CALIFORNIA REDWOODS
BIRD & NATURE FESTIVAL

Schedule of events Descriptions

Thursday

  1. THURS 7:00AM – 4:00PM
    Pre-Festival Scouting Trip ($25)
    Serious birders are invited to join Redwood Region Audubon Society fieldtrip leader and professional bird guide, Ken Burtonfor an exclusive pre-festival bird-scouting trip. Plan to come a day early to get a closer look at all the special and secret places in Del Norte County.Discover the County's prime bird habitats that will be shared over the rest of the weekend. (BRING LUNCH)

    2. Friday Morning


  2. FRI 4:45AM – 6:30AM
    MARBLED MURRELET MORNING ($10)
    Watch marbled murrelets fly in and out of old growth redwoods. Meet a regional Audubon leader on the river bar at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Watch and listen when these federally listed birds fly by at amazing speeds reaching 50 mile-per-hour. Learn about the characteristics that these unique birds utilize to adapt to their lifestyle. Marbled murrelets are the only seabirds in the world to nest in old growth conifer trees, but you've got to get up really early to see them fly into and out of the forest.
    (Repeats on Saturday Event#21 and Sunday Event#47)

  3. FRI 7:00AM – 11:30AM
    DEL NORTE "LITTLE BIG DAY" ($20)
    This half-day field excursion is designed especially for early birders who wish to come on Friday. This is a great opportunity to catch a preview of some of the best birds in the area led by Del Norte County's top ornithologist Alan Barron. If you're looking for a lifer, Alan will help you find it!

  4. FRI 7:30AM – 3:00PM
    BIRDING THE HIGH COUNTRY (NEW) ($25)
    Explore high elevation habitats and enjoy majestic views while searching for montane bird specialties such as Ruffed Grouse, Mountain Chickadee, Townsend's Solitaire, Cassin's Finch and White-headed Woodpecker. Travel back roads in the Smith River National Recreation Area and the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains, where an exceptional diversity of coniferous trees and other plant life exits. Redwood Region Audubon Society field trip leader Chet Ogan guides this trip. Bring a lunch and an appetite for discovery.

  5. FRI 7:30AM – 11:30AM
    NEARSHORE BIRDS & MARINE MAMMALS –
    CHARTER BOAT EXCURSION     ($60)
    Take an exciting 5 hour trip on the 44' MV Golden Bear charter boatcharter boat to Saint George Reef Lighthouse located on Dragon Reef seven miles out to sea. The lighthouse itself has a legendary history of wild rides in getting to and from the supply boat to the island.  On the way out we'll pass the largest Steller Sea lion rookery in the state and look for Gray Whales, Cassin's and Rhinoceros Auklets, and probably pick up a few shearwaters and other species along the exceptionally rich Saint George Reef.  Warm clothes are important. 
    (Repeats on Saturday Event#24 and Sunday Event#50)
    WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY

  6. FRI 7:30AM – 11:30AM
    SMITH RIVER ESTUARY DRIFT ($45)
    Relax while being rowed by some of Del Norte's most experienced local river guides. Enjoy a 4-mile leisurely drift to the mouth of the Smith River led by regional Audubon bird guide Jim Clark. Experience a water's-eye view of ducks, egrets, herons, hawks, kites, and tundra swans. Watch for river otters and look for harbor seals, and sea lions lounging on the banks.
    (Repeats on Saturday Event#25 and Sunday Event#51)
    WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY

  7. FRI 8:00AM – 11:30aM
    KLAMATH RIVER - YUROK BOAT TOUR ($40)
    The Klamath and Trinity rivers provide one of the world's greatest salmon fisheries. These rivers and their watersheds have also been the ancestral home to the Yurok, Hupa, and Karuk people since time immemorial. For the Yurok Tribe, "salmon is everything". Travel by boat, from the dynamic land/ocean interface in the estuary, upriver to the tributary of Blue Creek. Expect to see shorebirds, marine mammals, osprey and bald eagles while learning about Yurok history, traditional salmon fishing rights, Klamath Basin history, past and present water/land management practices and their impacts upon the natural resources that have supported the local communities. Hear about recent negotiations that have led to a remarkable new agreement on the River's water usage and the removal of four dams.
    (Repeats on Friday afternoon Event#13)
    WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY

