Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival

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Friday
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Other Things to Do in Homer

2008 Event descriptions

Field events, workshops and presentations are free of charge and sponsored by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service unless stated otherwise. Limited entry events are filled on a first come, first serve basis.

Watch for additional guided bird viewing opportunities that may be offered at different times and locations throughout the Festival weekend. This information will be posted at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.

Dress warmly, bring mud boots & your binoculars or spotting scope and please leave your furry friends at home!

Event Key


Field Events	Workshops & Presentations	Boat Tours	Entertainment

Family Friendly	Jr. Birder Badge	Handicapped Accessible

Thursday, May 8 - High Tide 5:57 pm

FESTIVAL REGISTRATION 9am-6pm. Homer Chamber of Commerce

Cold Duck Time 8am-11am. Harbor, top of Ramp 2, MW.
As the shorebirds arrive in Kachemak Bay, sea ducks prepare to head north to their happy nesting grounds. Hop aboard for a tour of Kachemak Bay’s southern shore in search of the Mergini tribe. Goldeneye, Harlequin and Long-tailed Ducks are just a few of the fine feathered friends that inhabit our bays and coves. Dress warmly. Limit 6. $60pp. Sponsored by Mako’s Water Taxi.

Seabird Sidetrip 9am-noon. Harbor, bottom of Ramp 3, to the right, M/V Torega. Join local bird expert Karl Stoltzfus aboard the Torega as he shares his favorite birding places during a 3-hour cruise of upper Kachemak Bay. Enjoy looking for Kittlitz’s & Marbled Murrelets, eiders, loons, Red-faced Cormorants, some shorebirds, and many other species, with excellent close-up viewing opportunities for all passengers. Limit 12. $55pp. Sponsored by Bay Excursions.

Romance the Sea 9am-1:30pm. Harbor Ramp 2, M/V Seabird.
Don’t bird from the sidelines; immerse yourself in an active participatory adventure! Experience seabirds and sea otters from the very best viewing platform, the seat of a kayak. This guided kayak trip includes a seabird rookery visit, a loop through two scenic bays, hot beverages and a gourmet picnic lunch. Limit 12. $85pp. Sponsored by St. Augustine’s Kayak & Tours.

Sea-Kayak with Birds & Wildlife 10am-1:45pm. Harbor Ramp 2.
Check in 30 minutes prior to departure time at the True North office behind Mako’s Water Taxi. Take a scenic boat ride to Yukon Island, where you’ll explore intricate coastlines with craggy rock arches and spectacular birds and wildlife. Wear warm, layered clothes and bring a water bottle. Snacks provided. All experience levels welcome. Limit 6. $90pp, $80 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by True North Kayak Adventures.

The Bees & Birds, Bears & Me noon-1pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
There are small things with big impacts that can be done to share our space with wildlife. Join Carla Stanley as she shares her discoveries from 38 years of living and gardening with wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula.

Speak for the Peeps Writing Workshop 1pm-2:30pm. Homer Public Library.
Noted Homer author and creative writing teacher Nancy Lord will lead this workshop to prepare shorebird participants for observing birds, making field notes, and writing about their birding experiences. Visual prompts will be used to assist participants in finding words to describe birds and their behaviors, as well as making meaning from what birds have been seen. Nancy will also discuss how writers can speak for birds and nature, as advocates for their protection. Please bring paper and pens. Limit 20. No fee, but registration required.

Sea-Kayak with Birds & Wildlife 1:45pm-5:30pm. Harbor Ramp 2
Check in 30 minutes prior to departure time at the True North office behind Mako’s Water Taxi.Take a scenic boat ride to Yukon Island, where you’ll explore intricate coastlines with craggy rock arches and spectacular birds and wildlife. Wear warm, layered clothes and bring a water bottle. Snacks provided. All experience levels welcome. Limit 6. $90pp, $80 kids 12 & under.Sponsored by True North Kayak Adventures.

Bird Songs: Local Music 2pm-3pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Bird songs add new dimensions to nature experiences by enabling us to “see” and learn about individual birds through their songs. Local birder Mossy Kilcher will present the songs of our local songbirds with photos, bird song recordings, and bird stories.

A Bolivian Nature Preserve 3pm-4pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
John Wenger recently organized the purchase and establishment of a 3000 acre nature preserve in Bolivia. This audio/visual presentation will take you to this Amazonian wilderness, revealing amazing bird and other wildlife species. The Rio San Martin Ecological Station has all four Neotropical species of felines, including jaguars, and 300 bird species, more than half of the species recorded for the entire State of Alaska. Join John on a visual visit to this lively wildlife paradise.

Beginners’ Bird Walk Beluga Lake 3pm-4:30pm. Airport Viewing Platform.
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge biologists Elizabeth Jozwiak & Toby Burke will help participants search for migratory songbirds, waterfowl and other birds by sight and by sound. Binoculars and rubber boots recommended.

Shorebird Viewing Station 5pm-6:30pm. Mud Bay and Lighthouse Village.
Meet at the base of the Spit, where guides in orange vests will help you locate and identify shorebirds feeding in the mudflats. Spotting scopes, binoculars and guidebooks will be available for use. Rubber boots recommended. Please park only in designated areas.

Bird & Nature Films 5pm-7pm. Homer Theatre.
Featuring a series of films showcasing birds and nature, this benefit for the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival is a great kickoff to the Festival weekend. Admission: Adults $7, Kids 11 & under $4, Seniors 60+ $4. Tickets available at the Homer Theatre. Sponsored by the Homer Theatre.

“Birds without Boundaries” Reception 5pm-7pm. Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.
Enjoy this free Shorebird Fedstival kick-off which will feature a presentation by Margaret Williams on the World Wildlife Fund's international bird conservation efforts in the Bering Sea ecosystem. Local and international cuisine will be provided. Sponsored by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.

