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:

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

Click Here for Registration info.