  8. FRI 8:00AM – 11:30AM
    CALIFORNIA CONDORS: ($15)
    REDISCOVERING THEIR FORGOTTEN NORTHERN RANGE
    Since the beginning of time, prey-go-neesh (California condor) has figured prominently into the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Yurok People. Condors have not soared the skies of northern California for over 100 years and the Yurok Tribe is currently working on a feasibility study to understand the potential for reintroduction. A presentation, followed by a question/answer session, will be lead by Chris West, Wildlife Biologist, and Tiana Williams, Wildlife Technician II. The program will cover condor biology and conservation history, the cultural significance of the species to the Tribe, and the current reintroduction feasibility efforts headed by the Yurok Tribe. After the presentation, attendees may accompany presenters to Requa Hill for a discussion of the habitat and resources available in the surrounding area, which make the region ideal for reintroduction of our country's largest land bird.
    (Repeats on Friday afternoon Event#14)

  9. FRI 8:00AM – 3:00PM
    BIRDING BY EAR - A SONGBIRD SORTIE (NEW) ($20)
    This daylong workshop will focus on different methods used for identifying bird songs. The first hour will be spent learning to recognize our local songbirds, followed by a trip in the field to visit several different habitats. Led by biologist Ken Burton, this program is considered a primer and refresher course. It is designed to help birders become more familiar with this critical area of identification. Expertise is not required.

  10. FRI 9:00AM – 11:00AM
    THE PERUVIAN CONNECTION (NEW) (Free with Registration)
    Experience the birds and culture of Peru in a slide presentation by Doris Valencia, professional guide for Habitats Peru Travel. Doris, a native of Peru, is touring the U.S to promote Peruvian culture and birding. Peru is recognized as one of the richest countries in the world for birds with more than 1,800 species, of which 85% are all-time residents. It is second only to Brazil in number of endemics with 117 species found nowhere else and second only to the “islands” of Indonesia in the number of species with restricted geographical ranges, 20% of all bird species are found in Peru. Coastal Peru and Equator shares many neotropical migrants with the Pacific Northwest. See some of Peru's birds at Habitats Peru.
    (Repeats on Sunday Event#57)

  11. FRI 9:30AM – 3:30PM
    COASTAL BLUFFS WILDFLOWER HIKE (NEW) ($10)
    Bring your lunch, and take an all-day but leisurely, 4 mile (one way) hike along one of the Pacific Northwest's most scenic and diverse coastal bluff trails from the mouth of the Klamath River north to False Klamath Cove. Featured are spectacular ocean views of one of Redwood National Park's wildest stretches of rocky coastline along a relatively easy trail with very minimal elevation gain. The emphasis of the trip will be the identification of May blooming wildflowers. Also, expect to hear barking seal lions on the coastal rocks below, and make a short stop at secluded, driftwood-lined, Hidden Beach.  Numerous, open coastline views are dispersed with red alder forest, old growth Sitka spruce, and small wetland plant habitats. Naturalist-leader Wendell Wood, will provide a complete plant list with the common and scientific names of most plant and flower species to be seen. Bring binoculars to best see thousands of nesting common murres as well as other seabirds on near shore rocks at False Klamath Cove, and to possibly spot any late, north-migrating, Gray Whale moms with calves.

