5 Things: Bird Count, Blues Festival, Bald Eagles & More

Great Backyard Bird Count

Where: Cattail Shelter at the Wetland Preserve at Saluda Shoals Park
When:  7 a.m. Sunday
Cost: Parking is $4 for residents, $5 for non-residents
Info: Bird expert Patricia Voelker will lead the Great Backyard Bird Count where you and your family can enjoy a morning of bird counting/watching. The count will take place rain or shine, and organizers suggest you bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy in the park after the event. To join, call 803-213-2053. If you can't make it to the park, you can hold your own bird count at home.

4th Annual Columbia Blues Festival

Where:  Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor Street, Columbia
When: Friday; Doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m.
Cost: $37.50, $47.50
Info: The 4th Annual Columbia Blues Festival features Shirley Brown, Klass Band, Floyd Taylor, Theodis Ealey, Sir Charles Jones and Mel Waiters. Tickets are available at the Township Auditorium Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or you can charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra's "The Joy of Dance"

Where:  Harbison Theater at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College Street
When:  3:30 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Free admission but donations are accepted.
Info: The Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra invites the public to its presentation of "The Joy of Dance" featuring the USC Dance Company. Visit the group's website for more on its Sunday Concert Series.

Storyland

Where:  EdVenture Children’s Museum
When:  9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Starts Saturday through Sunday, May 6
Cost: Museum admission: Children and adults: $9.50; Military with ID and seniors, age 62 and up: $8.50; Groups 15 or more: $7.50; Members and children under one are free.
Info: Take the kids to Storyland, a traveling exhibit that provides book-based experiences for ages 0-8. Storyland helps children explore their literacy skills and imagination through seven books including "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter.

Bald Eagle Exhibit at Riverbanks Zoo

Where:  Riverbanks Zoo
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Cost: Exhibit included with paid general admission to the zoo

Info: Visitors at Riverbanks Zoo can view the zoo’s newest resident and a national symbol of freedom starting Friday. Read more on St. Andrews Patch. Don't forget about Free Fridays for residents of Richland and Lexington counties.