This year’s event will feature dozens of field trips, indoor programs, workshops, keynote speaker, and a dinner. You can expect many of the same things that have made this festival one of the best in the Midwest—great birds, beautiful destinations, expert trip leaders, and time spent in nature with old and new friends alike.

Schedule:

Thursday, May 22 – Morning
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1. Birding Copper Falls State Park (FT-3)
6:30 am – 11:30 am

Ancient lava flows, deep gorges, and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks. Retired DNR Forest Ecologist Colleen Matula will lead participants of all ages and skill levels along the park’s trails to absorb the spectacular scenery and glimpse the many warblers, vireos, thrushes, and other forest birds that call Copper Falls home.

Optional: Meet at Copper Falls State Park at 7:15 am.
*Note: Expect some stair climbs and uneven terrain on trail.
Additional Cost: Parking fee per car ($13 WI plates, $16 out-of-state plates)

2. Bibon Swamp Birding (FT-3)
6:45 am – 11:00 am
The Bibon Swamp is one of the area’s best places to find Golden-winged Warblers. This trip will walk a very lightly traveled, dead-end dirt road through sedge meadow, alder, ash, and mixed lowland forest while enjoying a few Golden-wings amidst a potpourri of birds in a peaceful setting. Tim Oksiuta, local birding expert, will help participants find and pick out numerous species, including various warblers and other neotropical migrants.

Optional: Meet leader at Grand View general store at 7:15 am.

3. Birding by the Bay (FT-3)
6:45 am – 11:15 am
WDNR Conservation Biologist Ryan Brady will lead participants to multiple lakeshore points near Ashland and Washburn to search for waterfowl, gulls, terns, and shorebirds. Interspersed will be short hikes along shoreline trails to find warblers, orioles, sparrows, and other migrating landbirds. Bring a spotting scope if you have one.

4. A Bird in the Hand... (FT-2)
7:00 am – 11:00 am
In this free activity, any festival registrant can come and go as they please within the listed timeframe to experience the wonders of bird banding from expert researchers. Marvel at the beauty of warblers, sparrows, finches, and other birds up close and personal – an unforgettable experience for all ages. Learn identification features, natural history, and research techniques as leaders demonstrate the how’s and why’s of bird banding. If you want to see birds up close, then this is the trip for you!

5. Birding Along Pikes Creek (FT-2)
7:00 am – 11:00 am
This walk will start at the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery and follow Pikes Creek as it wanders inland for about a half-mile. Then walk the adjacent Salmo Trail toward the Lake Superior shore. Led by local birding expert Neil Howk, the hike will pass through a variety of bird habitats, including holding ponds, mixed forest, and shrubby wetlands with open water. Possible species include waterfowl, 10-15 species of warblers, woodpeckers, American Bittern, Ruffed Grouse, Winter Wren, thrushes, and more.

Optional: Meet at Les Voigt Fish Hatchery at 7:30 am.

6. Birding at Beaver Hollow (FT-2)
7:00 am – 11:30 am
The headwaters of North Pikes Creek are an expansive area comprised of marshes, ponds, shrub thickets, and wetland forests teeming with wildlife. Thanks to a local Friends group, portions can be accessed via boardwalk and community outdoor education area known as Beaver Hollow. Join birding expert Barb Moldenhauer and Friends group President Kathy Wendling, to glimpse a heron rookery, explore beaver created wetlands, look for migrating warblers, and learn how this 410 acre property became protected in perpetuity. Waterproof footwear is recommended due to wet, muddy conditions.

7. Birding the White River Wildlife Area (FT-4)
7:15 am – 11:30 am
Located just south of Ashland, this state-owned property features a variety of forest habitats hosting grouse, deer, hares, and numerous songbirds. Hike a grassy trail with DNR Wildlife Biologist Eddie Shea, passing first through younger aspen forest, then towering red and white pines, and ultimately finish at the White River, which is an important tributary of the Bad River. Possible sightings here include American Woodcock, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Golden-winged Warbler, Red Crossbill, and Brown Creeper, among other common migrants.