Bruce Cockburn Concert 7pm. High School Theatre.
Enjoy an amazing evening of music by one of Canada’s most popular singer/songwriters. Bruce Cockburn has won numerous Juno Awards and has been recording since the 1970s. His 1979 major US single, "Wondering Where the Lions Are," peaked at number 21 and the accompanying album, Dancing in the Dragon's Jaw, saw him augmenting his music with worldbeat rhythms. Cockburn’s 1984 AOR hit, "If I Had a Rocket Launcher," and accompanying video depicted conditions in war-torn Central America and gained a fair amount of play on MTV. Cockburn's later 1980s work took on a more streamlined rock sound, accompanied by a political agenda weighted towards environmental concerns as well as oppression. In the 1990s Cockburn returned to a more introspective feel, moving towards a more global and political perspective. Bruce Cockburn is an artist truly at the prime of his musical maturity. $36 all ages. Tickets available via the Festival registration form and at the Homer Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Downward Dog Productions, with a percentage of proceeds to benefit the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival.

Friday May 9 - High Tide 6:53 pm

FESTIVAL REGISTRATION 9am-6pm. Homer Chamber of Commerce

Homer Hot Spots Tour 5:30am-7:30am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Hop on the bus with local bird guides Rich Kleinleder and Dale Chorman to find the hottest spots for all kinds of birds in Homer's wetlands and forests. You’ll have the opportunity to get off the bus and do short walks, so bring your binoculars. Rubber boots are recommended. Limit 22. $20pp.

Intermediate/Advanced Birders’ Shorebirding Walk 7am-8:30am. Mud Bay Spit.
Expert birders Brad Andres & George Matz lead this walk, geared for intermediate to advanced birders, out on to the small sandy spit that stretches into Mud Bay. Rubber boots recommended. Limit 20. No fee, but registration required.

Cranes and Croissants 7am-10am. Seaside Farm.
View the large flocks of migrating Sandhill Cranes that feed and rest on the Seaside Farm hayfields each spring. Birder Mossy Kilcher will share her knowledge of cranes, as well as other local birds’ songs, calls and habits, during a bird identification walk. Coffee and continental breakfast included. Please note that participants are required to park and walk ¼ mile down a gravel road to access the Farm, and as such this event is not handicapped, physically-challenged or stroller accessible. Limit 23. $20pp. Sponsored by Seaside Farm.

Overlook Park Hike 7am-3pm.
Meet at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center for transportation to the trailhead. Spend the day enjoying this guided, strenuous, 6.5 mile hike along the north shore of Kachemak Bay to visit Overlook Park, an undisturbed pocket of native coastal habitat, and a remote unit of the Alaska State Park system. View shorebirds, sea ducks, marine mammals, ravens and eagles along the shore and bluff, as well as early songbird migrants and waterfowl around the ponds in the Park. This all-day hike is considered strenuous due to length, steep and uneven terrain, creek crossings and unimproved trail. Bring binoculars, lunch, water, raingear and sturdy, waterproof knee boots. Proceeds benefit the management of Overlook Park. Limit 12. $10pp. Sponsored by the Kachemak Bay Conservation Society.

Barren Island Birding 7am-5pm. Harbor, Ramp 2, Slip C-5, M/V Sizzler.
Visit the largest Bird Rookery, the Federal Wildlife Marine Refuge, and the Barren Islands. This is a great birding opportunity to view pelagic seabirds, whales and more during this over-100 mile round trip with a naturalist on board. Dress warm with rain gear and bring binoculars, bird books and cameras. Lunch included. Limit 20. $149pp. (In the event that Friday’s tour is cancelled due to weather, a Saturday tour will take place, weather-dependent, with Friday’s ticketed participants having first opportunity.) Sponsored by Rainbow Tours.

Birding Beluga Slough, Bishops Beach 9am-10:30am, Meet at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
This guided walk will follow the Beluga Slough trail and roads to Bishop’s Beach. View migrating shorebirds and waterfowl with naturalist Betty Siegel. Fine tune your bird ID skills while learning about shorebird food resources and shorebird habitat conservations efforts around Kachemak Bay. Binoculars and rubber boots recommended. Limit 20. No fee, but registration is required.

Homer Hot Spots Tour 9am-11am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Hop on the bus with local bird guides Rich Kleinleder and George Matz to find the hottest spots for all kinds of birds in Homer's wetlands and forests. You’ll have the opportunity to get off the bus and do short walks, so bring your binoculars. Rubber boots are recommended. Limit 22. $20pp.

Seabird Sidetrip 9am-noon. Harbor, bottom of Ramp 3, to the right, M/V Torega.
Join local bird expert Karl Stoltzfus aboard the Torega as he shares his favorite birding places during a 3-hour cruise of upper Kachemak Bay. Enjoy looking for Kittlitz’s & Marbled Murrelets, eiders, loons, Red-faced Cormorants, some shorebirds, and many other species, with excellent close-up viewing opportunities for all passengers. Limit 12. $55pp. Sponsored by Bay Excursions.

Alaska’s Amazing Seabirds 9:30am-10:30am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Homer naturalist and birder Carmen Field will bring the world of Alaska’s seabirds, from pelagic storm-petrels and the ever-present gulls, to animated puffins and their relatives, to life in this slide presentation.

Birding from the Bus 9:30am-11am. Meet at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
This tour is for limited mobility participants only. Join local bird expert and historian Daisy Lee Bitter & local lifelong birder Dan Thorington on this guided tour bus tour to several bird watching spots by the roadside. Daisy Lee and Dan will share the natural history of Homer and point out historic markers along the way. A limited number of binoculars will be available. Limit 10 seats, 2 wheelchairs. No fee, but registration required. Sponsored by the Homer Senior Center, Friendship Terrace.

Gull Island Getaway 10am-11:30am. Harbor, Ramp 1, Slip C22, M/V Northern Star.
Join the crew of the Northern Star and enjoy a narrated natural history and bird watching cruise to Gull Island to view nesting seabirds. Learn about the Homer harbor and habits of the seabirds that visit Gull Island. Limit 24. $30pp, $15 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by Homer Ocean Charters.

Cook Inletkeeper Skiff Tour of Kachemak Bay 10am-noon. Harbor.
Meet 9:45am at the Homer Halibut Derby Shack, above Ramp 4. Participants on this guided tour of Kachemak Bay aboard the Cook Inletkeeper skiff will view shorebirds and learn about pollution and environmental policy issues from Cook Inletkeeper staff. This is an open skiff, so please wear warm raingear. Limit 4. Suggested donation $25pp. Proceeds benefit Cook Inletkeeper.

