Join us right here at Free Flight for a parrot - inspired Autumn Art Fair on Sunday, October 6th from 11am - 3:30pm!
Teens 14-17 years participate in a week-long training program in late June designed to educate them on becoming volunteer docents at the sanctuary.
Children ages 7-10 spend a week learning about and having fun with the birds. 9am-12pm, July 6-10th, 2026. ($250)
Children ages 11-14 spend a week learning about and having fun with the birds. 1-4pm, July 6-10th, 2026. ($250)
Join us Sunday July 12th at the Sanctuary in Del Mar for another incredible Paint event Benefiting the non-profit Free Flight Bird Sanctuary in Del Mar.
We paint outside in the sanctuary amongst the Birds so it’s a really special experience!
30% of all proceeds from all ticket sales donated directly to Free Flight Sanctuary.
We will paint one of the resident parrots that lives there.
Erin will pre draw the basic outlines of the bird onto the canvas, then instruct you how to paint it.
No experience necessary. All ages welcome.
You will get Step-by-Step instruction all the way through from Artist Erin.
All while supporting and enjoying the beautiful Sanctuary!
You may also bring your own snacks and Non-Alcoholic drinks if you’d like.
Free Flight strives to be the preeminent sanctuary and community resource for the promotion and understanding of exotic birds and the human-animal bond.
Our goals are to re-socialize and rehome companion parrots and to educate the public about their complex mental, physical and emotional needs. We offer permanent sanctuary or rehoming depending upon what is in the best interest of each bird.
We value integrity in all of our dealings with people and their companion birds. Established in 1981 as a boarding and breeding facility, Free Flight has evolved into a one-of-a-kind exotic bird sanctuary where parrots and people connect. It was benefactor Dr. Robert F. Stonebreaker’s vision to create a sanctuary for exotic companion birds that would provide a special and unique environment to raise community awareness and to encourage positive interaction with these birds. Contributing to our tropical ambience, the large pond with our friendly and beautiful koi was originally home to rescued flamingos who have since been successfully re-homed.
Free Flight is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donate | Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary
Join us Sunday July 12th at the Sanctuary in Del Mar for another incredible Paint event Benefiting the non-profit Free Flight Bird Sanctuary in Del Mar.
We paint outside in the sanctuary amongst the Birds so it’s a really special experience!
30% of all proceeds from all ticket sales donated directly to Free Flight Sanctuary.
We will paint one of the resident parrots that lives there.
Erin will pre draw the basic outlines of the bird onto the canvas, then instruct you how to paint it.
No experience necessary. All ages welcome.
You will get Step-by-Step instruction all the way through from Artist Erin.
All while supporting and enjoying the beautiful Sanctuary!
You may also bring your own snacks and Non-Alcoholic drinks if you’d like.
Free Flight strives to be the preeminent sanctuary and community resource for the promotion and understanding of exotic birds and the human-animal bond.
Our goals are to re-socialize and rehome companion parrots and to educate the public about their complex mental, physical and emotional needs. We offer permanent sanctuary or rehoming depending upon what is in the best interest of each bird.
We value integrity in all of our dealings with people and their companion birds. Established in 1981 as a boarding and breeding facility, Free Flight has evolved into a one-of-a-kind exotic bird sanctuary where parrots and people connect. It was benefactor Dr. Robert F. Stonebreaker’s vision to create a sanctuary for exotic companion birds that would provide a special and unique environment to raise community awareness and to encourage positive interaction with these birds. Contributing to our tropical ambience, the large pond with our friendly and beautiful koi was originally home to rescued flamingos who have since been successfully re-homed.
Free Flight is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donate | Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary
Join us at the Marina Village Conference Center in San Diego for a FREE talk about all things parrot!
Join us on Sunday March 1rst at 12:30pm for a FREE family-friendly talk about all things parrot! We’ll be in the Starboard Room at the Marina Village Conference Center. See you there!
Join us Sunday February 22nd at the Sanctuary in Del Mar for another incredible Paint event Benefiting the non-profit Free Flight Bird Sanctuary in Del Mar.
We paint outside in the sanctuary amongst the Birds so it’s a really special experience!
30% of all proceeds from all ticket sales donated directly to Free Flight Sanctuary.
We will paint “Bablu”, the Jendaya conure that lives there.
Erin will pre draw the basic outlines of the bird onto the canvas, then instruct you how to paint it.
No experience necessary. All ages welcome.
