Museum will provide a fun game plus a craft activity so you can make your own souvenir of the day to take home.   Free snacks and drinks will be provided.

The Iowa City Bird Club will be there with scopes for viewing the turkey vultures at rest on the rock side of the dam and in the air.  In addition, there will be birdwatching at the bird blind on the Veterans Trail.

Local nature oriented groups will have displays.