Digiscoping: Capturing the Image 10:30am-11:30am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Wondering how to take those amazing close-ups of birds? Eagle Optics’ Ben Lizdas will share his secrets during this workshop. Instruction will begin in the classroom, where Ben will review the basics of digiscoping, from what it is, to equipment selection, to adapting your camera and scope and, finally, to using the equipment to get high quality images. After the classroom session, participants will head outdoors to practice their new-found skills. Sponsored by Eagle Optics.

Digiscoping Field Workshop noon-1pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Bring your digiscoping gear - camera and scope - outside with Leica Optics’ Jeff Bouton, for a field trip follow-up to the digiscoping classroom session. Sponsored by Leica Optics.

King Eider Journeys in Alaskan Waters 1pm-2pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
King Eiders are large sea ducks that breed on the tundra of northern Alaska and spend most of the year in icy waters surrounding Alaska. Using satellite transmitters, researchers are now able to follow the migration of individual birds for more than a year into the most remote corners of the worlds' oceans. Since 2002, the University of Alaska Fairbanks has equipped 150 King Eiders with satellite transmitters. UAF’s Steffen Oppel will present some of the exciting facts about King Eider migration and movements during the time when they are at sea.

Optics 101 1pm-2pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Sorting through the myriad of choices available to today’s birders or naturalist can be overwhelming. An avid birder and sales representative for Eagle Optics, Ben Lizdas will talk about the options and considerations to make when looking for the binoculars or spotting scope that will best suit your needs and your budget. With years of product knowledge to his credit, Ben will present a clear understanding of today’s optics options.

Creatures of the Dock 1pm-2pm, Harbor Ramp 2.
Join Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies trained naturalists for a visit to the fascinating animal community below and attached to the docks in the Homer Boat Harbor. Special emphasis is on those creatures favored by birds for their meals. Limit 20. $10pp, $5 kids 10 & under, toddlers free. Sponsored by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.

Sea-Kayak with Birds & Wildlife 1:45pm-5:30pm. Harbor Ramp 2
Check in 30 minutes prior to departure time at the True North office behind Mako’s Water Taxi. Take a scenic boat ride to Yukon Island, where you’ll explore intricate coastlines with craggy rock arches and spectacular birds and wildlife. Wear warm, layered clothes and bring a water bottle. Snacks provided. All experience levels welcome. Limit 6. $90pp, $80 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by True North Kayak Adventures.

Birds are our Teachers 2pm-3pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Alaskan Aleutiq Orville Lind is a Refuge Ranger for the Alaska Peninsula/Becharof National Wildlife Refuge at King Salmon in Bristol Bay. Join Orville as he discusses the cultural importance of birds, past and present, the interactions and ceremonial practices of Alaska native people and birds, and the value in making a habitat connection.

Gull & Tern Identification Basics 2pm-3:30pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Tired of being puzzled by confusing gull and tern plumages? Jeff Bouton with Leica Optics will help you understand the predictable plumage types of gulls and terns of Alaska and other areas, and will change a trip to the water’s edge from frustrating to fun. The short classroom session will focus on your understanding of plumage sequences to make field identification easier. After reviewing the basis of these standard plumage types, participants will carpool to local gull hot spots to apply what they’ve learned. Sponsored by Leica Optics.

Continental Connections: A Global Perspective on Avian Migration 3pm-4pm.
Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Millions of birds fly to Alaska every spring. They come from the jungles of South America, the African plains, the South Pacific Islands, and the backyard feeders of the Midwest. What draws these birds to Alaska? How do they find their way? How do the youngsters know where to go in the fall? These are just a few of the topics that Susan Sharbaugh will discuss in this talk about Alaska's pivotal role as the center of migration for birds from six continents. Sponsored by Alaska Bird Observatory.

Junior Birder Discovery Lab 3pm-5pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Kids ages 5 to 10 will have the opportunity to earn a Jr. Birder Badge during this year's Festival. Join us for this hands-on, family-friendly Birder Discovery lab that will kick off family Festival activities and is one of the required activities for the Badge. A Jr. Birder Badge Activity. Sponsored by Kachemak Bay Research Reserve & Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

Russia & Alaska International Refuge Partnership 4pm-5pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Few Americans think of Russia as a neighbor, but in the Bering Sea, Russia and Alaska share a long maritime border. World Wildlife Fund’s Margaret Williams will present an armchair tour of the Bering Sea, home to rich wildlife populations and some of the world’s most productive waters. The Bering Sea is also home to two protected areas - the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and in Russia, the Commander Islands Biosphere Reserve. World Wildlife Fund is working with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Russian partners to link these island chains through science, conservation and the creation of an international “sister refuge” partnership, a chain or remote and diverse sub-Arctic Islands. Sponsored by World Wildlife Fund.

Gull Island Tour 4pm-5pm. Harbor, corner of A&C Float, M/V Danny J.
Enjoy a one hour boat ride aboard this classic wooden boat that will take you to Gull Island to view kittiwakes, murres, puffins and other seabirds. Limit 34. $10pp, $5 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by Kachemak Bay Ferry.

Keynote Welcome Reception 4pm-6pm. Pratt Museum, upper level.
Meet this year's Keynote Speaker, Richard Crossley, enjoy refreshments and live music, and browse the current Pratt Museum exhibit: "Concerning Climate Change: An Art & Science Collaborative" during this Festival welcome reception. Purchase The Shorebird Guide, coauthored by Richard, and have it signed. Purchase your $5 lottery tickets for the 5:30pm drawing to be one of 15 lucky winners to join Keynote Richard Crossley in the field for a fun and educational photography workshop. Individuals looking to join a Kachemak Bay Big Day Birding Challenge team, or Big Day teams looking for additional people, please check in at the Pratt Museum’s front desk at 5:30pm. Thanks to Tim Quinn, Brian Court & Dave Gerard for providing music. Sponsored by the Pratt Museum & World Wildlife Fund.