    12. Friday Afternoon

  12. FRI 12:30PM – 4:30PM
    RIVER, ROCKS, AND REDWOODS (NEW) ($45)
    The geology and majesty of the Smith River canyon is unrivaled anywhere else in the world. The Smith is the nation's longest wild and scenic river and California's last wild, undammed major river. Travel in drift boats with the region's best professional fishing guides. Glide the swift turquoise waters past steep serpentine walls, mossy rocks, rushing creeks, and ancient redwood sentinels. Led by Mike McCain, wildlife biologist for the Smith River National Recreation Area, learn why the Smith River is a salmon stronghold due to its unique geology and how some of the world's tallest and oldest trees thrive on its banks.
    (Repeats on Saturday Event #33 and Sunday Event #51)
    WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY

  13. FRI 12:30PM – 4:30PM
    KLAMATH RIVER- YUROK BOAT TOUR ($40)
    The Klamath and Trinity rivers provide one of the world's greatest salmon fisheries. These rivers and their watersheds have also been the ancestral home to the Yurok, Hupa, and Karuk people since time immemorial. For the Yurok Tribe, "salmon is everything". Travel by boat, from the dynamic land/ocean interface in the estuary, upriver to the tributary of Blue Creek. Expect to see shorebirds, marine mammals, osprey and bald eagles while learning about Yurok history, traditional salmon fishing rights, Klamath Basin history, past and present water/land management practices and their impacts upon the natural resources that have supported the local communities. Hear about recent negotiations that have led to a remarkable new agreement on the River's water usage and the removal of four dams.
    WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY

  14. FRI 12:30PM – 4:30PM
    CALIFORNIA CONDORS: REDISCOVERING THEIR FORGOTTEN NORTHERN RANGE ($15)
    Since the beginning of time, prey-go-neesh (California condor) has figured prominently into the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Yurok People. Condors have not soared the skies of northern California for over 100 years and the Yurok Tribe is currently working on a feasibility study to understand the potential for reintroduction. A presentation, followed by a question/answer session, will be lead by Chris West, Wildlife Biologist, and Tiana Williams, Wildlife Technician II. The program will cover condor biology and conservation history, the cultural significance of the species to the Tribe, and the current reintroduction feasibility efforts headed by the Yurok Tribe. After the presentation, attendees may accompany presenters to Requa Hill for a discussion of the habitat and resources available in the surrounding area, which make the region ideal for reintroduction of our country's largest land bird.

  15. FRI 12:30PM – 4:30PM and SAT 8:AM - 4:00PM
    BIRD & NATURE PHOTOGRAPY- 2 Days, 1st SESSION
    (NEW) ($95)
    Take advantage of this in-depth 2-day workshop with Ron LeValley, outstanding world-traveled photographer and biologist. Ron has been taking pictures since the 1960's and is a founding member of the Mendocino Coast Photographer Guild and Gallery. He has been sending out a digital natural history Picture of the Day for over six years. Nature photography has been revolutionized by the development and subsequent use of digital cameras. The main focus of the workshop will be to work on getting proper exposure and sharp pictures of wildlife and natural scenes. Participants can bring any kind of digital camera they have, and it is recommended that they bring their owner's manual along too.

    (Held in three separate sessions, Events # 15, 27, 34) Each session builds on the previous one. Registration fee is for all three.

    1ST SESSION: Friday afternoon in classroom - Basic photographic principles, emphasizing those that have been modified by the use of digital media.

    2nd SESSION: Saturday morning in the field - Tour and shoot at various locations around Del Norte County.

    3rd SESSION: Saturday afternoon in classroom - Review of morning shooting, questions and answers.

  16. FRI 1:00PM – 3:00PM
    LARGE MAMMALS OF THE REDWOODS (NEW)
    (Free with registration)
    Join Kirstin Schmidt wildlife biologist for Redwood National and State Park for a general overview and closer look at the current status of the three biggest mammals that reside in the Park: Roosevelt elk, black bear, and mountain lion. Learn about their natural history and how the Park manages for the health and growth of these wild animals. Also covered: research and knowledge regarding populations, mammal-human conflicts, and much more.

