Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival

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Other Things to Do in Homer

2010 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 served basis.

A current bird sightings list will be posted at the Island & 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-Specific Event

Thursday, May 6-High Tide 8:47am 12.6 FT

FESTIVAL REGISTRATION 8am-7pm Homer Chamber of Commerce

Cranes and Croissants SOLD OUT 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, $15 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by Seaside Farm.

Shorebird Viewing Stations 7:45am-10:45am. 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.

Kachemak Bay Birding & Wildlife Natural History Tour SOLD OUT 8am-4pm. Harbor Ramp 6, slip EE-19, M/V Lady Hawke
Kachemak Bay at its best! This full-day birding and wildlife tour will take you to Aurora Lagoon, the Eldridge Passage/Yukon Island/Sadie Cove area, as well as through the southside community of Halibut Cove. Watch for several species of marine mammals, waterbirds and seabirds, as well as mountain goats, and learn about the fascinating geology and natural history of Kachemak Bay. Lunch provided. Limit 6. $150pp, $130 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by Seaman's Adventures.

Cold Duck Time SOLD OUT 8:30am-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 SOLD OUT 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. $65pp. Sponsored by Bay Excursions.

Kayaking with Birds & Wildlife SOLD OUT 10am-2pm. Harbor Ramp 2, True North office.
Check in 15 minutes prior to departure time at the True North office behind Mako’s Water Taxi. Take a scenic water taxi ride to Yukon Island. Paddle around the Island, watching for sea ducks, shorebirds, eagles and sea otters. You will explore intricate coastlines with craggy rock arches and spectacular birds and wildlife, while learning the lore of the island. Wear warm, layered clothes and raingear. Bring water and lunch. Light snacks and hot drinks provided. All experience levels welcome. Limit 6. $90pp, $75 kids 11 & under. Sponsored by True North Kayak Adventures.

Wildscaping: Sharing our Space with Wildlife 11am-noon. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Wherever you live, wildlife will visit if you can safely offer what they need. Carla Stanley shares ways that we can support our local wildlife, from bird feeders to acres of land. Join Carla Stanley at 12:30pm for a Wildscaping van ride to some local spots where you will see examples of ways our wildlife are being supported.

Bird Songs: Local Music 12:30pm-1:30pm. 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.

Wildscaping Van Trip SOLD OUT 12:30pm-2pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Join local wildlife enthusiast Carla Stanley on this guided van ride that will take participants to some local spots that show ways in which our wildlife are being supported. Limit $14. $3pp

Birding Africa 1:30pm-2:30pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Local birder Betty Siegel shares highlights of her six weeks in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, where she saw 750 bird species as well as many mammals, reptiles and spectacular sights. Sponsored by Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges.

Kayaking with Birds & Wildlife SOLD OUT 2pm-6pm. Harbor Ramp 2, True North office.
Check in 15 minutes prior to departure time at the True North office behind Mako’s Water Taxi. Take a scenic water taxi ride to Yukon Island. Paddle around the Island, watching for sea ducks, shorebirds, eagles and sea otters. You will explore intricate coastlines with craggy rock arches and spectacular birds and wildlife, while learning the lore of the island. Wear warm, layered clothes and raingear. Bring water and lunch. Light snacks and hot drinks provided. All experience levels welcome. Limit 6. $90pp, $75 kids 11 & under. Sponsored by True North Kayak Adventures. Adventures.

Kachemak Bay Area Owls 3pm-4pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Local birder Jason Sodergren studies and bands owls in the Kachemak Bay area. Jason will share his recent and ongoing owl banding, tracking efforts and next box construction, as well as discuss owl field marks, calls and behavior, and how to spot and identify owls in the Kachemak Bay area.

Kachemak Bay Shorebird Monitoring 4pm-5pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Local birder and conservationist George Matz speaks on this important project. Kachemak Bay, located in Alaska's Cook Inlet region, is recognized as an important stopover for migrating shorebirds. Two areas of the Bay, the Fox River Flats and Mud Bay/Mariner Park Lagoon on the Homer Spit, have been named Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network sites of international significance. Other parts of the Bay also have conservation Designations; in fact, virtually the entire Bay has been named a State Critical Habitat Area as well as a National Estuarine Research Reserve unit. George will discuss the Kachemak Bay Birder's Shorebird Monitoring project that is currently taking place in Kachemak Bay. Sponsored by Kachemak Bay Birders.

Beginners’ Bird Walk Beluga Lake 4pm-5:30pm. Airport Viewing Platform.
Kachemak Bay Birders' volunteers will help participants search for migratory songbirds, waterfowl and other birds by sight and by sound. Binoculars and rubber boots recommended. Sponsored by Kachemak Bay Birders.

"Bird Locally, Eat Globally" 5pm-7pm. Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.
Enjoy this free Shorebird Festival kick-off reception, with refreshments and activities for the entire family. Sponsored by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.