Shorebird’s Sing at the Salty Dawg Saloon 5:30pm. Salty Dawg Saloon.
Tune up your vocal cords with your favorite bird call or make up your own and come out to the Salty Dawg Saloon for the 2nd Annual “what the heck kind of bird was that?” bird call competition. Categories for both serious and not-so- serious bird callers, with prizes for top competitors and all participants win. Registration starts at 5:30pm; competition begins at 6pm; awards and prizes given out at 7pm. Contact the Salty Dawg at 235-6718 with questions. Bar food available. Sponsored by the Salty Dawg Saloon.

Shorebird Viewing Station 6pm-7:30pm. Mud Bay and Lighthouse Village.
Meet at the base of the Spit, where guides in orange vests will help you locate and identify shorebirds feeding in the mudflats. Spotting scopes, binoculars and guidebooks will be available for use. Rubber boots recommended. Please park only in designated areas.

Birders’ Fashion Show & Mr. Whitekeys' 2nd Annual Shorebird Sideshow Alice’s Champagne Palace 8pm-10pm. Enjoy the Birders’ Fashion Show, highlighting birdwear essentials from Homer’s Jeans and optics equipment from Eagle Optics, followed by the 2nd Annual Mr. Whitekeys’ Shorebird Sideshow. Whitekeys’ has entertained Anchorage audiences for over 25 years with his performances of rockin’ blues and cheesy political satire at the Fly by Night Club. Whitekeys can also be heard spouting off regularly on Anchorage’s KTUU-TV News and in an Alaska Magazine monthly column. Join us for this adults-only, smoke-free, Fashion Show and Shorebird Sideshow. Tickets available via the Festival registration form and at the Homer Chamber of Commerce. 21 & older only. $25pp. Sponsored by Alice’s Champagne Palace, Homer’s Jeans, Eagle Optics & World Wildlife Fund.

Saturday, May 10 - High Tide 6:30am & 7:55pm

FESTIVAL REGISTRATION 8am-6pm. Homer Chamber of Commerce

Kachemak Bay Big Day Birding Challenge 6am-1pm.
Register your team of 2 to 4 people for the Shorebird Festival's 1st Annual Kachemak Bay Big Day Birding Challenge. Registration packet, including entry form, bird checklist and rules is available beginning April 14th at www.homeralaska.org/shorebird.htm, at the Homer Chamber of Commerce and at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Registration packets will be available Festival weekend during registration hours at the Homer Chamber of Commerce and the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Individuals and teams may also register the day of, between 5:45am and 8am at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Individuals will have the opportunity to join a team on Friday, May 9th, at 5:30 pm during the Keynote Welcome Reception at the Pratt Museum. Participants can enjoy coffee at the optional “send off” at 6am at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Awards and prizes will be presented to the top 3 adult teams (ages 19 & older), to the top 3 youth teams (ages
11-18), and to the top team of mixed adult and youth, 10am Sunday, prior to the Keynote’s “Birding Exposed” presentation at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. $15 team registration fee. Proceeds benefit the Shorebird Education & Conservation Fund & Anchorage Audubon. Sponsored by Anchorage Audubon.

Shorebird Viewing Station 6am-7am. Mud Bay and Lighthouse Village.
Meet at the base of the Spit, where guides in orange vests will help you locate and identify shorebirds feeding in the mudflats. Spotting scopes, binoculars and guidebooks will be available for use. Rubber boots recommended. Please park only in designated areas.

Shorebirding by Ear 6:30am-8am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Local bird experts Dave Erikson & Dale Chorman will tell you about the vocalizations of some of our common shorebirds. The classroom session is followed by a field trip to prime shorebird feeding spots where you’ll have a chance to lend your ear to the birds. Limit 25. $2pp.

Upper Kachemak Bay Wildlife Tour 8am–12:30pm, Harbor, Ramp 2, Slip E-1, M/V Rainbow Connection.
Join us aboard the 65’ M/V Rainbow Connection for a trip to the rich shorebird feeding area in front of the Fox, Sheep and Bradley Rivers. We’ll explore the head of Kachemak Bay with a visit to Bear Cove, Aurora Lagoon, Glacier Spit and a stop at the Gull Island bird rookery. Continental breakfast included. Limit 80. $60pp, $35 kids 12 & under, infants free. Sponsored by Rainbow Tours.

Intermediate/Advanced Forest Songbird Walk 9am-10:30am. Baycrest Trailhead.
Join George Matz and Brad Andres for this intermediate to advanced level guided bird walk through the upland habitats of the Baycrest ski trails, looking for songbirds and other forest dwellers. Hiking boots recommended. Limit 20. No fee, but registration is required.

In the Field with Richard Crossley Photography Workshop for Lottery Winners
9am-11am.
Lottery winners meet at the main doors of the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Fifteen lucky Festival lottery winners will join Keynote Speaker Richard Crossley in the field for an all ages, all skill levels photography workshop. Richard is a very mobile photographer who does not use a tripod, so winners will need to be prepared to walk a lot and to move quickly. No photography experience is necessary but all participants are required to bring a camera – a point and shoot disposable is fine. Trail can be muddy so rubber boots are recommended. Trail is open to strollers and wheelchairs, but is not suitable for limited mobility participants. Tickets $5 each, available via the Festival registration form and in person at the Homer Chamber of Commerce until 3pm on Friday, May 9th, and then during the Keynote Welcome Reception at the Pratt Museum between 4pm and 5:30pm, with winners drawn at 5:30pm. Winners need not be present to win. All winners will be notified by telephone, and names will be posted on the front doors of the Homer Chamber of Commerce, the Pratt Museum, and the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center Friday evening. Sponsored by World Wildlife Fund.

Seabird Sidetrip 9am-noon. Harbor, bottom of Ramp 3, to the right, M/V Torega.
Join local bird expert Karl Stoltzfus aboard the Torega as he shares his favorite birding places during a 3-hour cruise of upper Kachemak Bay. Enjoy looking for Kittlitz’s & Marbled Murrelets, eiders, loons, Red-faced Cormorants, some shorebirds, and many other species, with excellent close-up viewing opportunities for all passengers. Limit 12. $55pp. Sponsored by Bay Excursions.