  17. FRI 1:00PM – 4:00PM
    LAKE EARL - A WONDERS OF WETLANDS WALK (Free with registration)
    Join naturalist Sandra Jerabek for an afternoon of discovery, exploring the verdant forest and wetlands surrounding Lake Earl. As the West coast's largest coastal lagoon, it is virtually unknown with a rich natural and cultural history and more than 40 endangered and sensitive species. Jerabek starts with a slide show introducing some of the lagoon's controversial history, recent restoration, the animals and plants that make it such a gem of biodiversity. A walk to Lake Earl follows (2-mile roundtrip).

  18. FRI 6:00PM – 8:30PM
    OWL PROWL ($15)
    Leave from the Center at dusk to seek out some local owl haunts. Ride off with some of our best regional owl hooters into the growing darkness for a glimpse of these silent night hunters. If luck and weather allow, we hope to see and/or hear a screech, barn, saw-whet, or great horned owl. (Repeats on Saturday Event#45)

  19. FRI 5:30PM – 7:00PM
    WELCOME RECEPTION (Free with registration)
    Be greeted by Festival organizers at Festival Headquarters, meet your field trip and workshop leaders, get to know some of the other participants, and visit the Wings & Whales vendors fair. Enjoy tasty hors d'oeuvres catered by the Bar-O Boys' "Young-Chefs-in-Training" Program. Sponsored by the Crescent City - Del Norte County Chamber of Commerce.

  20. KEYNOTE PRESENTATION - FRI 7:00PM - 9:00PM
    ISLES OF REFUGE - SAVING TROPICAL PACIFIC SEABIRDS (NEW) (Free with registration)
    Mark J. Rauzon will take us to lush tropical islands recently incorporated in the largest marine protected area in the world - The Remote Pacific National Marine Monument, The Rose Atoll of Samoa and the Mariana Trench. Mark will share his research and beautiful photos of the exquisite seabirds and other wildlife that depend upon these unique marine ecosystems emphasizing seabird restoration work in Hawaii and the equatorial Pacific on some of our newest federal lands that few ever have the chance to see. Rauzon's experience as a wildlife biologist and biogeographer specializing in island ecology and restoration, was celebrated with the Special Achievement Award from the international Pacific Seabird Group in 2006. A research associate with the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and the former Chairman of the Pacific Seabird Group, Mark is the award-winning author of over 20 nonfiction science books, most of them for children, as well as an illustrator and award-winning photographer.

    21. Saturday Morning

  21. SAT 4:45AM - 6:30AM
    MARBLED MURRELET MORNING ($10)
    Watch marbled murrelets fly in and out of old growth redwoods. Meet a regional Audubon leader on the river bar at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Watch and listen when these federally listed birds fly by at amazing speeds reaching 50 mile-per-hour. Learn about the characteristics that these unique birds utilize to adapt to their lifestyle. Marbled murrelets are the only seabirds in the world to nest in old growth conifer trees, but you've got to get up really early to see them fly into and out of the forest.
    (Repeats on Sunday Event #47)

  22. SAT 7:00AM - 4:00PM
    DEL NORTE "BIG DAY" FIELD TRIP ($30)
    Plan a fast, full day exploring Del Norte's hot spots with Redwood Region Audubon Society's past president and professional bird guide, Ken Burton. Expect to see close to 100 different species including a good assortment of spring birds in a variety of habitats, from coastal mountains to the Pacific shoreline. This trip travels by van and is fast-paced and not for the faint-of-heart! Van space is limited; register early. Last year's trip recorded 115 species, including Black Scoter, Clark's Grebe, American Bittern, Pacific Golden-Plover, Marbled Murrelet, Bank Swallow, MacGillivray's Warbler, and Red Crossbill. Bring lunch.