"Singing for the Birds" 7pm-8pm. Homer Council on the Arts.
Susan Grace, known as an Alaskan Troubadour, Naturalist and Educator, will perform her natural folk style of music, singing out for the birds, critters and Alaskan wilderness. Open to all ages, all proceeds will benefit the Homer Council on the Arts, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide the opportunity for all people in our community to experience and participate in the arts. Visit www.susangracealaska.com for more information on Susan Grace. Tickets available via the Festival registration form and at the Homer Council on the Arts. Call 907-235-4288 for more information. $10 HCOA members, $12 non-members. Sponsored by the Homer Council on the Arts.

Mr. Whitekeys 8:30pm-10pm. Alice's Champagne Palace.
Mr. Whitekeys brings The 3rd Annual Shorebird Follies to the 2010 Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, and this year's show will be bigger and better than ever. Featuring cheesy songs, tacky costumes, a whiz-bank digital multi-media show, and oodles of shorebird fun. Joining Mr. Whitekeys on stage will be fabulous chanteuse Miss Crissy Ditmore. According to Mr. Whitekeys, she's the ultimate shorebird entertainer: "She sings like a nightingale, she eats like a bird, and she has been known to lay an egg or two." Crissy has preformed at Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, and once saw a Fork-tailed Storm Petrel on the way to Valdez. Mr. Whitekeys has performed extensively throughout Alaska. Highlighted appearances during this past winter have included the Romig Middle School 8th Grade career Fair and a political fundraiser in the living room of a guy named Vito. Tickets available via the Festival registration form and at the Homer Chamber of Commerce. 21 & older only. $25pp. Sponsored by World Wildlife Fund & Alice's Champagne Palace.

Friday May 7 - High Tide 10:09 am - 12.2 Ft

FESTIVAL REGISTRATION 8am-7pm Homer Chamber of Commerce

Homer Hot Spots Tour 7am-8:30am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Hop on the bus with local birders 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 21. $20pp.

Cranes and Croissants SOLD OUT 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, $15 kids 12 & under. 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 and Alaska National Wildlife Refuge.

Barren Island Birding 7am-5pm. Harbor, Ramp 2, Slip E-2, M/V Jackpot.
Visit a Bird Rookery on Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge at 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. Sponsored by Rainbow Tours.

Kachemak Bay Birding & Wildlife Natural History Tour SOLD OUT 8am-4pm.
Harbor Ramp 6, slip EE-19, M/V Lady Hawke
Kachemak Bay at its best! This full-day birding and wildlife tour will take you to Aurora Lagoon, the Eldridge Passage/Yukon Island/Sadie Cove area, as well as through the southside community of Halibut Cove. Watch for several species of marine mammals, waterbirds and seabirds, as well as mountain goats, and learn about the fascinating geology and natural history of Kachemak Bay. Lunch provided. Limit 6. $150pp, $130 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by Seaman's Adventures.

Shorebird Viewing Stations 9am-noon. 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 is the Word Writing Workshop 9:30am-10:30am. Homer Public Library.
Join Homer writer Nancy Lord for this workshop which will inspire participants to capture their birding adventures in creative prose or poetry. Nancy Lord is the author of seven books of fiction and nonfiction. She is also the Alaska Writer Laureate for 2008-2010. Bring pen and paper. Limit 20. $3pp. Sponsored by the Friends of the Homer Public Library.

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 and Don 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.

Intermediate/Advanced Birders’ Shorebirding Walk SOLD OUT 9:30am-11am. Mud Bay Spit.
Expert birder George Matz leads this walk, geared for intermediate to advanced birders, out on to the small sandy spit that stretches into Mud Bay. Rubber boots recommended. Park and meet at the parking lot on Kachemak Drive. Limit 20. $3pp. Sponsored by Kachemak Bay Birders.

Optics 101 10am-11am. 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.

Kayaking with Birds & Wildlife 10am-2pm. Harbor Ramp 2, True North office.
Check in 15 minutes prior to departure time at the True North office behind Mako’s Water Taxi. Take a scenic water taxi ride to Yukon Island. Paddle around the Island, watching for sea ducks, shorebirds, eagles and sea otters. You will explore intricate coastlines with craggy rock arches and spectacular birds and wildlife, while learning the lore of the island. Wear warm, layered clothes and raingear. Bring water and lunch. Light snacks and hot drinks provided. All experience levels welcome. Limit 6. $90pp, $75 kids 11 & under. Sponsored by True North Kayak Adventures.

Homer Hot Spots Tour SOLD OUT 10:30am-noon. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Hop on the bus with local birders 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 21. $20pp.

Beginning Bird Walk Beluga Slough, Bishops Beach SOLD OUT 11am-noon.
Meet at 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 Marianne Aplin. Fine tune your bird ID skills while learning about shorebird food resources and shorebird habitat conservation efforts around Kachemak Bay. Binoculars and rubber boots recommended. Limit 21. $3pp. Sponsored by Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Celebrating 50 Years and Beyond 11am-noon.
Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
The establishment of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in 1960 was a milestone in American History. Unlike any national park or wildlife refuge established before it, the Refuge was America's first vast wilderness area, eight time larger than Yellowstone National Park, and was set aside to preserve unique wildlife, wilderness and recreation values. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this momentous occasion, Jimmy Fox with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will highlight the special values of Arctic Refuge and promote the appreciation of this National Wildlife Refuge System.