8. Exploring Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge (FT-3)
7:30 am – 11:00 am
Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge welcomes you to a little refuge with a big impact. The refuge hosts many terrestrial species as well as a spawning stream for coaster brook trout and other migratory fish from Lake Superior. Look for migratory birds and learn about their habitats during this guided tour and hike with US Fish and Wildlife Service staff.

9. Loon Pontoon (FT-2)
7:30 am – 11:30 am
Search for nesting loons and other birds on Lake Owen during this pontoon trip led by Cable Natural History Museum Naturalist, Emily Stone, and Loon Watch Coordinator, Brandi Shapland. Learn all about loons, threats to their populations, and what you can do to help them survive, all while soaking up the birds and scenery of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Optional: Meet at the Lake Owen Station Rd boat launch at 8:15 am.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1ikzn8NRsa4C8E4W7

Additional Cost: $20

Thursday, May 22 – Afternoon
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10. Natural Connections – North Country Trail (FT-4)
12:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Join Emily Stone, Naturalist at the Cable Natural History Museum, to learn about the volcanic origins and glacial sculpting that created the foundation for delightful spring flowers and their animal neighbors. We’ll hike a narrow, hilly section of the North Country Trail 0.7 m to the Juniper Rock Overlook with a view of the Marengo River Valley. Intrepid hikers can continue to the river or farther yet to the Swedish Settlement—the farmstead ruins of a very tough family. In addition to birds and other critters, we’ll hope to find a great variety of spring wildflowers. Emily is the author of two Natural Connections books, and by using science to tell stories, she wields a magic that makes the whole world feel more alive.

Optional: Meet leader at Grand View general store at 12:50 pm.

11. Hiking Frog Bay Tribal National Park (FT-4)
12:45 pm – 4:45 pm
This two-mile hike begins with an easy walk to the beach and spectacular views of the Apostle Islands. The return path on the Ravine Trail loops inland through a century-old hemlock hardwood forest. Search for thrushes, Winter Wrens, vireos, and various warblers, including good chances of Black-throated Blue, on this scenic northwoods excursion with local expert, Neil Howk.

*Note: This is a moderately difficult hike crossing several ravines on a narrow trail with many roots and rocks.

Optional: Meet leader on south side of Legendary Waters Casino near base of flags at 1:15pm.

12. Wildflower Walk - Spring Ephemerals (FT-3)
12:45 pm – 4:45 pm
Marisa Lee, President of Wild Ones’ Chequamegon Bay chapter, leads you on a hike in search of spring ephemeral wildflowers among a northern hardwood forest en route to Morgan Falls. Species that may be seen include Spring Beauty, Large-flowered Trillium, Wild Ginger, Bloodroot, Dutchman’s Breeches, and Bellwort.

Optional: Meet at Morgan Falls parking lot at 1:15 pm.

13. Exploring Barksdale Ponds State Natural Area (FT-3)
1:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Barksdale Ponds SNA hosts a unique aquatic feature on the edge of a dry, glacial outwash plain. Situated on hilly topography, the numerous soft water seepage lakes and ponds are surrounded by associated emergent, partially submerged and shoreline communities, maturing red and white pine forests, and kettle bogs. Join US Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, Mitch Baalman, for a two-mile roundtrip hike on upland trail, spying birds and other wildlife along the way, with periodic forays into floating bogs sporting rare northern plants. Waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.

14. Spring Discovery Walk at the Lincoln Community Forest (FT-3)
1:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Nearly 400 acres in size, the Lincoln Community Forest is comprised of a wild and scenic forest surrounding two miles of the Marengo River, a 10-acre wetland and lake complex, and 5 miles of nature-based recreation trails, all thanks to a partnership between local citizens, the Friends group, and Landmark Conservancy. Explore these habitats and their spring wildflowers, frogs, birds and more with Conservancy staff Erika Lang and retired biologist, Pam Dryer. Tips on how to manage your property for wildlife such as songbirds, grouse, and deer will also be discussed.

15. Birding by the Bay – Washburn (FT-2)
1:15 pm – 4:45 pm
Local birding expert Rick Burkman will lead participants to multiple lakeshore points in and near Washburn to search for waterfowl, gulls, terns, and shorebirds. Interspersed will be short hikes along shoreline trails to find warblers, orioles, sparrows, and other migrating landbirds. Bring a spotting scope if you have one.