You will get Step-by-Step instruction all the way through from Artist Erin.
All while supporting and enjoying the beautiful Sanctuary!
You may also bring your own snacks and Non-Alcoholic drinks if you’d like.
Free Flight strives to be the preeminent sanctuary and community resource for the promotion and understanding of exotic birds and the human-animal bond.
Our goals are to re-socialize and rehome companion parrots and to educate the public about their complex mental, physical and emotional needs. We offer permanent sanctuary or rehoming depending upon what is in the best interest of each bird.
We value integrity in all of our dealings with people and their companion birds. Established in 1981 as a boarding and breeding facility, Free Flight has evolved into a one-of-a-kind exotic bird sanctuary where parrots and people connect. It was benefactor Dr. Robert F. Stonebreaker’s vision to create a sanctuary for exotic companion birds that would provide a special and unique environment to raise community awareness and to encourage positive interaction with these birds. Contributing to our tropical ambience, the large pond with our friendly and beautiful koi was originally home to rescued flamingos who have since been successfully re-homed.
Free Flight is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donate | Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary
Join us Sunday February 22nd at the Sanctuary in Del Mar for another incredible Paint event Benefiting the non-profit Free Flight Bird Sanctuary in Del Mar.
We paint outside in the sanctuary amongst the Birds so it’s a really special experience!
30% of all proceeds from all ticket sales donated directly to Free Flight Sanctuary.
We will paint “Bablu”, the Jendaya conure that lives there.
Erin will pre draw the basic outlines of the bird onto the canvas, then instruct you how to paint it.
No experience necessary. All ages welcome.
You will get Step-by-Step instruction all the way through from Artist Erin.
All while supporting and enjoying the beautiful Sanctuary!
You may also bring your own snacks and Non-Alcoholic drinks if you’d like.
Free Flight strives to be the preeminent sanctuary and community resource for the promotion and understanding of exotic birds and the human-animal bond.
Our goals are to re-socialize and rehome companion parrots and to educate the public about their complex mental, physical and emotional needs. We offer permanent sanctuary or rehoming depending upon what is in the best interest of each bird.
We value integrity in all of our dealings with people and their companion birds. Established in 1981 as a boarding and breeding facility, Free Flight has evolved into a one-of-a-kind exotic bird sanctuary where parrots and people connect. It was benefactor Dr. Robert F. Stonebreaker’s vision to create a sanctuary for exotic companion birds that would provide a special and unique environment to raise community awareness and to encourage positive interaction with these birds. Contributing to our tropical ambience, the large pond with our friendly and beautiful koi was originally home to rescued flamingos who have since been successfully re-homed.
Free Flight is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donate | Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary
Come say hello to Free Flight’s outreach team (including some of our ambassador parrots!) at this wonderful, FREE, community event hosted by the SD Nature Collective that celebrates all things with wings!
10am-1pm. Jan 25th, 2026.
Join us at the Del Mar Library at 11am on Saturday, Dec 6 for a FREE, family-friendly parrot talk and meet-and-greet sponsored by our friends at the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy (SDRVC!)
Do you like parrots? Do you like art? Better still…. do you like Parrot (and animal)-Inspired art?
Join us on Sunday, Oct.26 for a special event curated by our very own Junior Docent and aspiring art historian, Lilah D!
From 11am - 4pm, when you visit the sanctuary, local artists will be onsite to showcase their parrot-inspired creations! Enjoy perusing through this ‘pop-up’ style outdoor exhibition in our beautiful sanctuary space AND meeting and feeding our vibrant flock of resident parrots! This is sure to be a one-of-a-kind, delightful experience!
Join us at the sanctuary for a “Paint & Sip” style event, where 30% of all proceeds are donated directly back to the Free Flight resident flock!
Led by artist Erin from @paintingandvino, we’ll enjoy an Autumn afternoon together in the company of our colorful parrots, learning how to paint one of our magnificent resident avians. No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome.
Be sure to reserve your spot ASAP once the event link goes live! These events sell out FAST!
If you have a child that LOVES parrots, this is the camp for you! This summer-camp style “Parrot 101” class combines traditional camp experiences (games, arts & crafts, etc), with hands on education all about parrots. Each day has a specific theme, as we explore parrot adaptations, communication methods, diets, care & enrichment requirements, and conservation efforts around the world. Learn, have fun, make friends, and enjoy the summer days in the company of our vibrant flock of parrots!