Digiscoping: Capturing the Image 12:30pm-1:30pm. 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. Sponsored by Eagle Optics.

Alaska's Amazing Seabirds 1pm-2pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Homer naturalist and birder Carmen Field will bring to life the world of Alaska's seabirds. From pelagic
storm-petrels and the ever-present gulls, to animated puffins and their relatives.

Creatures of the Dock SOLD OUT 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. Limit 20. $10pp, $5 kids 10 & under, toddlers free. Sponsored by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.

Digiscoping Field Workshop 1:30pm-2:30pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Bring your digiscoping gear - camera and scope - outside with Leica Optics’ Jeff Bouton. This field trip is a great follow-up to the digiscoping classroom session. Sponsored by Leica Optics.

Gull Island Getaway 1:30pm-3pm. Harbor, Ramp 1, Slip C23, M/V Northern Star.
Join the crew of the Northern Star for a cruise across Kachemak Bay to Gull Island to view thousands of nesting seabirds. There will be great photo opportunities and you will learn about the Homer harbor and habits of the seabirds that visit Gull Island each summer. The Northern Star is a large, enclosed boat with large windows. Limit 24. $30pp, $15 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by Homer Ocean Charters.

The Kittlitz's Murrelet Conundrum: Pleistocene Relic or Population Sink 2pm-3pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
The Kittlitz's Murrelet is a rare seabird that nests in remote alpine terrain throughout Alaska and the Russian Far East. Nest sites are generally located on inaccessible mountain slopes, volcanoes or remote islands in the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Archipelago. Consequently, only 24 nests have been described before 2005. During 2006, while working on a reintroduction project of Evermann's Rock Ptarmigan at Agattu Island, Robb Kaler and Leah Kenney serendipitously discovered 12 Kittlitz's Murrelet nests. Join wildlife biologist Robb Kaler as he shares Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge's exciting research on this little-studies seabird.

Kayaking with Birds & Wildlife 2pm-6pm. Harbor Ramp 2, True North office.
Check in 15 minutes prior to departure time at the True North office behind Mako’s Water Taxi. Take a scenic water taxi ride to Yukon Island. Paddle around the island, watching for sea ducks, shorebirds, eagles and sea otters. You will explore intricate coastlines with craggy rock arches and spectacular birds and wildlife, while learning the lore of the island. Wear warm, layered clothes and raingear. Bring water and lunch. Light snacks and hot drinks provided. All experience levels welcome. Limit 6. $90pp, $75 kids 11 & under. Sponsored by True North Kayak Adventures.

Bird Drawing for Ages 12 to Adults with Festival artwork artist Aurora Firth SOLD OUT 3pm-4pm.
Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Join the young artist who created this year's featured Festival artwork for an introduction to field sketching techniques. Bring a journal and pen or pencil. Limit 12. $3pp.

Intermediate Birding Beluga Slough, Bishops Beach SOLD OUT 3pm-4pm.
Meet at 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 conservation efforts around Kachemak Bay. Binoculars and rubber boots recommended. Limit 21. $3pp. Sponsored by Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

Migration Routes of Kachemak Bay's Lesser Sandhill Cranes 3pm-4pm.
Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
A Study of the migration and wintering areas of Homer's lesser Sandhill Cranes was initiated in 2008 by the International Crane Foundation, when Gar Ivey and his assistant Caroline Herziger marked ten cranes near Homer. Each bird was fitted with a satellite transmitter and tracked using satellite technology to document their migration routes and winter destinations. Gary, Western Crane Conservation Manager for the International Crane Foundation, will talk about the detailed results of this study, including where the cranes went and what happened to them. Sponsored by Kachemak Bay Crane Watch.

Junior Birder Discovery Lab 3pm-5pm. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Kids ages 5 to 10 will have the opportunity to earn a Junior 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. To learn more about Junior Birder Badge Requirements, click here. Sponsored by Kachemak Bay Research Reserve, Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and World Wildlife Fund.

From Barrow to Baja: Important Marine Bird Areas of the Pacific Coast 4pm-5pm.
Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Audubon Alaska is joining with partners in Canada, the lower 48 states and Mexico to identify and map marine important bird areas (IBAs) along the Pacific Coast of North America. Alaska plays a huge role in this effort, with over 50 million seabirds, 87% of all in the U.S., nesting in Alaska. This is part of a global effort initiated by BirdLife International, and is being coordinated by Audubon Alaska and Audubon California. Audubon Alaska's Director of Bird Conservation, Matt Kirchhoff will describe progress on this project to date, highlighted with some examples of particularly important marine IBAs in Alaska, and some discussion about the role of IBAs in marine protected areas and fisheries management.

Tour Gull Island 4pm-5pm. Harbor Ramp 1, 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.