16. Northwoods Nature Hike at Houghton Falls (FT-2)
1:15 pm – 4:45 pm
The 76-acre Houghton Falls Nature Preserve north of Washburn is one of the most unique sites in Bayfield County. This trip will hike the mile-long nature trail to view Echo Dells, Houghton Falls, and ultimately a shoreline view of Lake Superior! Along the way, U.S. Forest Service ecologist Eric North will help identify various flora and fauna among the beautiful hemlocks, majestic pines, and rock outcrops, including birds, plants, and even land snails!

Optional: Meet at Houghton Falls trailhead/parking lot at 1:15 pm.

17. Talon Talk – Live Raptor Display (Indoor Program)
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Learn all about the amazing world of birds of prey from Cable Natural History Museum Naturalist Haley Selen. See live raptors up close and personal, and discover the adaptations powering their fascinating lifestyles.

18. The Buzz About Native Bees: Ecology, ID, and How You Can Help (Indoor Program)
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Alex Lehner, Wildlife Technician for the Washburn Ranger District of the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest, will discuss the ecology and life cycles of native bees, how you can identify them, and ways to help them. She will also share key resources for becoming a better steward for bees in your backyard and beyond.

19. Native Landscaping & Butterfly Gardens (FT-1)
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Both beautiful and beneficial, native plants can bring more than just vibrant color to your gardens. Enjoy birds, wildlife, and butterflies from spring to fall with the right mix of native plants. Susan Nelson, Interpretive Specialist with the US Forest Service, will take the group on an informative tour of the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center’s gardens to help participants get ideas for their own backyards.

20. Breeding Birds in the Apostle Islands (Indoor Program)
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore provides critical nesting and resting habitat for hundreds of bird species. Among these are Bald Eagles, colonial waterbirds such as gulls, herons, and cormorants, the endangered Piping Plover, and a wide diversity of landbirds. The National Park Service conducts regular breeding and migratory bird surveys in the Lakeshore. Peggy Burkman, National Park Service Biologist, will take you on a virtual tour and highlight some of the most significant bird species found on the mainland and island units of the park.

Thursday, May 22 – Evening
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21. Owl Prowl & Other Night Sounds (FT-2)
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Venture to the Long Lake and Birch Grove areas of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest to listen for Barred and N. Saw-whet Owls, Whip-poor-wills, Common Loons, frogs, coyotes, and other night sounds. The trip will briefly start out near NGLVC to listen for American Woodcock, Wilson’s Snipe, and frogs. Bring a flashlight or headlamp.

22. Woodcock Walk (FT-2)
8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Venture on a nocturnal foray in search of American Woodcock performing their spring courtship flights along the NGLVC’s boardwalk trail. There’s also potential to hear Wilson’s Snipe, Ruffed Grouse, Great Horned Owl, and several frog species. Bring a flashlight or headlamp to help guide the way.

Friday, May 23 – Morning
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23. Birding at Bark Bay (FT-3)
6:15 am – 11:30 am
This two-part trip will feature visits to Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area and nearby Bark Point. Bark Bay Slough SNA is an exceptional coastal wetland hosting a wide variety of birds. Bark Point is a peninsula of land jutting into Lake Superior and can sometimes host spectacular concentrations of migrant landbirds, including a great diversity of warbler species. You never know what you might find here. If time allows, we’ll venture to the Herbster or Cornucopia lakefronts for some additional birding.

Optional: Meet at the Bark Bay canoe launch at 7:00 am.

24. Sea Caves Nature Hike (FT-4)
6:15 am – 11:30 am
National Park Service Biologist Peggy Burkman will lead participants on this rugged trail at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Look for warblers, woodpeckers, and other birds amid beautiful birch and fir forests ultimately leading to spectacular views of sandstone cliffs and caves along Lake Superior.

Optional: Meet at the Lakeshore’s Meyers Beach parking lot at 7:00 am.

*Note: 4-5 miles roundtrip with some steep ravines and mud.