  23. SAT 7:30AM – 11:30AM
    KAYAKING ON LAKE EARL COASTAL LAGOON ($50)
    Join biologist Wendell Wood and Humboat Adventures for an early morning glide over the cool clear water of Lake Earl Lagoon. Learn about the history and dynamic forces that have created the West Coast's largest coastal lagoon outside of Alaska. View nesting and resident waterfowl. Possible sightings of American Bittern, Virginia Rail, Western and Pied Grebe. Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon hunt from trees along shoreline. This trip is recommended for those with some kayaking experience but will also include a brief kayaking refresher. WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY
    (Repeats on Sunday Event #49)

  24. SAT 7:30AM – 11:30AM
    NEARSHORE BIRDS & MARINE MAMMALS - CHARTER BOAT EXCURSION ($45)
    Leave from the Crescent City Harbor on the 44' MV Golden Bear charter boat charter boat. Travel to nearby offshore islands, Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge and St. George Reef, with seabird researcher Craig Strong. This is a prime time and area for nesting seabirds; local waters and islands abound with seabirds and marine mammals. Expect to see Marbled Murrelet, Tufted Puffin, Rhinoceros and Cassin's auklet, Pigeon Guillemot, and 100,000 Common Murres. Watch for elephant and harbor seals, Steller's and California sea lions, harbor porpoise, and gray whales.
    WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY

  25. SAT 7:30AM – 11:30AM
    SMITH RIVER ESTUARY DRIFT ($45)
    Relax while being rowed by some of Del Norte's most experienced local professional river fishing guides. Enjoy a 4-mile leisurely drift to the mouth of the Smith River led by some our best regional birders. Let by Redwood Region Audubon President Jim Clark , experience a water's-eye view of ducks, egrets, herons, hawks, kites, geese, and tundra swans. Keep an eye out for river otters as well as harbor seals, and sea lions basking on the sandy shores. WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY
    (Repeats Sunday Event #51)

  26. SAT 8:00AM – 11:00AM
    BIRDING BASICS (Free with registration)
    Join Redwood National and State Parks ranger Debbie Savage on a feathery exploration. Start off with the basics of birdwatching at the parks' Crescent Beach Educational Center. Learn how to identify basic bird features plus field guide and binocular use. Followed by a bird scouting trip to practice in the field.

  27. SAT 8:00AM - 11:30AM
    NATURE & PHOTOGRAPY- 2nd SESSION (NEW)
     (Must register for all 3 sessions)
    See complete description under Event #15, $95 fee covers all. In-the-field component of 2-day photo workshop with Ron LeValley.

  28. SAT 8:00AM – 11:30AM
    CASTLE ROCK SEABIRD RESEARCH (Free with registration)
    Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge not only provides sleeping quarters for thousands of Aleutian cackling geese each spring, it is also home to over 100,000 breeding seabirds and is a major haul out site for marine mammals. Castle Rock NWR is the second most important seabird breeding island in California. Most of the seabirds are Common Murres but there are also birds like the Cassin's and rhinoceros auklets that only come to the island at night to live in and lay their eggs in burrows. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service researchers will present an overview of a unique and collaborative project using remote cameras on the island to gain knowledge about the ecology of these birds and the special challenges such research involves.

  29. SAT 8:30AM – 11:30PM
    SPOTTING SPOTTED OWLS ($20)
    This amazing opportunity offered by Green Diamond Resources Company provides an intimate look at Northern Spotted Owls in their nesting habitat on private timber land. It offers superb photographic opportunities, as the owls have become accustomed to human presence over the years that they have been studied. Green Diamond biologist Keith Hamm shares new and critical data from the Company's years of research. The owls may be seen roadside, but more likely we will hike along a short but possibly steep, slippery trail. Wear hiking boots and dress in layers. You may want to have a spotting scope available in your vehicle for other birds, but it won't be needed to see owls.
    (repeats on Saturday afternoon #36)