As many participants in this camp have had prior experience in the age 7-10 camp and are a little older, we delve deeper into the topics, complete more complex projects that require critical thinking skills and teamwork, and help prepare the campers with the avian knowledge they’ll need in the future if they choose to apply for our Jr Docent program. Students in this age group are given more opportunities to develop parrot handling skills, as well.
If you have a child that LOVES parrots, this is the camp for you! This summer-camp style “Parrot 101” class combines traditional camp experiences (games, arts & crafts, etc), with hands on education all about parrots. Each day has a specific theme, as we explore parrot adaptations, communication methods, diets, care & enrichment requirements, and conservation efforts around the world. Learn, have fun, make friends, and enjoy the summer days in the company of our vibrant flock of parrots!
Join us at Free Flight for a late afternoon painting event! Artist Erin from @paintingandvino will teach everyone to paint an image of one of our beautiful resident, “Milo” the blue & gold macaw! Enjoy light refreshments generously provided by Lazy Acres of Encinitas and the company of our vibrant flock of parrots while creating art with friends, family, and loved ones!
Open to all ages! Ticket sales will open soon! Keep an eye on our social media platforms and monthly newsletters!
Each year, Free Flight takes on up to 15 new Junior Docents! These are high school students passionate about parrots and interested in gaining experience/skills in the areas of avian care & enrichment, public speaking & advocacy, community engagement & public service, and work in the nonprofit sector. Selected applicants will train with our Education & Outreach coordinator from 10am - 1pm each day this week. On Friday, as their culminating project, they will introduce their families to the sanctuary and our flock, and give an in-depth presentation on a resident parrot of their choice to the combined audience to demonstrate what they’ve learned (and their public speaking skills!).
*Applications go live in March. Please keep an eye on our monthly newsletter and social media platforms for links to the app once it goes live!
Questions? Email Isabelle at freeflightbirds@live.com
Hosted by the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, join Free Flight and friends for a FREE summer celebration with live music, lunch, and interactive booths hosted by fabulous local nonprofits at the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead in Escondido!
The Free Flight Outreach Team (and our avian ambassadors) will be participating in the SDBA’s Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary for Family Day! We’re looking forward to introducing local students and their families to everything that makes parrots amazing, and to teaching everyone how to make fun (and safe!) foraging enrichment items for our flock to enjoy when we get home!
Animals on the Bay Day 2025 at the Living Coast Discovery Center is sure to be a blast! For just $5, spend the day engaging with animal ambassadors (such as Free Flight’s avian ambassadors!), meeting the LCDC’s community partners, exploring the refuge, and participating in fun, educational activities while enjoying fresh food from food trucks and more!
Visit the Free Flight Outreach Team (and some of our avian ambassadors) at the Cuyamaca College Nursery on May 3!
Cuyamaca College Nursery, a student-operated nursery, has proudly hosted the Spring Garden Festival for over 30 years. Student interns take the lead in planting and managing a diverse selection of plants, which are sold to the public at budget-friendly prices. The nursery remains a cherished community resource for plant lovers and gardening enthusiasts alike.
The Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival is BACK — and better than ever! Enjoy FREE admission to a day filled with specialty vendors, food trucks, plant sales, live music, and fun, family-friendly activities throughout the campus. We’ll be buzzing with excitement all day long, ready to celebrate spring with you and your loved ones!
Join us at the Rancho Bernardo Council’s annual earth day fair. The event will take place Sunday, April 6th, 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. at the Rancho Bernardo Community Park. Say hello to members of the Free Flight flock and enjoy approximately 30 unique vendors, a couple of craft booths for the kids and a scavenger hunt.
The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy Presents: “Creekside Critters” Featuring Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary
Come join us for a unique, FREE opportunity to meet exotic birds up close with Free Flight!
We will learn all about the diets, behaviors, and unique adaptations of the diverse parrot species living among us and the ways we can all support global conservation efforts. This event is perfect for animal lovers of all ages, but please note that parrots can be noisy animals which may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to loud noises.
Bring your family and friends to enjoy a morning of meeting new animals and learning more about their amazing lives. At the San Diego Library - Del Mar Branch
Join staff member Isabelle at the San Diego Bird Festival for a FREE talk all about parrots! This family-friendly, 45-minute discussion will cover a variety of common parrot FAQs, such as ‘what makes a bird a parrot?,’ ‘how and why do parrots talk?,’ ‘what are the parrots we see here in San Diego?,’ ‘do parrots make good pets?,’ and ‘how can we help parrots around the world?”