Additional Cost: Parking $5/car

25. Birds of Morgan Falls & St. Peter’s Dome (FT-4)
6:30 am – 11:30 am
Hike through a beautiful northern hardwood forest to the lush, scenic cascades of Morgan Falls with retired DNR Forest Ecologist Colleen Matula. Watch for Blackthroated Blue, Black-throated Green, Mourning, and other warblers, as well as vireos, thrushes, flycatchers, and other forest species. If time allows, we’ll continue farther on trail toward St. Peter’s Dome, yielding a 4-mile round trip hike. Also expect a diverse plant community including wildflowers such as Spring Beauty, Wild Ginger, Bloodroot, Dutchman’s Breeches, and more.

Optional: Meet leader at Morgan Falls parking lot at 7:00 am.

26. Birding Bayfield’s Big Ravine (FT-4)
6:45 am – 11:00 am
The 250-acre Big Ravine Preserve is a natural gem in the heart of Bayfield defined by 1.5 miles of a deep ravine and the stream that runs through it. We will follow the Gil Larsen trail a half mile along the stream with views of the Old Iron Bridge, waterfalls, and towering tree covered slopes. Then we’ll climb the Pine Bluff spur trail to the ravine's East Rim and hike along the rim back to the trailhead, along the way looking for warblers, vireos, thrushes, and other forest birds. Be prepared for four stream crossings and a gradual yet steep climb to the rim of the ravine.

Optional: Meet at trailhead parking lot in Bayfield on Washington Ave. opposite Broad St. by 7:15 am.

Additional Cost: Parking $10/car (or free on adjacent streets)

27. A Bird in the Hand... (FT-2)
7:00 am – 11:00 am
In this free activity, any festival registrant can come and go as they please within the listed timeframe to experience the wonders of bird banding from expert researchers. Marvel at the beauty of warblers, sparrows, finches, and other birds up close and personal – an unforgettable experience for all ages. Learn identification features, natural history, and research techniques as leaders demonstrate the how’s and why’s of bird banding. If you want to see birds up close, then this is the trip for you!

28. Grassland Birding (FT-2)
7:00 am – 11:00 am
The northwoods typically don’t conjure up thoughts of grassland birds but the rural areas of Ashland feature a variety of open habitats where Bobolinks, Upland Sandpipers, Eastern and Western Meadowlarks, Savannah Sparrows, Northern Harriers, and other grassland birds can be found. WDNR Conservation Biologist Nick Anich guides you in search of these open-country species.

29. Discovering Caroline Lake State Natural Area (FT-3)
7:00 am – 11:30 am
Sitting at the headwaters of the Bad River, Caroline Lake is an undeveloped lake with a diverse mix of high-quality plant communities. Matt Dallman, Director of Conservation with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), will share the story behind this important conservation effort and lead you on a beautiful hike in search of loons, eagles, ospreys, warblers, and other northwoods species. Learn about TNC’s climate change forestry work and potential impacts of iron mining on this site.

Optional: Meet at Gilman Park in Mellen at 7:30 am.

30. Birding by the Bay – Washburn (FT-2)
7:30 am – 11:00 am
Local birding expert Rick Burkman will lead participants to multiple lakeshore points in and near Washburn to search for waterfowl, gulls, terns, and shorebirds. Interspersed will be short hikes along shoreline trails to find warblers, orioles, sparrows, and other migrating landbirds. Bring a spotting scope if you have one.

31. A Bird in the Hand... (FT-2)
7:30 am – 11:30 am
In this free activity, any festival registrant can come and go as they please within the listed timeframe to experience the wonders of bird banding from expert researchers. Marvel at the beauty of warblers, sparrows, finches, and other birds up close and personal – an unforgettable experience for all ages. Learn identification features, natural history, and research techniques as leaders demonstrate the how’s and why’s of bird banding. If you want to see birds up close, then this is the trip for you!

Friday, May 23 – Afternoon
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32. Hiking the Jerry Jolly Trail (FT-3)
12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
The Jerry J. Jolly Trail is an extensive trail system meandering throughout the beautiful woodlands of the Bayfield Peninsula and Pikes Creek. Search for thrushes, warblers, Winter Wrens, and other forest birds on this scenic northwoods excursion with local expert, Neil Howk.

*Note: Be prepared for short bouts of hilly terrain.

Optional: Meet at Les Voigt Fish Hatchery at 1:00 pm to carpool to trailhead, or meet directly at trailhead at 1:15 pm.