  30. SAT 8:30AM – 11:00AM
    GRAY WHALE MONITORING & RESEARCH (NEW) ($8)
    International whale researcher Jeff Jacobsen reviews and identifies each of the species of whales that are found here. He will offer the latest research about their global context, migratory movements, population estimates, and even some whaling history.  Classroom presentation will focus on gray and humpback whales. The basic field techniques used in whale research: photographic identification of individuals to accumulate long term histories; acoustic methods with an example of the distinctive sounds different species make; and a brief summary of the various molecular techniques used from examining bits of skin and blubber collected in a variety of ways. If time permits, a short trip to look for whales at a nearby overlook will follow. (Repeats Saturday afternoon Event #40)

    31. Saturday Afternoon

  31. SAT 12:30pm – 2:00PM
    CHOSING OPTICS BY SWAROVSKI (Free with registration)
    This close up look at the world's top optics is presented by a representative of Swarovski Optik. Personal demonstrations of all different types of binoculars, spotting scopes, optical terms, and designs will be given. Hands-on experience designed especially for beginners and intermediate birders-showing the differences, advantages, and weaknesses of optics in the field as well as how to identify and choose the best ones for your needs.

  32. SAT 12:30pm – 4:00PM
    WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE TOLOWA ($15)
    Visit the past and walk on Tolowa ancestral lands set in the stunningly beautiful and diverse natural environs of the Lake Earl lagoon and Smith River estuary. Learn of Tolowa history, tradition and legend as you re-imagine the past glory of ancient thriving villages, now protected in Tolowa Dunes State Park. Hear of the present day efforts that the Smith River Rancheria is taking to restore and sustain its many thousands of years of culture from council member, spiritual leader, linguist, and educator Loren Bommelyn.

  33. SAT 12:30pm – 4:30PM
    RIVER, ROCKS, AND REDWOODS ($45)
    The geology and majesty of the Smith River canyon is unrivaled anywhere else in the world. The Smith is the nation's longest wild and scenic river and California's last wild, undammed major river. Travel in drift boats with the region's best professional fishing guides. Glide the swift turquoise waters past steep serpentine walls, mossy rocks, rushing creeks, and ancient redwood sentinels. Led by Mike McCain, wildlife biologist for the Smith River National Recreation Area, learn why the Smith River is a salmon stronghold due to its unique geology and how some of the world's tallest and oldest trees thrive on its banks.
    WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY

  34. SAT 12:30pm – 4:30PM
    NATURE & BIRD PHOTOGRAPY- 3rd SESSION     (NEW)
    (Must register for all 3 sessions)
    See complete description under Event #15, $95 fee covers all. Classroom component of 2-day photo workshop with Ron LeValley.

  35. SAT 12:30pm – 4:30PM
    SONAR FISH COUNTING ON THE SMITH RIVER (NEW)
    (Free with registration)
    Multi-beam sonar technology is being used to count salmon and steelhead entering the Smith River. The DIDSON (Dual-frequency Identification Sonar) technology was originally developed for military applications by the Sound Metrics Corporation and is now used extensively by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and international agencies to monitor salmonid fisheries. The County of Del Norte received a two-year grant from the California Department of Fish and Game to establish a sonar fish counting facility in the lower Smith River and carry out a pilot study for north coast rivers. Join DIDSON project manager and fish biologist Zack Larson for a visit to see actual sonar units set up and operating and review the “video-like” footage of one of the best recent salmon runs on the Smith River. 

  36. SAT 1:00PM – 4:00PM
    Spotting spotted owlS ($20)
    This amazing opportunity offered by Green Diamond Resources Company provides an intimate look at Northern Spotted Owls in their nesting habitat on private timber land. It offers superb photographic opportunities, as the owls have become accustomed to human presence over the years that they have been studied. Green Diamond biologist Keith Hamm shares new and critical data from the Company's years of research. The owls may be seen roadside, but more likely we will hike along a short but possibly steep, slippery trail. Wear hiking boots and dress in layers. You may want to have a spotting scope available in your vehicle for other birds, but it won’t be needed to see owls.

