This year’s event will feature dozens of field trips, indoor programs, workshops, keynote speaker, and a dinner. You can expect many of the same things that have made this festival one of the best in the Midwest—great birds, beautiful destinations, expert trip leaders, and time spent in nature with old and new friends alike.

Schedule:

Thursday, May 22 – Morning
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1. Birding Copper Falls State Park (FT-3)
6:30 am – 11:30 am

Ancient lava flows, deep gorges, and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks. Retired DNR Forest Ecologist Colleen Matula will lead participants of all ages and skill levels along the park’s trails to absorb the spectacular scenery and glimpse the many warblers, vireos, thrushes, and other forest birds that call Copper Falls home.

Optional: Meet at Copper Falls State Park at 7:15 am.
*Note: Expect some stair climbs and uneven terrain on trail.
Additional Cost: Parking fee per car ($13 WI plates, $16 out-of-state plates)

2. Bibon Swamp Birding (FT-3)
6:45 am – 11:00 am
The Bibon Swamp is one of the area’s best places to find Golden-winged Warblers. This trip will walk a very lightly traveled, dead-end dirt road through sedge meadow, alder, ash, and mixed lowland forest while enjoying a few Golden-wings amidst a potpourri of birds in a peaceful setting. Tim Oksiuta, local birding expert, will help participants find and pick out numerous species, including various warblers and other neotropical migrants.

Optional: Meet leader at Grand View general store at 7:15 am.

3. Birding by the Bay (FT-3)
6:45 am – 11:15 am
WDNR Conservation Biologist Ryan Brady will lead participants to multiple lakeshore points near Ashland and Washburn to search for waterfowl, gulls, terns, and shorebirds. Interspersed will be short hikes along shoreline trails to find warblers, orioles, sparrows, and other migrating landbirds. Bring a spotting scope if you have one.

4. A Bird in the Hand... (FT-2)
7:00 am – 11:00 am
In this free activity, any festival registrant can come and go as they please within the listed timeframe to experience the wonders of bird banding from expert researchers. Marvel at the beauty of warblers, sparrows, finches, and other birds up close and personal – an unforgettable experience for all ages. Learn identification features, natural history, and research techniques as leaders demonstrate the how’s and why’s of bird banding. If you want to see birds up close, then this is the trip for you!

5. Birding Along Pikes Creek (FT-2)
7:00 am – 11:00 am
This walk will start at the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery and follow Pikes Creek as it wanders inland for about a half-mile. Then walk the adjacent Salmo Trail toward the Lake Superior shore. Led by local birding expert Neil Howk, the hike will pass through a variety of bird habitats, including holding ponds, mixed forest, and shrubby wetlands with open water. Possible species include waterfowl, 10-15 species of warblers, woodpeckers, American Bittern, Ruffed Grouse, Winter Wren, thrushes, and more.

Optional: Meet at Les Voigt Fish Hatchery at 7:30 am.

6. Birding at Beaver Hollow (FT-2)
7:00 am – 11:30 am
The headwaters of North Pikes Creek are an expansive area comprised of marshes, ponds, shrub thickets, and wetland forests teeming with wildlife. Thanks to a local Friends group, portions can be accessed via boardwalk and community outdoor education area known as Beaver Hollow. Join birding expert Barb Moldenhauer and Friends group President Kathy Wendling, to glimpse a heron rookery, explore beaver created wetlands, look for migrating warblers, and learn how this 410 acre property became protected in perpetuity. Waterproof footwear is recommended due to wet, muddy conditions.

7. Birding the White River Wildlife Area (FT-4)
7:15 am – 11:30 am
Located just south of Ashland, this state-owned property features a variety of forest habitats hosting grouse, deer, hares, and numerous songbirds. Hike a grassy trail with DNR Wildlife Biologist Eddie Shea, passing first through younger aspen forest, then towering red and white pines, and ultimately finish at the White River, which is an important tributary of the Bad River. Possible sightings here include American Woodcock, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Golden-winged Warbler, Red Crossbill, and Brown Creeper, among other common migrants.

8. Exploring Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge (FT-3)
7:30 am – 11:00 am
Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge welcomes you to a little refuge with a big impact. The refuge hosts many terrestrial species as well as a spawning stream for coaster brook trout and other migratory fish from Lake Superior. Look for migratory birds and learn about their habitats during this guided tour and hike with US Fish and Wildlife Service staff.

9. Loon Pontoon (FT-2)
7:30 am – 11:30 am
Search for nesting loons and other birds on Lake Owen during this pontoon trip led by Cable Natural History Museum Naturalist, Emily Stone, and Loon Watch Coordinator, Brandi Shapland. Learn all about loons, threats to their populations, and what you can do to help them survive, all while soaking up the birds and scenery of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Optional: Meet at the Lake Owen Station Rd boat launch at 8:15 am.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1ikzn8NRsa4C8E4W7

Additional Cost: $20

Thursday, May 22 – Afternoon
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10. Natural Connections – North Country Trail (FT-4)
12:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Join Emily Stone, Naturalist at the Cable Natural History Museum, to learn about the volcanic origins and glacial sculpting that created the foundation for delightful spring flowers and their animal neighbors. We’ll hike a narrow, hilly section of the North Country Trail 0.7 m to the Juniper Rock Overlook with a view of the Marengo River Valley. Intrepid hikers can continue to the river or farther yet to the Swedish Settlement—the farmstead ruins of a very tough family. In addition to birds and other critters, we’ll hope to find a great variety of spring wildflowers. Emily is the author of two Natural Connections books, and by using science to tell stories, she wields a magic that makes the whole world feel more alive.