33. Nature Hike to Lost Creek Falls (FT-4)
12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Venture through meandering woodland trails lined with aspen, fir, and towering pine en route to the remote, serene, and scenic Lost Creek Falls near Cornucopia. Enjoy birds, flowers, and other jewels of nature in one of the region’s most beautiful settings. *Note: Round trip hike around 3 miles; sturdy, waterproof footwear for rugged terrain recommended.

Optional: Meet at Lost Creek Falls parking lot at the end of Trail Road at 1:00 pm.

34. Paddling Lower Chequamegon Bay (FT-3)
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Take a guided kayak tour along Lake Superior’s coast to explore the shallow, near-shore waters of Fish Creek and Whittlesey Creek Estuaries. Look for ducks, shorebirds, and other waterbirds while learning what makes lower Chequamegon Bay special for fish, birds, and other wildlife. EQUIPMENT NOT PROVIDED: Participants should have their own equipment and basic paddling skills.

35. Plants of Bogs & Barrens (FT-2)
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Understanding that geology drives ecology helps us understand the plants that grow in bogs and barrens, sometimes side-by-side and yet in very different habitats. Join Conservation Specialist Quita Sheehan in exploring the geology and ecology of the pitted outwash-dominated Moquah Pine Barrens. We’ll look at the formation of the kettles and potholes in the area and identify some of the hard-working plants that make a living in such difficult environments. Knee-high water-proof boots are recommended but not required.

36. Birding by the Bay – Ashland (FT-2)
1:15 pm – 4:30 pm
Local birding expert Tim Oksiuta will lead participants to multiple lakeshore points near Ashland to search for waterfowl, gulls, terns, and shorebirds. Interspersed may be short hikes along shoreline trails to find warblers, orioles, sparrows, and other migrating landbirds. Bring a spotting scope if you have one.

37. Birding by the Bay – Washburn (FT-2)
1:15 pm – 4:30 pm
WDNR Conservation Biologist Nick Anich will lead participants to multiple lakeshore points in and near Washburn to search for waterfowl, gulls, terns, and shorebirds. Interspersed will be short hikes along shoreline trails to find warblers, orioles, sparrows, and other migrating landbirds. Bring a spotting scope if you have one.

38. Spiders of the Northwoods (Indoor Program)
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Spiders are some of the most misunderstood creatures on the planet. Join Larry Weber, author of the popular field guide Spiders of the North Woods, on a wild ride through the wonderful world of this amazing and diverse group of organisms. Scared of spiders? Find out why you shouldn’t be! Following the presentation, expect a short walk around the visitor center building in search of spring spiders, if weather allows.

39. Woodworking for Wildlife - Bluebirds (Indoor Program)
1:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Eastern bluebirds are a great conservation success story, and much of that can be attributed to artificial nest boxes deployed around the country. Join the movement by building your own bluebird house to take home with you. All materials provided, including instructions for monitoring and maintenance. Learn how the bluebird movement started, best locations for a box, types of boxes, and other tips for bluebird success from experts, Rich and Carol Becker.

Additional cost: $8

40. Birds: Little People with Feathers (Indoor Program)
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
They start fires, corral prey, mourn their dead, and plant forests. Sounds a lot like us, right? Sit back and relax with local birding expert Rick Burkman to discover the fascinating things birds do, why they are important, and just how similar they are to humans.

Friday, May 23 – Evening
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*All Friday evening activities will take place two miles south of Ashland at The Gathering Barn, 50467 State Hwy 13.

41. Silent Auction & Social
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Join us at The Gathering Barn to relax with fellow participants and share stories, birding tips, & adventures of the day. Sip your favorite beverage from the cash bar and enjoy a spectacular silent auction sponsored by Chequamegon Audubon. A perfect finale to your busy day of birding!

42. Dinner Banquet
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Celebrate the evening with the companionship of fellow birders at The Gathering Barn. Dinner will feature a mouth-watering buffet of broiled cod, roast beef, baked chicken with stuffing, real mashed potatoes with gravy, wild rice pilaf, honey glazed carrots, tossed salad, and dessert.