Welcome Reception for Keynote Speaker 4pm-6pm. Pratt Museum.
Meet this year's Keynote Speaker Peter Harrison, as well as Festival special guest artist Patty Lekanoff-Gregory. Enjoy refreshments and browse the current Pratt Museum exhibit: "Backyard Alaska", where Homer artists Michael Walsh and Asia Freeman explore the stories - truths and myths - contained in our backyards. Sponsored by World Wildlife Fund, Chevron and the Pratt Museum.

Welcome Reception with Special Guest Artist Patty Lekanoff-Gregory 4pm-6pm.
Pratt Museum
Patty Lekanoff-Gregory is an Aleut Alaskan born and raised in Unalaska. She had the honor of learning the revived art form of making Aleut bentwood hats and visors and travels and teaches throughout the State. Patty will be creating her art during this reception and participants will have the opportunity to interact wit h her. Sponsored by Taiga Communications.

Birders Beer Bash 6:30pm-8pm. Alice's Champagne Palace.
Join friends for this fun-filled social event, with local naturalists Carmen and Conrad Field, Keynote Speaker Peter Harrison and his explorer wife Shirley Metz, hosting the Bird Quiz Bowl. Teams compete to answer bird trivia questions and win great prizes, and participants lean how to become involved in the Homer-based International Bird Beer Label Association (IBBLA) 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.

Mr. Whitekeys SOLD OUT 8:30pm-10pm. Alice's Champagne Palace.
Mr. Whitekeys brings The 3rd Annual Shorebird Follies to the 2010 Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, and this year's show will be bigger and better than ever. Featuring cheesy songs, tacky costumes, a whiz-bank digital multi-media show, and oodles of shorebird fun. Joining Mr. Whitekeys on stage will be fabulous chanteuse Miss Crissy Ditmore. According to Mr. Whitekeys, she's the ultimate shorebird entertainer: "She sings like a nightingale, she eats like a bird, and she has been known to lay an egg or two." Crissy has preformed at Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, and once saw a Fork-tailed Storm Petrel on the way to Valdez. Mr. Whitekeys has performed extensively throughout Alaska. Highlighted appearances during this past winter have included the Romig Middle School 8th Grade career Fair and a political fundraiser in the living room of a guy named Vito. Tickets available via the Festival registration form and at the Homer Chamber of Commerce. 21 & older only. $25pp. Sponsored by World Wildlife Fund & Alice's Champagne Palace.

Saturday, May 8 - High Tide 11:25 Am - 12.6 Ft

FESTIVAL REGISTRATION 8am-7pm Homer Chamber of Commerce

Kachemak Bay Big Day Birding Challenge 6am-4pm.
Register your team of 2 to 4 people for the Shorebird Festival's 3rd Annual Kachemak Bay Big Day Birding Challenge. Registration packet, including entry form, bird checklist and rules, is available beginning April 13th 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, beginning at 5:30am at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Participants can enjoy coffee at the optional "send off" 5:30am at the Island & 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, Sunday May 9th at 10am at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. $15 team registration fee. Sponsored by Kachemak Bay Birders, benefits the Shorebird Education & Conservation Fund.

Landscape and Nature Photography SOLD OUT 7am-10am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center
Join Homer Photographer, naturalist and author Taz Tally for a 3 hour photography class (1 hour classroom followed by 2 hours of shooting in the field). Open to ages 6 and up and all photographic abilities. Participants will lean how to shoot memorable landscape and nature photographs, covering composition, lighting, cropping, equipment and Taz's three keys to taking great outdoor photographs. Tax will provide any interested workshop attendees with the opportunity for a personalized image review/critique, post-Festival. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a camera, extra, fully charged battery and an additional memory card. Optional equipment to bring: tripod, shutter release, polarizing filter. Bring water and snacks and dress in warm layers with wind and rain gear, as appropriate. Sturdy footwear for beach walking recommended. Limit 20. $40pp. A percentage of proceeds benefit the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival.

Barren Island Birding 7am-5pm. Harbor, Ramp 2, Slip E-2 M/V Jackpot.
Visit a Bird Rookery on the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge at 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. Sponsored by Rainbow Tours.

Intermediate/Advanced Forest Songbird Walk SOLD OUT 7:30am-9am. Baycrest Trailhead off
Rogers Loop Road.
Join expert birder George Matz 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. $3pp Sponsored by Kachemak Bay Birders

Upper Kachemak Bay Wildlife Tour 8am-12:30pm Harbor Ramp 2, Slip E-1, M/V Rainbow Connection. Join us aboard the 65 foot M/V Rainbow Connection for a trip to the rich shorebird feeding area in front of the Fox, Sheep and Bradley Rivers. We will 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.

Kachemak Bay Birding, Wildlife & Natural History Tour SOLD OUT 8am-4pm Harbor Ramp 6, slip EE-19, MV Lady Hawke. Kachemak Bay at its best! This full-day birding and wildlife tour will take you to Aurora Lagoon, the Eldridge Passage/Yukon Island/Sadie Cove area, as well as through the south side community of Halibut Cove. Watch for several species of marine mammals, waterbirds and seabirds, as well as mountain goats, and learn about the fascinating geology and natural history of Kachemak Bay. Lunch provided. Limit 6. $150pp, $130 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by Seaman's Adventures.