Optional: Meet leader at Grand View general store at 12:50 pm.

11. Hiking Frog Bay Tribal National Park (FT-4)
12:45 pm – 4:45 pm
This two-mile hike begins with an easy walk to the beach and spectacular views of the Apostle Islands. The return path on the Ravine Trail loops inland through a century-old hemlock hardwood forest. Search for thrushes, Winter Wrens, vireos, and various warblers, including good chances of Black-throated Blue, on this scenic northwoods excursion with local expert, Neil Howk.

*Note: This is a moderately difficult hike crossing several ravines on a narrow trail with many roots and rocks.

Optional: Meet leader on south side of Legendary Waters Casino near base of flags at 1:15pm.

12. Wildflower Walk - Spring Ephemerals (FT-3)
12:45 pm – 4:45 pm
Marisa Lee, President of Wild Ones’ Chequamegon Bay chapter, leads you on a hike in search of spring ephemeral wildflowers among a northern hardwood forest en route to Morgan Falls. Species that may be seen include Spring Beauty, Large-flowered Trillium, Wild Ginger, Bloodroot, Dutchman’s Breeches, and Bellwort.

Optional: Meet at Morgan Falls parking lot at 1:15 pm.

13. Exploring Barksdale Ponds State Natural Area (FT-3)
1:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Barksdale Ponds SNA hosts a unique aquatic feature on the edge of a dry, glacial outwash plain. Situated on hilly topography, the numerous soft water seepage lakes and ponds are surrounded by associated emergent, partially submerged and shoreline communities, maturing red and white pine forests, and kettle bogs. Join US Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, Mitch Baalman, for a two-mile roundtrip hike on upland trail, spying birds and other wildlife along the way, with periodic forays into floating bogs sporting rare northern plants. Waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.

14. Spring Discovery Walk at the Lincoln Community Forest (FT-3)
1:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Nearly 400 acres in size, the Lincoln Community Forest is comprised of a wild and scenic forest surrounding two miles of the Marengo River, a 10-acre wetland and lake complex, and 5 miles of nature-based recreation trails, all thanks to a partnership between local citizens, the Friends group, and Landmark Conservancy. Explore these habitats and their spring wildflowers, frogs, birds and more with Conservancy staff Erika Lang and retired biologist, Pam Dryer. Tips on how to manage your property for wildlife such as songbirds, grouse, and deer will also be discussed.

15. Birding by the Bay – Washburn (FT-2)
1:15 pm – 4:45 pm
Local birding expert Rick Burkman will lead participants to multiple lakeshore points in and near Washburn to search for waterfowl, gulls, terns, and shorebirds. Interspersed will be short hikes along shoreline trails to find warblers, orioles, sparrows, and other migrating landbirds. Bring a spotting scope if you have one.

16. Northwoods Nature Hike at Houghton Falls (FT-2)
1:15 pm – 4:45 pm
The 76-acre Houghton Falls Nature Preserve north of Washburn is one of the most unique sites in Bayfield County. This trip will hike the mile-long nature trail to view Echo Dells, Houghton Falls, and ultimately a shoreline view of Lake Superior! Along the way, U.S. Forest Service ecologist Eric North will help identify various flora and fauna among the beautiful hemlocks, majestic pines, and rock outcrops, including birds, plants, and even land snails!

Optional: Meet at Houghton Falls trailhead/parking lot at 1:15 pm.

17. Talon Talk – Live Raptor Display (Indoor Program)
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Learn all about the amazing world of birds of prey from Cable Natural History Museum Naturalist Haley Selen. See live raptors up close and personal, and discover the adaptations powering their fascinating lifestyles.

18. The Buzz About Native Bees: Ecology, ID, and How You Can Help (Indoor Program)
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Alex Lehner, Wildlife Technician for the Washburn Ranger District of the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest, will discuss the ecology and life cycles of native bees, how you can identify them, and ways to help them. She will also share key resources for becoming a better steward for bees in your backyard and beyond.

19. Native Landscaping & Butterfly Gardens (FT-1)
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Both beautiful and beneficial, native plants can bring more than just vibrant color to your gardens. Enjoy birds, wildlife, and butterflies from spring to fall with the right mix of native plants. Susan Nelson, Interpretive Specialist with the US Forest Service, will take the group on an informative tour of the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center’s gardens to help participants get ideas for their own backyards.

20. Breeding Birds in the Apostle Islands (Indoor Program)
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore provides critical nesting and resting habitat for hundreds of bird species. Among these are Bald Eagles, colonial waterbirds such as gulls, herons, and cormorants, the endangered Piping Plover, and a wide diversity of landbirds. The National Park Service conducts regular breeding and migratory bird surveys in the Lakeshore. Peggy Burkman, National Park Service Biologist, will take you on a virtual tour and highlight some of the most significant bird species found on the mainland and island units of the park.

Thursday, May 22 – Evening
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21. Owl Prowl & Other Night Sounds (FT-2)
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Venture to the Long Lake and Birch Grove areas of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest to listen for Barred and N. Saw-whet Owls, Whip-poor-wills, Common Loons, frogs, coyotes, and other night sounds. The trip will briefly start out near NGLVC to listen for American Woodcock, Wilson’s Snipe, and frogs. Bring a flashlight or headlamp.

22. Woodcock Walk (FT-2)
8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Venture on a nocturnal foray in search of American Woodcock performing their spring courtship flights along the NGLVC’s boardwalk trail. There’s also potential to hear Wilson’s Snipe, Ruffed Grouse, Great Horned Owl, and several frog species. Bring a flashlight or headlamp to help guide the way.

Click Here for Registration info.