Additional Cost: $25/person, plus optional cash bar

43. Sightings of the Day & Welcome
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Discover the festival’s most exciting finds so far and the stories behind them as we gather, fittingly, at The Gathering Barn to tally a master checklist of birds seen during the festival. A popular, can’t-miss event! We’ll also settle in for the evening’s keynote presentation immediately following.

44. KEYNOTE PRESENTATION – Rare Bird Alert: Counting Down the Ten Best Birds in 50
Years of Chequamegon Bay Birding
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
The Chequamegon Bay area has been known for decades as one of the state’s great birding destinations. In recent years, however, sightings of several very rare birds have elevated its profile among the state and regional birdwatching community. In this presentation, WDNR Conservation Biologist – and familiar face of the festival – Ryan Brady will recap many of the exciting finds here from years near and far. Why are so many rare birds seen here? Have there been more than usual lately? How do they get here? Ryan will untangle the mysteries of these wayward wanderers and along the way offer his list of the Top Ten Rarest Birds ever recorded in Ashland and Bayfield counties.

Additional Cost: $10

Saturday, May 24 – Morning
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45. Birds of Delta’s Fields & Forests (FT-3)
6:15 am – 11:00 am
WDNR Conservation Biologist Ryan Brady guides you in search of grassland and woodland birds around the Delta area. The trip will first seek out open country birds like Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, and perhaps an Upland Sandpiper, then turn to forest birds near the White River, in search of Golden-winged, Cape May, and Canada Warblers, Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Winter Wrens, and more!

46. Birding at Port Wing (FT-3)
6:15 am – 11:30 am
WDNR Conservation Biologist Nick Anich leads the group to Port Wing in search of a wide diversity of birds at the beautiful coastal town. Visit the harbor for waterbirds like shorebirds, gulls, terns, loons, and waterfowl. Hike among towering pines in the Port Wing Boreal Forest State Natural Area, where warblers, thrushes, woodpeckers, and other forest birds abound. Scan the Michele Wheeler Wetland Restoration for ducks, cranes, rails, bitterns, swans, and more! Dress warm and bring a scope if you have one.

47B. Birding Long Lake & Birch Grove (FT-3)
7:15 am – 11:30 am
Situated less than 10 miles from Washburn in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Long Lake Day Use Area and Birch Grove (Twin Lakes) Campground provide beautiful scenery and excellent birding opportunities. Join USFS Wildlife Technician Alex Lehner on hikes at both locations to scope the waters for loons, ducks, beavers, and otters and scan the treetops for warblers, grosbeaks, flycatchers, vireos, sapsuckers, and more.

48. Sea Caves Nature Hike (FT-4)
6:30 am – 11:30 am
Hike a rugged trail at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to look for warblers, woodpeckers, and other birds amid beautiful birch and fir forests and culminating with spectacular views of sandstone cliffs and caves along Lake Superior.

Optional: Meet at the Lakeshore’s Meyers Beach parking lot at 7:15 am.

*Note: 4-5 miles roundtrip with some steep ravines and mud. Additional Cost: Parking $5/car

49. Wildlife & Fire in the Moquah Pine Barrens (FT-3)
6:45 am – 11:30 am
The ecosystems of the sand plains of Northwest Wisconsin have been shaped over the millenia by frequent fires, which many species of plants and the animals depend upon to create the conditions they need to thrive. Certified Wildlife Biologist Scott Posner will lead a tour of sites being restored to the pine barrens ecosystem through prescribed burning and other treatments. Participants will learn about the relationship of fire and birds such as the black-backed woodpecker, clay-colored sparrow, and brown thrasher, as well as the very rare Chryxus Arctic butterfly and numerous other animals and plants. Weather permitting, this trip should yield a good mix of bird, insect, and mammal sightings!

50. A Bird in the Hand... (FT-2)
7:00 am – 11:30 am
In this free activity, any festival registrant can come and go as they please within the listed timeframe to experience the wonders of bird banding from expert researchers. Marvel at the beauty of warblers, sparrows, finches, and other birds up close and personal – an unforgettable experience for all ages. Learn identification features, natural history, and research techniques as leaders demonstrate the how’s and why’s of bird banding. If you want to see birds up close, then this is the trip for you!