Cold Duck Time SOLD OUT 8:30am-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.

Family Forest Bird Walk SOLD OUT 9am-10am. Carl Wynn Nature Center.
Join Beth Trowbridge, Wynn Nature Center Director for the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, for a guided walk through the boreal forest where you will listen and learn about our migrating songbirds. Binoculars available for loan. Limit 20. No fee, but registration required. A Jr. Birder Badge Activity.

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.

Birding for Beginners 10am-11am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
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 program by biologist Tamara Zeller is for you. Tamara will introduce you to the basic practices used to identify birds. Bring field guides and binoculars if you have them.

Gull Island Getaway 10am-11:30am. Harbor, Ramp 1, Slip C23, M/V Northern Star.
Join the crew of the Northern Star for a cruise across Kachemak Bay to Gull Island to view thousands of nesting seabirds. There will be great photo opportunities and you will learn about the Homer harbor and habiats of the seabirds that visit Gull Island each summer. The Northern Star is a large, enclosed boat with large windows. Limit 24. $30pp, $15 kids 12 & under. Sponsored by Homer Ocean Charters.
Kayaking with Birds & Wildlife SOLD OUT 10am-2pm. Harbor Ramp 2, True North office.
Check in 15 minutes prior to departure time at the True North office behind Mako’s Water Taxi. Take a scenic water taxi ride to Yukon Island. Paddle around the island, watching for sea ducks, shorebirds, eagles and sea otters. You will explore intricate coastlines with craggy rock arches and spectacular birds and wildlife, while learning the lore of the island. Wear warm, layered clothes and raingear. Bring water and lunch. Light snacks and hot drinks provided. All experience levels welcome. Limit 6. $90pp, $75 kids 11 & 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. The Fair is the gateway to birding workshops and presentations, the live bird presentations by Bird Treatment & Learning Center in Anchorage, Keynote Peter Harrison's keynote address, family entertainment by Dan Pascucci, special guest Aleut artist Patty Lekanoff-Gregory and so much more. Sponsored by Chevron.

Live Bird Presentations 10:15am-11:15am. 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 from the Anchorage Bird Treatment & Learning Center will introduce their wild birds and discuss their behaviors. This year's featured birds include a snowy owl, a great gray owl and a great horned owl. A Jr. Birder Badge Activity. $3pp. Sponsored by the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage and Chevron.

Shorebirding by Ear SOLD OUT 10:30am-noon. 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 will have a chance to lend your ears to the birds. Limit 25. $3pp.

Family Birding Station 10:30am-1:30pm. Lighthouse Village.
Dress warmly bring the whole family outdoors to view hungry shorebirds, colorful waterfowl, and graceful Sandhill Cranes. Refuge education specialist Lisa Matlock and U.S. Fish & Wildlife outreach biologist Tamara Zeller 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 in designated areas. A Jr. Birder Badge activity.

Shorebird Viewing Stations 10:30am-1:30pm. 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.

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.

Family Beluga Slough Bird Walk SOLD OUT 11:30am-12:30pm. 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 Refuge Park Ranger Poppy Benson 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. Limit 30 No fee, but registration is required.

Live Bird Presentations 11:30am-12:30pm. 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 from the Anchorage Bird Treatment & Learning Center will introduce their wild birds and discuss their behaviors. This year's featured birds include a snowy owl, a great gray and a great horned owl. $3pp. A Jr. Birder Badge Activity. $3pp. Sponsored by the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage and Chevron.

Whoo-o-o's for Lunch? 12:30pm-1:30pm. Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.
Explore owls from the inside out by dissecting owl pellets, conduct hands-on experiements about raptors and do crafts about birds of all shapes and sizes. Fun for all ages. A Jr. Birder Badge activity. Sponsored by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.

Aleut Bentwood Hats and Visors, a presentation by special guest Aleut artist
Patty Lekanoff-Gregory 1pm-2pm. High School Theatre.
Patty Lekanoff-Gregory is an Aleut artist, born and raised in Unalaska. She had the honor of learning the revived art of creating Aleut bentwood hats and visors. The Aleut hats and visors were worn by the men while paddling their kayak. This art of Aleut Bentwood Hat and Visor making was a lost art, the hats and visors were only found in museums. The late Andrew Gronholdt revived the art and made all the patterns, jigs and templates and then passed this knowledge on to Patty. Today she travels throughout the State, teaching this revived art form. Sponsored by Taiga Communications.

Eiders & Otters 1pm–5pm, Homer Ramp 2 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.

Family Mud Bay Birding Walk SOLD OUT 1:30pm-2:30pm. Lighthouse Village.
Bring the entire family out for this guided bird walk that will have you out on the edges of the words and shrubs, the Beluga Slough mudflats and adjacent grasslands and Bishop's Beach. Join Lisa Matlock, Educational Specialist for Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge 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. Limit 30. No fee, but registration is required.

