I was surprised that the Ishikawa River Park Wild Bird Fair in Osaka takes place on the last weekend of February, with several activities. This is good news for the Osaka birders or anyone visiting during this time.

For those residing here or around this area, you can go there to experience this Osaka birdwatching fair and festival, which is open to everyone from 23 to 25  February 2024. In Japanese, this is called いしかわバードフェア.

Ishikawa River Park Wild Bird Fair in Osaka

From what I know, the bird festival and fair in Osaka is taking place for three days, and some activities require payment, which is quite affordable. I am unsure whether there are any English-speaking guides or officials there.

But in any case, if you are there, why not just attend this bird fair and see how it is done? Plus, you get to learn more about the Osaka birds. Below is what I found from the Japanese itinerary for the bird fair from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

1. Encounter Wild Birds! (Winter Bird Observation)

• Date: February 23rd (Saturday)
• Time: 13:00 to 16:00
• Location: Waterside and riverbed of Ishikawa.
• Lecturers: Miho Kazama (curator of Kishiwada Nature Museum), Susumu Nakamura (member of the Ornithological Society of Japan)

2. Tori Miikke!

• Date: February 24th (Sunday)
• Time: 13:00-15:00
• Location: Waterside and riverbed of Ishikawa.
• Who: Public Interest Incorporated Association Osaka Nature Conservation Association

3. Learn About Wild Birds

• Date: February 22-24th (Friday-Sunday)
• Time: Whole Day
• Location: Unknown
• What: Approximately 100 types of specimens will be on display.

4. Other Activities

• Bird Feather Appraise – If you find any dropped feathers, bring them, and the team will appraise them and let you know what bird they are from.
• Bird Photography Display – Get Familiar with Wild Birds with an exhibition on birds with motifs, paintings, carvings, catalogues, books and key chains.
• Feather Art & Craft – Learn to make feather accessories, brooches and straps with bird feathers.
• Bird Talk – Members from the Wild Bird Society of Japan and the Bird Rescue Association will give a special talk on birds.
• Bird Conservation Exhibition – A special booth exhibition and panel introduction of organisations active in Ishikawa and Satoyama.

Organisers and Sponsors for Ishikawa River Park Wild Bird Fair in Osaka

• Wild Bird Society of Japan Osaka Branch
• Public Interest Incorporated Association Osaka Nature Conservation Association
• Japan Bird Rescue Association
• Tondabayashi Nature Preservation Association
• Ishikawa Nature Club
• NPO Satoyama Club
• I love Charity Net Mori!

Co-sponsors

• City Park Ishikawa River Park Management Community

Supported by

• Japan Philanthropic Association
• Toyo Tire & Rubber Industries Co., Ltd.

Ishikawa River Park Wild Bird Fair in Osaka (いしかわバードフェア)

• Date: February 22nd (Friday), 23rd (Saturday), 24th (Sunday), 2019
• Admission: Free admission/viewing (Parking is available for a fee on Saturdays and Sundays.) (Participation fee for bird watching is 300 yen.)
• Time:  9:00-17:00
• Venue: Location Ishikawa River Park Komagaya District Management Office.
• Subway: 5-minute walk from Komagaya Station on the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line; parking available (Saturday and Sunday fee: 620 yen)
• Other inquiries: 072-333-0309 (NPO Satoyama Club)
• Website: Ishikawa River Park Wild Bird Fair

Itinerary
Saturday, February 23rd: Winter birdwatching event
Participation fee: 300 yen
Inquiries/applications: 072-956-1900
Location: Ishikawa River Park Management Office

February 24th (Sunday) Tori Miikke!
Participation fee: 300 yen
First 30 people / Ages 3 and up
Inquiries/applications: 06-6242-8720
Public Interest Incorporated Association Osaka Nature Conservation Association

Conclusion

The Ishikawa River Park Wild Bird Fair in Osaka is a birding event that caters to birdwatchers and those interested in learning more about birding. It is also targeted to beginners, amateurs, children and families.

For anyone interested, head over to the Ishikawa River area during the end weekend of February, and you can get more information there. This is one of the Osaka birding events early in the year.