By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—Bird lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in learning more about the wildlife in Oak Mountain State Park are invited to stop by the park for “Wings Over Oak Mountain,” hosted by the Alabama Wildlife Center and OMSP May 1-3.

The three-day event will include a wide range of information and programs for people of all interests, including bird shows, tours of the AWC and guided birding walks.

Birds of Prey shows will be presented by experts from the AWC, Callaway Gardens and Rise Raptor Project. Attendants will learn about Alabama’s native raptors, and meet more than 10 birds of prey, including a Eurasian eagle-owl, “the largest owl in the world,” AWC Executive Director Doug Adair said.

Naturalists and members of the Birmingham Audubon Society will lead an “Early Birder” trip on Saturday and Sunday mornings, May 2 and 3. On Saturday evening, participants will be taken on a walk through OMSP in search of owls, nightjars and other nocturnal birds in a special “Owl Prowl” walk.

“There are so many species of spectacular birds that live in the park,” Adair said. “It’s really going to be a wide range of birds that people are going to get to enjoy.”

In addition to educational and informative, the Wings Over Oak Mountain event will also be an “opportunity for fun and fellowship as well,” Adair said.

Guests can mingle and socialize during a Friday night wine-tasting reception. Wine will be provided by Vizzini Winery, and the AWC’s glove-trained raptors will be on hand for guests to meet.

Breakfast will be provided both Saturday and Sunday, and lunch will be served on Saturday.

“We are very excited about (Wings Over Oak Mountain),” Adair said. “It’s going to be a great opportunity that bird enthusiasts and just people that appreciate the natural beauty of Oak Mountain State Park can enjoy.”

The event is the first of its kind, and one that Adair said he hopes will become an annual tradition at the AWC and OMSP.

“This is the inaugural event, the first Wings Over Oak Mountain. Our hope is to do this every year,” Adair said. “It’s going to be a special weekend.”

Tickets for the entire weekend cost $75 for one or two for $125, and are available online at Awrc.org or by calling 663-7930.

A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the AWC, Alabama’s oldest and largest bird rehabilitation center. Housed in OMSP, the AWC treats and rehabilitates roughly 2,000 birds from more than 100 species every year.