Bird Drawing for Ages 5-11 with Festival Artwork Artist Aurora Firth SOLD OUT 1:30pm-2:30pm.
Center for Alaskan Coastal studies.
Aurora created this year's featured Festival artwork. Here, other young artists will be encouraged and learn basic field sketching techniques. Bring a journal and pen or pencil. Children must be accompanied by a parent. A Jr. Birder Badge activity. Limit 12. $3pp.

Special Guest Artist Patty Lekanoff-Gregory at the Arts & Education Fair 2pm-4pm.
High School.
Patty Lekanoff-Gregory is an Aleut Alaskan born and raised in Unalaska. She had the honor of learning the revived art form of making Aleut bentwood hats and visors and travels and teaches throughout the State. Patty will be creating her art and participants will have the opportunity to interact with her. Sponsored by Taiga Communications.

Satellite Tracking of Seabirds 2:15pm-3:15pm. High School Theatre.
Since 1994, Wildlife Biologist Scott Hatch has deployed Argos-based transmitters or GPS trackers on more than 130 individuals of 8 species of seabirds in Alaska. A primary focus has been on the wintering areas of birds from geographically dispersed colonies, but recent work has also examined foraging strategies of some species wintering behavior of Northern Fulmars and a marked transition in Black-legged Kittiwakes from deep ocean foraging in spring to exclusive use of neritic waters of the continental shelf during breeding. Join Scott for this discussion on tracking Alaska's seabirds.

Kid's Bird Calling Contest 2:30pm-3pm. High School Choir Room.
Calling all kids! We want you to share your best bird call to win fun prizes. Judges will be looking for accuracy of species call and behavior. An optional Jr. Birder Badge activity.

Family Concert with Dan Pascucci 3pm-4pm. High School Choir Room.
Alaskan musician Dan Pascucci has been entertaining and educating children and adults across the State for many years. Whether teaching in a classroom, performing in a Folk Festival or at open mike, Dan combines his passion for nature and music into a high energy show that will entertain the entire family of all ages. This is a fun-for-the-entire-family event. No fee, but registration is required.

Alaska Curlews & Godwits: Extreme Endurance Athletes 3:30pm-4:30pm. High School Theatre.
Biologist Bob Gill will share the results of an ongoing study that uses satellite tracking technology to follow several species of Curlews and Godwits on their unbelievable migrations throughout the Pacific Basin.

Keynote Address: Ocean Nomads: the Albatrosses 5pm-6:30pm. High School Theatre.
This year's Keynote Speaker Peter Harrison introduces the albatross, the enigmatic birds, the great-winged wanderers of our misnamed homer, Planet Earth. Albatrosses are the largest of all flying birds and the most itinerant life form on the planet, capable of around-the-world journeys in less than 50 days and averaging up to 600 miles a day. They have a flight program that will take them on the equivalent of ten journeys to the moon and back in their 70-year or so life period. Delivered with humor and passion, this is a talk for the child that sits within us all. $8pp. Sponsored by World Wildlife Fund.

Shorebirds Sing at the Salty Dawg Saloon 7:30pm-8:30pm. 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 4th 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 7pm; competition begins at 7:30pm; awards and prizes given out at 8:30pm. Contact the Salty Dawg at 235-6718 with questions. Bar food available. Sponsored by the Salty Dawg Saloon.

The Whiskey Jacks in Concert 9pm-midnight. Alice's Champagne Palace.
This energetic Anchorage band will play foot-stompin' Irish and American tunes at Alice's Champagne Palace. The group's vibrant blend of Irish and American folk music includes selections from the Clancy Brothers, the Pogues, Townes Van Zandt and Robert Earl Keen Jr. All proceeds from this benefit concert will support Kachemak Heritage Land Trust (KHLT), a non-profit organization that preserves, for public benefit, significant Kenai Peninsula conservation land, including areas important to birds and birders. Check out The Whiskey Jacks at www.whiskeyjacks.blogspot.com. Admission is $15, which includes an individual introductory annual membership to KHLT. Enjoy great live music and support land conservation on the Kenai Peninsula. Tickets available at the door. Call 907-235-5263 for more information. Sponsored by Kachemak Heritage Land Trust and Alice's Champagne Palace.

Sunday, May 9 - High Tide 12 Noon - 14.8 Ft

FESTIVAL REGISTRATION 8am-4pm Homer Chamber of Commerce

Birding by Ear SOLD OUT 7am-8:30am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Local birders Dale Chorman and Rich Kleinleder will help you 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. $3pp.

Barren Island Birding 7am-5pm. Harbor, Ramp 2, Slip E-2, M/V Jackpot.
Visit a Bird Rookery on the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge at 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. Sponsored by Rainbow Tours.

Shorebird Festival Bird Tally 8:30am-9am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Bring your sightings and gather with fellow birders to find out which bird species have been seen during this year's Festival.

