Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site will host the “Meet the Flock” birding event on March 26 to kick off its 2011 season.

Guests may see wild turkeys, woodpeckers, cardinals, owls and other avian species that call the park home with the day’s program that starts at 9 a.m. Learn about the park’s enhancements to date and future plans as it pursues the designation of “Birding Capital of South Central Kentucky.”

Go on “location” with Bob and Judy Peak during their presentation of “Bluebirds Over Western Kentucky.” Hear Stephen Stedman’s “Birdlife of the Upper Cumberland Region of Tennessee and Kentucky.” Participate in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s “Celebrate Urban Birds” and more!

Dress for the weather and bring your favorite bird watching equipment. Register by March 22 to ensure sufficient materials. Bring your own lunch or enjoy world-famous Monroe County barbeque by pre-paying $7 per plate. Checks for barbeque should be made payable to “The Friends of Old Mulkey.”

In conjunction with the March 26 event, Old Mulkey is partnering with the Monroe County School District Community Education Department to host the “Meet the Flock Art Contest.” Entries in the contest will be displayed in the Meetinghouse and viewer’s choice awards will be selected by participants of Meet the Flock. Artists within the following criteria are invited to participate:

Adult Division — any individual 18 years of age as of March 25, 2011. Painting: oil, acrylic or watercolors. Drawing: ink, graphite, pastel or colored pencil.

Middle & High School Divisions — Students in middle or high school who reside in Monroe County and are under 18 as of March 25, 2011. Painting: oil, acrylic or watercolors. Drawing: ink, graphite, pastel or colored pencil.

SPECIFICATIONS: All entries must have a bird or birds as the main focus. Entries without birds will not be permitted. Additional rules apply. For a complete set of rules or other information on the day’s events contact Sheila Rush at sheila.rush@ky.gov or 270-487-8481.