Published: Jun 28, 2013 | 21:09 PM

Renowned Nature Photographer Featured at Sea and Sage Annual Barbecue

Fun-Filled, Informational Event for the Whole Family

The Irvine Ranch Water District San Joaquin Marsh will once again be the site of the Sea and Sage Audubon Society’s annual Summer Barbecue on Saturday, July 30 from 5:30-10 p.m. IRWD collaborates with the Audubon as a environmental and education partner.

“This is an opportunity for us to get together and celebrate another year of chapter activities and stories,” said Bruce Aird, chapter president. “To do so in such a wonder facility set in a beautiful habitat just makes it even better.”

Audubon volunteers will be serving up barbecued chicken and hot dogs, salad, chips, fresh fruit, dessert, lemonade, soft drinks and coffee. A vegetarian entrée is also available upon request.

The evening’s keynote speaker is Paul Bannick, a nature photographer and environmentalist, who will share pictures of 19 North American owls and 22 North American woodpeckers, along with their vocalizations. He is the author of “The Owl and the Woodpecker,” published in 2008 featuring close and intimate photos of these birds hunting, resting, feeding their young, fighting, eating, grooming and excavating nesting cavities.

The evening will also feature bird walks, bat walks and guided stargazing. For more information about the annual barbecue, please visit the Sea and Sage website. For information about IRWD’s environmental programs and partnerships, please visit www.irwd.com and click on the environment tab.