Migration Run 9am-10:30am. Fishing Lagoon, Homer Spit.
Celebrating its 14th 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 out in your best shorebird costume for a chance to win special prizes. Refreshments, awards and prizes await participants at the finish area, and a free shuttle bus is available to return participants to the start. Pre-registration via the Festival registration form is strongly encouraged, but day-of registration at the Start will be allowed. $10pp, $5 kids 10 & under, $20 families. Sponsored by Homer High Cross Country Team.

Keynote Peter Harrison: "Back from the Dead: Torishima Odyssey" 9am-10am.
Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Few birds ever return from the abyss of extinction. The story of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker is a case in point. Occasionally, however a species returns from that black hole and such a species is the Short-tailed Albatross of Japan. Declared extinct in the 1940's, a handful were rediscovered at Torishima, an active volcano, in the 1950's, with the first egg appearing in 1954. Since then, the population has grown to perhaps a thousand or so. This lecture covers the history of the species and Peter's own journey, founded by New Yorker magazine, to visit Torishima. The expedition resulted in a 22-page profile article published in New Yorker magazine and highlighted the plight of the Short-tailed Albatross. This bird today remains as one of the planet's rarest and most threatened life forms - a species that occurs off the Alaskan coast and once threatened to close the Alaskan fisheries. Limited seating. Sponsored by World Wildlife Fund.

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. View the new photo exhibit celebration 100 years of conserving Alaska's wildlife and wildlands - Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. This will also be your last chance to buy tickets for the Festival raffles: the spotting scope, the Birders’ Basket and the Across the Bay Getaway. Sponsored by Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Kachemak Bay Research Reserve and World Wildlife Fund. With support from Captain’s Coffee, Fresh Sourdough Express and Two Sisters Bakery.

Special Guest Artist Patty Lekanoff-Gregory at the Birders’ Coffee 9am-11am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Patty Lekanoff-Gregory is an Aleut Alaskan born and raised in Unalaska. She had the honor of learning the revived art form of making Aleut bentwood hats and visors and travels and teaches throughout the State. Patty will be creating her art during this gathering and participants will have the opportunity to interact with her. Sponsored by Taiga Communications.

Seabird Sidetrip SOLD OUT 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 and Marbled Murrelets, eiders, loons, Red-faced Cormorants, some shorebirds, and many other species, with excellent close-up viewing opportunities for all passengers. Limit 12. $65pp. Sponsored by Bay Excursions.

Kachemak Bay Big Day Awards Ceremony 10am-10:30am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Members of the Kachemak Bay Birders present awards and prizes to competitors of this year's 3rd Annual Birding Challenge. Show your support for our very own Big Day'ers. Sponsored by Kachemak Bay Birders, Alaska Geographic and Chevron.

Junior Badge Awards Ceremony 10:30am-11am. Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
The Festival’s 3rd Annual Junior Bird Badge Awards. Keynote Peter Harrison joins U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service staff in presenting patches and awards to kids ages 5 to 10 who have completed all of their badge requirements during the Festival weekend. Come show your support to these future birders. Sponsored by Kachemak Bay Research Reserve, Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, World Wildlife Fund and Alaska Geographic.

Kasatochi Volcano - Tracking the Ecological Responses 11am-noon.
Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
In August 2008, the small island volcano of Kasatochi in the Central Aleutian Islands erupted catastrophically and almost without warning. A team of scientists visited Kasatochi in the summer of 2009 to measure the impacts of the eruption and to begin documenting the recovery and reassembly of the terrestrial and nearshore marine ecosystems of this remote island. Join U.S. Geological Survey's research manager Tony DeGange for this informative and unique talk.

Family Birding Station 11am-1pm. Lighthouse Village.
Dress warmly bring the whole family outdoors to view hungry shorebirds, colorful waterfowl, and graceful Sandhill Cranes. Refuge education specialist Lisa Matlock 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 in designated areas. A Jr. Birder Badge activity, post-Festival for credit.

Shorebird Viewing Stations 11am-2pm. 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.

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 will 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.

The Endangered Tuamotu Sandpiper of French Polynesia noon-1pm.
Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.
Marie-Helene Burle is this year's Tim Schantz Memorial Scholarship recipient. Working towards her M.Sc. in Biology at Simon Fraser University, Marie-Helene won the student presentation award at the joint American Ornithologist Union/Society of Canadian Ornithologist conference in San Diego earlier this year. Marie-Helene will share from her field work in French Polynesia, on the social system and breeding biology of the endangered Tuamotu Sandpiper. Sponsored by the Tim Schantz Memorial Scholarship.

Feathers & Folding 1pm-3pm. Pratt Museum.
Join Museum staff and volunteers for an afternoon of "Feathers and Folding". This annual shorebird event offers kids and companion adults the opportunity to learn about bird feathers and 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.

Anchor Point Birding & Nature Walk 2:30pm-4pm. Anchor Point Beach.
Meet at Anchor Point Beach parking lot. Join naturalist John Wenger on a walk along the Anchor River to the Cook Inlet beach. Search for and identify the natural features and wildlife of this interesting site. Bring binoculars, waterproof boots and appropriate clothing. Participants must provide their own transportation. Watch for signs for where to park your vehicle.

