Jan. 31, 2011 — Visitors to this month's free open house at CSUB's Facility for Animal Care and Treatment (FACT) may have the opportunity to see an aquatic bird uncommon to this area of Kern County. The open house is from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, in the Environmental Studies Area at California State University, Bakersfield.

Last week, Delano Animal Control officials found a Clark's Grebe on a roadway and brought it to FACT. After examining the bird and finding no injuries, FACT Coordinator Marlene Benton released it into the pond on site. So far, the bird has not left the pond, although it is free to do so at any time. The Clark's Grebe is notable for its tuft of black feathers on its head and bright red eyes.

"The Clarke's Grebe is uncommon in this area although we are within their natural range. So that makes it even more exciting," Benton said.

At FACT, visitors can see a variety of local birds of prey including red-tailed hawk, Swainson's hawk, great horned owl, barn owl, and golden eagle as well as songbirds, turtles and frogs. Visitors will also learn about FACT's animal rescue program, and kids can participate in a nature scavenger hunt and make a recycled journal.

CSUB students and staff will give tours and demonstrations of birds of prey. Educational gifts and souvenirs including two newly-designed T-shirts, zoobooks, coloring books, cards and other educational materials will be available for purchase to support the non-profit wildlife rescue and education program.

FACT's mission is to serve as a wildlife rescue, conservation and education project for CSUB. FACT hosts an open house on the first Saturday of each month October through May.

To get to FACT, enter campus on Roadrunner Drive from Camino Media Boulevard. Turn right into Parking Lot I and, at the softball field backdrop, follow the dirt road over the bike path to the parking area.

For more information about FACT, call (661) 654-3167 or visit www.csub.edu/fact.

View a video about the Clarke's Grebe at www.youtube.com/CSUBakersfield.