Shorebird Identification 9:30am-11am. High School Theatre.
Anchorage Audubon Society’s Buzz Scher will help you learn which species of shorebirds are likely to be seen in the Kachemak Bay area during the Festival, and how to identify them. Buzz has led this class every year since the Festival began in 1993, so if you love shorebirds you won’t want to miss this workshop.

Cook Inletkeeper Skiff Tour of Kachemak Bay 10am-noon. Harbor.
Meet 9:45am at the Homer Halibut Derby Shack, above Ramp 4. Participants on this guided tour of Kachemak Bay aboard the Cook Inletkeeper skiff will view shorebirds and learn about pollution and environmental policy issues from Cook Inletkeeper staff. This is an open skiff, so please wear warm weather raingear. Limit 4. Suggested donation $25pp. Proceeds benefit Cook Inletkeeper.

Whoo-o-o’s for Lunch? 10am-noon. Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.
This Open House at the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies will provide fun, hands-on birding activities for kids of all ages to explore the wonderful world of shorebirds and other local favorites. Activities will include owl pellet dissection, bird crafts, hands-on explorations and bird displays. Sponsored by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.

Sea-Kayak with Birds & Wildlife 10am-1:45pm. Harbor Ramp 2; check in 30 minutes prior to departure time at the True North office behind Mako’s Water Taxi.
Take a scenic boat ride to Yukon Island, where you’ll explore intricate coastlines with craggy rock arches and spectacular birds and wildlife. Wear warm, layered clothes and bring a water bottle. Snacks provided. All experience levels welcome. Limit 6. $90pp, $80 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by True North Kayak Adventures.

Arts & Education Fair 10am-5pm. High School Commons.
A wide variety of arts, hand crafted goods, optical equipment, and food will be offered along with numerous educational exhibits on display. This Fair is the gateway to birding workshops and presentations, the live bird presentations, David-Edwards Smith’s family concert and much more. Sponsored by Chevron.

Birding for Absolute Beginners 11am-noon. High School Classroom A104.
If you can't tell a crow from a raven, if you think all gulls are sea gulls, and if the only bird you can name with any confidence is the bald eagle, then this lighthearted program by long time Alaskan birder Andrea Swingley is for you. This hands-on classroom workshop will introduce you to and provide you with practice using basic birder tools: field guides, checklists, and binoculars, to identify birds. Bring field guides and binoculars if you have them. Some field guides and binoculars will be available for use during this workshop. A Jr. Birder Badge activity.

Conversation with a Craniac 11am-1pm. Cranehaven Studio, 58335 Cranewings Court, 4.5 miles East End Road.
Homer artist and crane enthusiast Mavis Muller will host an Open House at her Cranehaven Studio. View Sandhill Cranes as they fly by, land, feed and dance in the grassy field outside the studio. Mavis will share original poetry, stories and legends of “crane teachings”, as well as her exhibition of photography, basketry, dvds and books. Limit 20. $15pp.

Live Bird Presentations 11:15am-12:15pm. High School Choir Room.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to bring the entire family to get up close and personal to a trio of live birds! Wildlife rehabilitators Dave Dorsey, Todd Boren and Lisa Pajot from the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage will introduce their wild birds and discuss their behaviors. Featured birds include a bald eagle, a snowy owl and a magpie. $3pp. Sponsored by the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage & World Wildlife Fund.

David Edwards-Smith Family Concert 12:30pm-1:30pm. High School Theatre.
Alaskan singer songwriter David Edwards-Smith will entertain all ages during this Festival fundraiser concert. David has played at many Alaskan venues including Homer’s Concert on the Lawn, KDLL’s Summer Solstice Festival, the Girdwood Forest Fair and the Alaska State Fair, to name just a few. Using bass guitars, didgeridoos, a kick box and various drums to keep the beat on his original songs, David’s music has been described as ‘infectious grooves of a surprising marriage of bass guitar and didgeridoo’. Not many artists in the US or anywhere for that matter choose the didgeridoo, but even fewer pair it with a bass guitar, as David does. Bring the entire family out for this unique musical experience that will have you moving in your seat. $5pp. Sponsored by Chevron.

Coastal Ecology & Birding 12:30pm-4pm. Harbor, Ramp 1, Slip C22, M/V Northern Star.
This excursion, guided by internationally-known naturalist Conrad Field, includes a boat trip across the Bay and an on-shore guided walk on Glacier Spit (destination is weather-dependent), with a focus on comparing the flora & fauna of the north and south sides of the bay. Birds, invertebrates and other animals and plants will be investigated. Rubber boots and strong walking skills required. Limit 15. $100pp. Sponsored by Homer Ocean Charters.

Family Birding Station 1pm-2:30pm, Lighthouse Village.
Dress warmly, put on your rubber boots, and bring the whole family outdoors to view hungry shorebirds, colorful waterfowl, and graceful Sandhill Cranes. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service naturalists will great you with spotting scopes, binoculars, and the low-down on these marvelous migrating birds. Kids muct be accompanied by an adult. Rubber boots recommended. Please park in designated areas. A Jr. Birder Badge activity.

Eiders & Otters Sat. 1pm–5pm, Harbor Slip E-1, M/V Rainbow Connection.
Common, Stellers and King Eiders winter off the high bluffs of Homer. The elusive King Eider is our target, along with several other seabird species and lots of otters. Come help us find the King! Limit 80. $50pp, $25 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by Rainbow Tours.

Gull Island Getaway 1:30pm-3pm. Harbor, Ramp 1, Slip C22, M/V Northern Star.
Join the crew of the Northern Star and enjoy a narrated natural history and bird watching cruise to Gull Island to view nesting seabirds. Learn about the Homer harbor and habits of the seabirds that visit Gull Island.
Limit 24. $30pp, $15 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by Homer Ocean Charters.