Tour Gull Island 5pm-6pm. Harbor Ramp 1, 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

Singing for the Birds at the Homer Council on the Arts, Thursday, May 6th, 7pm-8pm. Susan Grace, known as an Alaskan Troubadour, Naturalist and Educator, will perform her natural folk style of music, singing out for the birds, critters and Alaskan wilderness. Open to all ages, proceeds will benefit the Homer Council on the Arts, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide the opportunity for all people in our community to experience and participate in the arts. Visit www.susangracealaska.com for more information on Susan Grace. Tickets available via the Festival registration form and at the Homer Council on the Arts. Call 907-235-4288 for more information. $10 Homer Council on the Arts members, $12 non-members. Sponsored by the Homer Council on the Arts.

Birders’ First Friday Art Walk at Homer’s downtown art galleries, Friday, May 7, 5pm-8pm. Homer’s art community welcomes birders and art lovers alike. Enjoy complimentary refreshments 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 Arts Center, Fireweed Gallery, Homer Council on the Arts, Picture Alaska Gallery, Ptarmigan Arts and the Pratt Museum.

Wine Tasting & Winery Tour at Bear Creek Winery, Friday & Saturday, May 7 & 8, noon-6pm, 60203 Bear Creek Drive, just over 3 miles out of town, off East End Road. Visit Alaska's favorite tasting room and experience the delightful wines made from local fruits and berries. Try the Alaskan clover-strawberry mead (made with Alaskan honey) and our special Shorebird wine. For more information call 907-235-8484. Sponsored by Bear Creek Winery.

Shorebirder's Pancake Breakfast Saturday, May 8th 6am-noon at Homer United Methodist Church, next to the Homer High School on East End Road. Celebrate Alaska State Parks 40th Anniversary at the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast that includes sausage, juice, coffee and tea. $8 per person, $4 kids under 11. Sponsored by Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park.

Jazzmom's Mother's Day Special Jazz Trio, Saturday, May 8th at 8pm & Sunday, May 9th at noon. Bunnell Street Arts Center. Anchorage jazz diva, Melissa "Jazzmom" Bledsoe Fischer, a pianist/vocalist with over 15 years of professional music experience will perform with a trio of outstanding Alaskan jazz musicians including Dirk Westphall on bass and Pat Owens on trumpet and flugelhorn May 8 at 8pm and May 9 at noon. Enjoy the concert and a wine bar on Saturday evening, or indulge in Jazzmom's Mother's Day Special, a concert and brunch buffet catered by Maura's Cafe & Deli on Sunday. With four CD's to her name, "Jazzmom" Melissa Bledsoe Fischer has established herself as one of Anchorage's premiere performers, voted "Anchorage's Best Singer" in 2005 and "Best Solo Act" in 2009 by readers of the Anchorage Press. Tickets are $20 for the May 8 concert and $40 for the May 9 brunch and concert. $5 discount for Gallery members. Sponsored by Bunnell Street Arts Center.

The Whiskey Jacks in Concert This energetic Anchorage band will play foot-stompin' Irish and American tunes at Alice's Champagne Palace on Saturday, May 8th, 9pm-midnight. The group's vibrant blend of Irish and American folk music includes selections from the Clancy Brothers, the Pogues, Townes Van Zandt, and Robert Earl Keen Jr. All proceeds from this benefit concert will support Kachemak Heritage Land Trust (KHLT), a non-profit organization that preserves, for public benefit, significant Kenai Peninsula conservation land, including areas important to birds and birders. Check out The Whiskey Jacks at www.whiskeyjacks.blogspot.com. Admission is $15, which includes an individual introductory annual membership to KHLT. Come out and enjoy great live music while supporting land conservation on the Kenai Peninsula. Tickets available at the door. Call 907-235-5263 for more information. Sponsored by Kachemak Heritage Land Trust and Alice's Champagne Palace.

Migration Run, Sunday, May 9, 9am-10:30am. Celebrating its 14th 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 out in your best shorebird costume for a chance to win special prizes. Refreshments, awards and prizes await participants at the finish area, and a free shuttle bus is available to return participants to the start. Pre-registration via the Festival registration form is strongly encouraged, but day of registration at the Start is allowed. $10 per person, $5 kids 12 and under, $20 families. Sponsored by the Homer High Cross Country Team.

Shorebird Festival 14th Annual Amateur Photo Contest at NOMAR. Accepted categories are Alaskan Wildlife, Alaskan Scenic, and Black and White. Entry deadline is May 4th at 6pm, with cash prizes awarded. Exhibit will be on display May 7th - May 31st at NOMAR 104 E Pioneer Avenue. Entry forms available at NOMAR, Eagle Eye Photo and the Homer Chamber of Commerce and on line. Contact NOMAR at 907-235-8363 or email nomar@xyz.net for more information. Sponsored by NOMAR Canvas Products.