After the presentation (or before), drop by the exhibitor hall to say to some of our ambassador parrots at the Free Flight outreach table!
Join us onsite as artist Erin from @paintingandvino teaches us how to paint our beautiful resident greenwing macaw “Scamp!” 30% of all proceeds will be donated to the sanctuary
Join us onsite at Free Flight as we team up with artist Erin from @paintingandvino to learn how to paint our beautiful resident greenwing macaw, Scamp!
Join us in celebrating 75 years of the San Diego Bird Alliance! (Formerly known as the San Diego Audubon Society). Visit our table to say hello to our ambassador parrots (and outreach team humans!) and help us make enrichment toys to bring back to the Free Flight flock!
Visit members of the Free Flight Outreach Flock inside the Ark Antiques shop during the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival from 11am - 2pm on Sunday, Sept. 29!
Join us for a tri-lingual nature walk around the San Dieguito Lagoon! We are teaming up with Education staff from the Living Coast Discovery Center and interpreting students from the Palomar College ASL Interpreter Training Program to observe and learn about native plants and birds in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language!
This event is FREE and Family Friendly! It also counts towards the LCDC “Trail-to-Bay” program! If you would like to visit Free Flight afterwards, you will need to make a reservation ahead of time at www.freeflightbirds.org/visit. If you would like to have an ASL interpreter present during your sanctuary visit, please email Isabelle at freeflightbirds@live.com to make arrangements.
We recommend bringing water, closed toed shoes, and binoculars (if you have some). We will meet in front of the Free Flight entry gate
Join us at the Living Coast Discovery Center for a morning nature exploration in three languages! We’ll team up staff from the LCDC as well as student interpreters from the Palomar College ASL interpreter training program to observe and learn about native birds and plants in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language!
This event is FREE and Family Friendly! It is also part of the LCDC Trail-to-Bay program! We will begin our walk at 11:30am in front of the Discovery Center. Please note: If you would like to visit the center afterwards, you will need to purchase admission.
Campers will journey around the globe as they meet exotic birds from almost every continent. While they interact with our vibrant flock, the will learn about parrot lifestyles and behaviors, both in the wild and in captivity. What makes parrots such unique creatures? What is it like to keep one as a pet? How can we help wild parrots? We will explore this and more through hands-on learning experiences, games, arts and crafts, and of course, enjoying the company of the Free Flight Flock!
Open to ages 7-14, split into two age groups, 7-10 in the morning and 11-14 in the afternoon.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about Parrot Camp.
If you would like to sign up for this program or if you have any questions not answered by the FAQs above, please email Isabelle, our Learning Center Coordinator, at freeflightbirds@live.com.
A week-long course designed for individuals (ages 14-17) interested in working and/or volunteering in a sanctuary setting. Teens will learn all about captive and wild parrots, develop bird-handling skills, and gain experience educating the public about these beautiful creatures. After completion of this one-week training course, they are eligible to continue volunteering with Free Flight as their schedule allows.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about our Junior Docent Program.
If you are interested in signing up for this program or have any questions not answered by the FAQs above, please email Isabelle, our Learning Center Coordinator, at freeflightbirds@live.com.
In partnership with the CA Climate Action Corps Fellows, we will be participating in the San Diego Audubon Society's annual bird festival! Meet members of our Outreach flock at our table in the main Exhibit Hall! Sunday's bird festival exhibit hall is family friendly and free to attend. However, if you are interested in participating in some of the AMAZING field trips and talks given throughout bird fest week, you need to register to attend!
Link to Register: https://www.sandiegoaudubon.org/birding/san-diego-bird-festival/san-diego-bird-festival-2024.html
In the second part of our FREE tri-lingual hike series, we're going to the Living Coast Discovery Center! We will be walking trails surrounding the center to celebrate local avian and plant life! All ages are welcome but you must register in advance to attend.
Link to Register: https://www.thelivingcoast.org/programs-events-upcoming-events/sweetwater-safari-hikes-2024-02-10/
In partnership with the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, we will be giving a "Creekside Critters" talk at the Del Mar Ranger Station! Meet members of our Outreach Flock as we discuss the importantance of responsible pet ownership, environmental stewardship, and conservation efforts that protect the biodiversity of our beloved San Dieguito River Valley home. All ages are welcome, but you must register to attend.
Link to Register: http://sdrvc.org/events