Sea-Kayak with Birds & Wildlife 1:45pm-5:30pm. Harbor Ramp 2; check in 30 minutes prior to departure time at the True North office behind Mako’s Water Taxi.
Take a scenic boat ride to Yukon Island, where you’ll explore intricate coastlines with craggy rock arches and spectacular birds and wildlife. Wear warm, layered clothes and bring a water bottle. Snacks provided. All experience levels welcome. Limit 6. $90pp, $80 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by True North Kayak Adventures.

Leaping Across Continents: Shorebird Life History & Migration 2pm-3pm. High School Theatre.
Join the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s National Coordinator of the US Shorebird Conservation Plan Brad Andres during this presentation that will focus on key components of shorebird natural history within the context of migration. Migration pathways of North American breeding shorebirds will be illustrated and flyway-scale conservation issues will be discussed.

Family Bird Walk 3pm-4:30pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Bring the entire family out for this guided bird walk that will have you out on the edges of the woods and shrubs, the Beluga Slough mudflats and adjacent grasslands and Bishop's Beach. Join Andrea Swingley and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge biologist Toby Burke, his wife Laura and their seven birding children for this informative, informal, kid-friendly fun walk that is one of the Jr. Birder Badge activities. Bring field guides and binoculars if you have them. Some field guides and binoculars will be available for use during this workshop. Rubber boots recommended. A Jr. Birder Badge activity.

Long Haul Migration: Tracking Shorebirds with Satellite Telemetry 3:30pm-4:30pm. High School Theatre.
Join Bob Gill, project leader for shorebird research with the USGS Alaska Science Center for this overview of the Pacific Shorebird Migration Project. The project is using satellite technology to track several species of large shorebirds on the annual flights – some which entail nonstop flights lasting up to 10 days and covering distances of 11,000 km. Bob will share insights into how birds can accomplish such feats and discuss the conservation implication of such international travel.

Keynote Address: Past, Present & Future 5pm-6:30pm. High School Theatre.
This year’s Keynote speaker Richard Crossley will share stories of past lessons learned from days growing up in the wild British birding scene, from travels around the world to living in Cape May, New Jersey. Told in a Yorkshire brogue, through a camera lens that loves color and art. And what of birding in the future? This presentation just might change your thoughts! Copies of The Shorebird Guide, co-authored by Richard Crossley, will be available for purchase and signing after this presentation. $6pp. Sponsored by World Wildlife Fund.

Bird Beer Bash 7pm-8pm. Alice’s Champagne Palace.
Join friends for this fun-filled social event, with local naturalists Carmen and Conrad Field hosting the Bird Quiz Bowl. Teams compete to answer bird trivia questions and win great prizes, and participants learn how to become involved in the Homer-based International Bird Beer Label Association (I.B.B.L.A.) while enjoying a special bird brew. A rare opportunity to become an IBBLA member (and contribute to local bird conservation efforts) will also be featured this year! Sponsored by the International Bird Beer Label Association and Alice’s Champagne Palace.

Family Birding Station 7pm-8:30pm. Lighthouse Village.
Dress warmly and bring the whole family outdoors to view hungry shorebirds, colorful waterfowl, and graceful Sandhill Cranes. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service naturalists will greet you with spotting scopes, binoculars, and the low-down on these marvelous migrating birds. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Rubber boots recommended. Please park only in designated parking areas. A Jr. Birder Badge activity.

Shorebird Viewing Station 7pm-8:30pm. Mud Bay.
Meet at the base of the Spit, where guides in orange vests will help you locate and identify shorebirds feeding in the mudflats. Spotting scopes, binoculars and guidebooks will be available for use. Rubber boots recommended. Please park only in designated areas.

On the Wing – Celebrating Birds and Spring with Poetry and Song 8pm-10pm.
Bunnell Street Gallery.
This 6th Annual concert, featuring life-long Homer musicians Sunrise Kilcher-Sjoberg and friends, will showcase a variety of primarily vocal music along with readings by contributing poets. Those interested in submitting bird-related poems to be shared during this event should contact Sunrise at 907-235-7326 by April 25^th. $10pp. Proceeds benefit the Shorebird Education and Conservation Fund. Sponsored by Bunnell Street Gallery, with support from Fresh Sourdough Express.

Sunday, May 11 - High Tide 7:35am & 9:02pm

FESTIVAL REGISTRATION 8am-4pm. Homer Chamber of Commerce

Birding by Ear 6am-7:30am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Local birders Dale Chorman & Rich Kleinleder will help you to learn to identify the most common local songbirds by their songs and calls. A short classroom session will be followed by a field walk. Limit 25. $2pp.

Family Birding Station 6:45am-8:15am. Lighthouse Village.
Dress warmly and bring the whole family outdoors to view hungry shorebirds, colorful waterfowl, and graceful Sandhill Cranes. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service naturalists will greet you with spotting scopes, binoculars, and the low-down on these marvelous migrating birds. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Rubber boots recommended. Please park only in designated areas. A Jr. Birder Badge activity.

Shorebird Viewing Station 6:45am-8:15am. Mud Bay.
Meet at the base of the Spit, where guides in orange vests will help you locate and identify shorebirds feeding in the mudflats. Spotting scopes, binoculars and guidebooks will be available for use. Rubber boots recommended. Please park only in designated areas.

Overlook Park Hike 7am-3pm. Meet at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center for transportation
to the trailhead.
Spend the day enjoying this guided, strenuous, 6.5 mile hike along the north shore of Kachemak Bay to visit Overlook Park, an undisturbed pocket of native coastal habitat, and a remote unit of the Alaska State Park system. View shorebirds, sea ducks, marine mammals, ravens and eagles along the shore and bluff, as well as early songbird migrants and waterfowl around the ponds in the Park. This all-day hike is considered strenuous due to length, steep and uneven terrain, creek crossings and unimproved trail. Bring binoculars, lunch, water, raingear and sturdy, waterproof knee boots. Proceeds benefit the management of Overlook Park. Limit 12. $10pp. Sponsored by the Kachemak Bay Conservation Society.

