Festivals to Celebrate Shorebirds, Migratory Birds, and Whooping Cranes

	Great egret . Click on image to enlarge.

Public festivals in three states will celebrate the wonder and beauty of shorebird migration (Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex), migratory birds (Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, California), and whooping cranes (Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Wisconsin) in early September. Events will include programs about native birds and other species, and activities for children.

Oregon Shorebird Festival, September 9-11, Bandon:Birders of all levels are welcome to join presentations, field trips, and reviews of birds seen along the scenic Oregon coast, which include avocets, plovers, and sandpipers. Contact Dawn Grafe, Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, (541) 867-4550; e-mail, oregoncoast@fws.gov.

Wings of the Warners Festival (Migratory Bird Festival), September 16-18, Alturas, CA: With a sandhill crane theme, the festival highlights the birds of the Warner Mountains, and includes guided tours and workshops at Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, where species include loons, grebes, egrets, and waterfowl. Contact the refuge at (530) 233-3572; e-mail, Modoc@fws.gov.

Whooping Crane Festival, September 17, Necedah , WI : Thousands of people come each year to this event to honor and learn about the elegant whooping crane and its reintroduction program at the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. The festival includes guided refuge bus tours, information booths, and programs in Necedah, where the local restaurant has even changed its name to “The Little Crane Café.” Contact Larry Wargowsky, Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, (608) 565-4400; e-mail, Larry_Wargowsky@fws.gov.