51. Bibon Swamp Birding (FT-3)
7:00 am – 11:30 am
The Bibon Swamp is one of the area’s best places to find Golden-winged Warblers. This trip will walk a very lightly traveled, dead-end dirt road through sedge meadow, alder, ash, and mixed lowland forest while enjoying a few Golden-wings amidst a potpourri of birds in a peaceful setting. Brad Gingras, local birder and naturalist, will help participants find and pick out numerous species, including various warblers.

Optional: Meet leader at Grand View general store at 7:30 am.

Saturday, May 24 – Afternoon
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52. Birding Copper Falls State Park (FT-3)
12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Ancient lava flows, deep gorges, and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks. Expert naturalist Joan Elias will lead participants of all ages and skill levels along the park’s trails to absorb the spectacular scenery and glimpse the many warblers, vireos, thrushes, and other forest birds that call Copper Falls home. Optional: Meet at Copper Falls State Park at 1:15 pm.

*Note: Expect some stair climbs and uneven terrain on trail. Additional Cost: Parking fee per car ($8 WI plates, $11 out-of-state plates)

53. Seeds of Hope: Native Landscaping Tour (FT-2)
12:45 pm – 4:30 pm
Walk with U.S. Forest Service retiree Susan Nelson in the Aldo Leopold Native Seed Orchard to see thousands of native plants that produce seed and plant materials for habitat restoration projects in the Chequamegon Bay region. This orchard, named for one of America’s foremost conservationists, is also a nectar and seed source for many native butterflies, bees, moths and birds. Learn about seed stratification, tour several restorations on site, and finish with a short wildflower walk led by Marisa Lee, Coordinator, Wild Ones Chequamegon Bay Chapter.

54. Shorebirds Made Simpler (FT-3)
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Shorebirds are among the most difficult groups of birds to identify. WDNR Conservation Biologist Nick Anich will point out key identification features while this trip visits shorebird hotspots along Chequamegon Bay. Depending on available habitat, which varies each year, up to 10 species of shorebirds are possible, with potential to spot locally uncommon species such as American Golden-Plover, Willet, Marbled Godwit, American Avocet, and other waterbirds.

55. Wildflower Walk - Spring Ephemerals (FT-2)
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
U.S. Forest Service Botanist Caitlin Hoenig leads you on a hike to the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery in Bayfield in search of northwoods spring ephemeral wildflowers. Species that may be seen include Spring Beauty, Trout Lily, Wild Ginger, Bloodroot, Dutchman’s Breeches, and Bellwort.

Optional: Meet at Les Voigt Fish Hatchery at 1:30 pm.

56. Beginning Birding (FT-1)
1:15 pm – 3:30 pm
Step outside with a local birding expert to start putting sights and names to the birds you see and hear. Even if you have never gone “birding” before, this enjoyable walk has the sweet sounds and smells of spring along nearby trails. Learn how to pick out bird sounds and develop clever ways to identify birds and remember their songs.

57. SOS: Saving Birds at Home One Window at a Time (Indoor Program)
1:15 pm – 3:30 pm
Bring the dimensions of a window from home and make an Acopian Birdsaver. These Zen window curtains are a simple way to save birds. The design is elegant and really works to prevent bird collisions. You will leave the workshop with one Zen window curtain and the knowledge to make more for your home. We'll also discuss outdoor attachment options. All materials will be provided.

Important: Bring dimensions of the window you wish to protect! Additional Cost: $3

Sunday, May 25 – Special Post-Festival Opportunity!
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58. Stockton Island Cruise (FT-3)
7:45 am – 3:00 pm
Enjoy a scenic cruise aboard the Ashland Bay Express to Stockton Island, the largest and most biologically diverse island in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Join leaders for four hours of birding amid the forests, dunes, savannahs, bogs, lagoons, and beaches along the Tombolo Trail. The island has pit toilets but few other facilities, so bring potable water and lunch, dress in layers, wear stout water-resistant footwear and prepare to pack out what you pack in.

Meet at the Apostle Islands Cruises office by the Bayfield City Dock at 7:45 am. Return to Bayfield at 3 pm. Additional Cost: $60

Date: May 22-24, 2025.

Venue:
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
29270 Co. Hwy G.
Ashland, WI 54806

Click Here for Registration info

For more info https://www.birdandnaturefest.com/.