Barren Island Birding 7am-5pm. Harbor, Ramp 2, Slip C-5, M/V Sizzler.
Visit the largest Bird Rookery, the Federal Wildlife Marine Refuge, and the Barren Islands. This is a great birding opportunity to view pelagic seabirds, whales and more during this over-100 mile round trip with a naturalist on board. Dress warm with rain gear and bring binoculars, bird books and cameras. Lunch included. Limit 20. $149pp. In the event that Friday’s tour is cancelled due to weather, a Saturday tour will take place, weather-dependent, for Friday’s ticketed participants. Sponsored by Rainbow Tours.

Birding in Taiwan 8:30am-9:15am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Taiwan is an island 10% larger than Vancouver Island, British Columbia, with 15 endemic species (some authors recognize 29 endemics). This presentation by Jo Ann MacKenzie, the Executive Secretary of the Taiwan International Birding Association (Canada), will share information on Taiwan’s habitats, endemic birds, and one of the rarest birds in the world, the Chinese Crested Tern, as well as some of the bird species that occur in both Alaska and Taiwan.

Migration Run 9am-10:30am. Fishing Lagoon, Homer Spit.
Celebrating its 12th year, the Migration Run is a certified 5k run, great for serious runners, casual runners, walkers and families. The Run migrates along a northbound 5-kilometer route from the paved Spit trail to the Lighthouse Village. Come on out in your best shorebird costume for a chance to win special goodies. Refreshments, awards and prizes await participants at the finish area. A free shuttle bus is available to return participants to the start. Pre-registration is required for this event: $10pp, $5 kids 10 & under, $20 families. Day-of-event-registration: $20pp, $10 kids 10 & under, $40 families. Sponsored by Homer High Cross Country Team, with support from Homer Tours, Duane Knapp & Helen Larsen.

Birders’ Coffee 9am-11am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
After a morning in the field, warm up with hot beverages and fresh pastries, and join Festival speakers and fellow birders in sharing bird sightings and stories. Meet the feathered guests from the Bird Treatment & Learning Center in Anchorage and check out the display of optics. This will also be your last chance to buy tickets for the spotting scope, the Birders’ Basket and the Across the Bay Getaway. Sponsored by Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Kachemak Bay Research Reserve & World Wildlife Fund. With support from Captain’s Coffee, Fresh Sourdough Express and Two Sisters Bakery.

Seabird Sidetrip 9am-noon. Harbor, bottom of Ramp 3, to the right, M/V Torega.
Join local bird expert Karl Stoltzfus aboard the Torega as he shares his favorite birding places during a 3-hour cruise of upper Kachemak Bay. Enjoy looking for Kittlitz’s & Marbled Murrelets, eiders, loons, Red-faced Cormorants, some shorebirds, and many other species, with excellent close-up viewing opportunities for all passengers. Limit 12. $55pp. Sponsored by Bay Excursions.

Junior Badge Awards Ceremony 9:15am-9:45am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
The Festival’s 1st Annual Junior Bird Badge Awards, where kids ages 5 to 10 who have completed all of their badge requirements during the Festival weekend will receive their patches. Come show your support to these future birders. Sponsored by Kachemak Bay Research Reserve & Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

“Birding Exposed” by Keynote Richard Crossley & Kachemak Bay Big Day Birding Challenge Winners’ Ceremony 10am-11am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Join this year’s Keynote Richard Crossley for his final Festival presentation. This informal discussion on “birding, from being a beginner to being an expert” will give hope to birders of all skill levels, as Richard shares just how surprisingly slight the differences between the two can be, and what it takes to move from beginner to expert. Winners of the 1st Annual Kachemak Bay Big Day Birding Challenge will be awarded prior to the talk. Sponsored by World Wildlife Fund & Anchorage Audubon.

Snowy Plovers & the San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds 11am-noon. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
The former commercial salt evaporation ponds in the South San Francisco Bay support many of Bay’s migrating shorebirds and waterfowl as well as breeding western snowy plovers. The South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project is currently working to restore the salt ponds to tidal habitats. Join Caitlin Robinson as she discusses the impact this project may have on the many snowy plovers that thrive in the salt pond environment. Sponsored by Tim Schantz Memorial Fund.

Friendship Beach Walk 11am-4pm. Harbor, top of Ramp 2, MW.
Take a 30-minute cruise across the Bay and brake for birds along the way. Guided by experienced ornithologists, you’ll tour two lagoons, trace the Glacier Spit shoreline and take a detour into the forest to experience a variety of unique habitats, while helping to support an important organization. Bring a lunch. Limit 15. Suggested donation $60pp. Proceeds benefit Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park.

Birding the Kenai Peninsula 12:30pm-1:30pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Driving north after the Festival and looking for some great birding hotspots on the way? Retired fish biologist Ken Tarbox will take you on a virtual tour of some of the sites and viewing opportunities, with an emphasis on birds, highlighting stops on the Kenai Peninsula Wildlife Viewing Trail. The trail consists of 65 sties that are road accessible and offer great year round wildlife viewing opportunities.

Feathers & Folding 1pm-3pm. Pratt Museum.
Stop by the Museum and join in a celebration of shorebirds with an afternoon of “Feathers and Folding”, a hands-on opportunity for kids and companion adults to learn about bird feathers up close and to make an origami bird. For more information contact Ryjil Christianson at (907)235-8635 or education@prattmuseum.org. Museum admission applies, members free. Sponsored by the Pratt Museum.

Intermediate Birding in Anchor Point 2pm-3:30pm. Meet at the Anchor Point beach parking lot.
Naturalist John Wenger and National Park Service Ranger Elizabeth Wasserman will help participants find and identify shorebirds, seabirds and waterfowl that can be found at this interesting site where the Anchor River runs parallel to the beach. Binoculars and rubber boots recommended. Participants will need to provide their own transportation.

Gull Island Tour 5pm-6pm. Harbor, corner of A&C Float, M/V Danny J.
Enjoy a one hour boat ride aboard this classic wooden boat that will take you to Gull Island to view kittiwakes, murres, puffins and other seabirds. Limit 34. $10pp, $5 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by Kachemak Bay Ferry.

