Each year the Refuge celebrates WMBD to encourage support for migratory bird conservation. The theme for this year’s installment of the annual celebration is “Every Bird Counts - Your Observations Matter!”. Join us for a few hours or for the whole celebration!
When: Saturday May 9, 2026, festival runs from 7:00 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
Highlights
Guided Early Bird Hikes | 7:00 am and 9:00 am | Guided bird hikes at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. Take an early morning walk with an experienced birder to see who’s flitting around early in the morning! Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
Guided Photography Hike | 9:00 am | Calling all photography enthusiasts! Join a refuge volunteer on a photography nature hike! Explore the beauty of nature through your lens! The hike is open to all levels, from beginners to experienced photographers, and is a great opportunity to practice your skills and capture stunning images. Duration: approximately 1 hour
Registration is required for guided hikes. To register, please call 608-539-2311 x2 or email dana_schelling@fws.gov
Bird Banding Demonstrations | 8:00 - 11:00 am | Watch how wild birds are banded and recorded for research purposes. | Near the Woods Trail
At the Observation Deck Area
Kids Craft Station | 9:00 - 11:00 am | Join a refuge volunteer for a fun and easy craft. This activity is for the whole family.
Macroinvertebrates | 9:00 - 11:00 am | Join Nora and Delaney from Happy Dancing Turtle to learn about common freshwater macroinvertebrates.
Informational Booths | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm | Connect with local organizations as they share information about the amazing work they are doing along the River. Village of Trempealeau - Wisconsin Bird City, Driftless Birds, Audubon Upper Mississippi River, Trempealeau Public Library, Friends of Trempealeau NWR and the National Eagle Center. There will be book giveaways, a native plants garden raffle, and more!
At the Outdoor Wonders Learning Center
River Valley Raptors Inc. Booth | 9:00 - 11:00 am | Abbey Krumrie will have live raptors that she has rehabilitated and answer questions about these amazing birds. | The booth will be located outside of the building.
River Valley Raptors Presentation | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Learn what a raptor is and see them up close! Join Abbey Krumrie, from River Valley Raptors Inc. for a fun and informative raptor program.