|
May 9, 2014
LA GRANDE, Ore.— Come to the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area in La Grande May 16 through 18 to enjoy an exceptional birdwatching and wildlife viewing experience. The ninth annual Festival occurs during the height of spring bird migration and nesting time in the Grande Ronde Valley and gives visitors a chance to see species they may never have seen before.
The event is free and open to all, but registration is required.
“This is a great event for first-time as well as advanced birders,” said Cathy Nowak, ODFW Wildlife biologist. “Expert birders will be at each of six viewing stations to help visitors find and identify birds.”
Kids’ activities and a live raptor presentation will be held on Saturday. Field trips are available on Sunday; sign up on Friday night or Saturday morning.
Schedule and registration information
Fri., May 16, 6 p.m.
Opening night: Register and receive an information passport with directions to staffed birding stations and other “birdy” areas. Register for Saturday photography workshop and Sunday field trips. Adults can sample wine from Duck Pond Cellars. Visit vendor and informational displays and enjoy music performed by the Penninger family of La Grande. The Odd Strings will perform original songs about birds and birding, and Terry Rich will make a presentation titled, “State of the Birds” at 7:30.
Sat., May 17
- Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area opens to public access with passport, 4:45 a.m.
- Register at Tule Lake Public Access Area on Peach Road, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Staffed birding stations, 6 a.m. – noon
- Deaf birder tour of staffed birding stations, 7 a.m. – noon
- Artists at birding stations, 9 a.m. – noon
- Kids’ activities include building birdhouses, coloring canvas totes and a Junior Birder program, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Lunch is available for purchase to benefit the La Grande Middle School trip 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. This supports the students’ history trip to Philadelphia.
- Birds of Prey presentation by Blue Mountain Wildlife Center, 1 p.m.
- Guided bird walk on Tule Lake Public Access Area, 2:30 p.m.
- Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area closes, 8:45 p.m.
Sunday, May 18
- Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area opens to public access with passport, 4:45 a.m.
- Registration at Tule Lake Public Access Area, 6 a.m.- 10 a.m.
- Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area closes, 8:45 p.m.
More information
Friends of Ladd Marsh website
ODFW Bird Festival website
Photos on Flickr ### |
Contact: |
Cathy Nowak, ODFW Wildlife Biologist, (541) 963-4954
Meg Kenagy, ODFW Conservation Communications Coordinator, (503) 947-6021 |