Other Things to do in Homer

Artist Meet & Greet at Picture Alaska Art Gallery, Friday, May 9, 3pm-7pm & Saturday, May 10, 2pm-4pm, 448 E Pioneer Ave. Teri Sloat, author and illustrator of children’s books, will demonstrate and discuss her favorite painting techniques that produce the brilliant color seen in her illustrations and paintings. Teri will demonstrate burnishing with colored pencils on Friday and in oil color on Saturday. Birders will especially enjoy Teri’s display of shorebird art. Enjoy refreshments and these fun and educational demonstrations as you visit with Teri. For more information on books and paintings by Teri Sloat, visit www.terisloat.com. Sponsored by Picture Alaska Art Gallery.

Birders’ Art Walk at Homer’s downtown art galleries, Friday, May 9, 5pm-7pm. Homer’s art community welcomes birders. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and door prizes while browsing each gallery’s featured exhibits. A Gallery Guide and list of featured exhibits is available at the Homer Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Art Shop Gallery, Bunnell Street Gallery, Fireweed Gallery, Homer Council on the Arts, Picture Alaska Gallery and Ptarmigan Arts.

Celebrate the Birds Return at Cranehaven Studio, Friday & Sunday, May 9 & 11, noon-4pm, 58335 Cranewings Court, 4.5 mile off East End Road. Basket and story weaver Mavis Muller celebrates the birds return with a fun basketry class. View Sandhill cranes while you weave a nest-like basket using natural materials such as wild grass, nettles and alder. This four hour class is designed for beginners, ages 9-90. Class fee is $35, all materials provided. Registration required, call Mavis at 907-235-5132.

Garden & Wildlife Viewing at Fritz Creek Gardens, Thursday-Sunday, May 8-11, open 10am-6pm, 8.5miles out of town, off East End Road. Walks and lectures daily at 10:30am & 3pm. These gardens have been featured in garden magazines and newspapers and are a source for plants. With over 500 varieties of AlaskaHardy perennials, trees, shrubs and roses, songbirds, hummingbirds and other birds are always in the gardens feasting on their favorite plants. Waterfowl and larger animals often visit the one acre pond. Plants featured in the gardens are offered for sale. www.alaskahardy.com. $2pp, kids free. Sponsored by Fritz Creek Gardens.

Garden Viewing & Lectures at Fritz Creek Botanical Gardens, Thursday-Sunday, May 10-13, open 10am-6pm
Walks and lectures daily at 10:30am & 3pm, 8.5miles East End Road. These gardens have been featured in garden magazines and newspapers and are a source for plants. With over 500 varieties of AlaskaHardy perennials, trees, shrubs and roses, songbirds, hummingbirds and other birds are always in the gardens feasting on their favorite plants. Waterfowl and larger animals often visit the one acre pond. Plants featured in the gardens are offered for sale. $2pp, kids free. Sponsored by Fritz Creek Botanical Gardens.

Goblets of Gold 2nd Annual Mead Competition Awards Ceremony at the Ring of Fire Meadery, Saturday, May 10, 6pm, 178 E Bunnell Ave. This Awards Ceremony will feature the winning brewers from this year's competition. Open to amateur mead makers. Mead entries due by 6pm on May 9th. Call 907-235-2656 for more information. Sponsored by Ring of Fire Meadery.

Going to the Birds 2nd Annual Bird Art Competition at the Ring of Fire Meadery, May 2-11, 178 E Bunnell Ave. Prizes awarded. Entry deadline is April 22, 6pm, call 235-2656 for more information. Bird Art will be on display at the Ring of Fire Meadery throughout the month of May. Stop by the Meadery between noon and 6pm during the Shorebird Festival weekend to sample honey wine and vote for your favorite piece of original artwork submitted during this year's competition. The Award Ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 11 at 4pm. Call 907-235-2656 for more information. Sponsored by the Ring of Fire Meadery.

Mother’s Day Birder’s Brunch at Land’s End Resort, Sunday, May 11, 10am-3pm, Land’s End Resort’s Chart Room Restaurant at the end of the Homer Spit. Watch seabirds from your table while you enjoy this special Mother’s Day Brunch featuring prime rib, eggs benedict, fresh fish, homemade desserts and much more. All Mom’s will receive a free rose. $22.95pp, $14.95 kids 7-12, kids 6 and under free. Reservations required, call 907-235-0406. Sponsored by Land’s End Resort.

Shorebird Breakfast at the Homer United Methodist Church, Saturday, May 10, 7am-noon, 770 East End Road, next to Homer High School. This 11th Annual all-you-can-eat breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice, coffee and tea. $8pp, $4 kids under 11. Sponsored by Homer United Methodist Church.

Shorebird Festival 13th Annual Amateur Photo Contest at NOMAR. Accepted categories are Alaskan Wildlife, Alaskan Scenic, and Black and White. Entry deadline is May 5, 6pm, with cash prizes awarded. Exhibit will be on display May 8-29 at NOMAR, 104 E Pioneer Ave. Entry forms available at NOMAR, Eagle Eye Photo and the Homer Chamber of Commerce. Contact Nomar at 907-235-8363 or nomar@xyz.net for more information. Sponsored by NOMAR Canvas Products and Eagle Eye Photo.

Tour Homer’s Best Nests Saturday, May 10, 1pm-4pm. Stop by the Alderfer Group office at 925 Seaplane Court (just across the Beluga Lake bridge) and pick up your Best Nests Map for this self-guided tour that will lead you to some of the best residential nests in the Homer area. Tour maps are available at the AlderferGroup office 9am-5pm on Thurs & Fri, May 8 & 9, & 10am-2pm on Sat, May 10. Whether you’re looking for a home design or construction ideas, or simply want to learn more about property in Homer, this tour is for you. $5 tour fee, with proceeds donated to local environmental and wildlife habitat programs. Contact AlderferGroup at 907-235-5232 or www.alderfergroup.com for more information. Sponsored by AlderferGroup.

Wine Tasting & Winery Tour at Bear Creek Winery, Friday & Saturday, May 9 & 10, noon-6pm, 60203 Bear Creek Drive, just over 3 miles out of town, off East End Road. Visit the Peninsula’s finest winery for a sampling of their delicious wines made from local fruits and berries, including rhubarb, blueberries and raspberries. For more information call 907- 235-8484. Sponsored by Bear Creek Winery.