  37. SAT 1:00PM – 4:00PM
    COASTAL BIRDS ($8)
    Although the peak of shorebird migration has passed, many species remain and coastal birds such as the Brown Pelican are arriving for summer. Join Audubon fieldtrip leader and artist Gary Bloomfield for an excursion that travels all along the shore from the Crescent City Harbor, north along Pebble Beach Drive to Point St. George. Expect to see and learn about some of the numerous species visible from the shore: Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Black Oystercatcher, Surfbird, Sanderling, Red Phalarope, Glaucous-winged Gull, Sabine's Gull, Double-crested and Brandt's Cormorant, and Common Murre.

  38. SAT 1:00PM – 4:00PM
    HAWKS & RAPTORS ($8)
    The profusion of waterfowl and migrating songbirds at the Lake Earl Wildlife Area brings an abundance of winged predators. Twenty-five separate raptor species (owl, hawk, eagle, falcon, kite) have been recorded at the wildlife area. Join a Redwood Region Audubon field trip leader Chet Ogan for scouting trip to the best viewing areas. Possible sightings include Osprey, White-tailed Kite, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, and even a nesting Bald Eagle.

  39. SAT 1:00PM – 4:00PM
    MEDICINAL USES OF LOCAL PLANTS ($10)
    Before prescription drugs were available, native plants provided the main source of medicine. Learn about the healing properties of local medicinal plants with herbalist Julie Caldwell. Take an easy 1-mile walk along the trail in Tolowa Dunes State Park and the Lake Earl Wildlife Area. Learn about the health benefits that flowers, leaves, and roots of certain plants offer. Handouts will be provided. (Repeats Sunday Event #56)

  40. SAT 1:30pm – 4:00PM
    GRAY WHALE MONITORING & RESEARCH (NEW) ($8)
    International whale researcher Jeff Jacobsen reviews and identifies each of the species of whales that are found here. He will offer the latest research about their global context, migratory movements, population estimates, and even some whaling history.  Classroom presentation will focus on gray and humpback whales. The basic field techniques used in whale research: photographic identification of individuals to accumulate long term histories; acoustic methods with an example of the distinctive sounds different species make; and a brief summary of the various molecular techniques used from examining bits of skin and blubber collected in a variety of ways. If time permits, a short trip to look for whales at a nearby overlook will follow.

  41. SAT 1:30pm – 4:30PM
    CASTLE ROCK SEABIRD RESEARCH (Free with registration)
    Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge not only provides sleeping quarters for thousands of Aleutian cackling geese each spring, it is also home to over 100,000 breeding seabirds and is a major haul out site for marine mammals. Castle Rock NWR is the second most important seabird breeding island in California. Most of the seabirds are Common Murres but there are also birds like the Cassin's and rhinoceros auklets that only come to the island at night to live in and lay their eggs in burrows. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service researchers will present an overview of a unique and collaborative project using remote cameras on the island to gain knowledge about the ecology of these birds and the special challenges such research involves.

  42. SAT 1:30pm – 4:30PM
    ANCIENT FOREST WALK (Free with registration)
    Experience the magic and power of the tallest trees on earth, as the ancient redwood forest ecosystem is interpreted by a Redwood National and State Park interpretive ranger. Delight in the quiet and moist smells of this primeval forest; learn about the tall trees, wildflowers, and plants while listening to bird calls. (1 mile easy walk) (Repeats on Sunday Event#62)

  43. SAT 1:30pm – 4:30PM
    HARBOR/OCEAN KAYAKING (NEW)
    Join Humboats Kayak Adventures for a guided eco-tour of Crescent City's harbor. Paddle past seal and sea lion haul outs and the numerous water bird species that feed in the calm marina. This is the time when north-migrating gray whales might also be spotted off shore and if the ocean is quiet, the tour will poke outside the breakwater. Guides are trained naturalists and professional kayakers. This tour runs on the water for at least 2 hours, and is an adventure you will never forget. All kayaks and necessary equipment are provided. WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY
    (Repeats on Sunday Event#64)

  44. SAT 2:00PM – 3:30PM
    SPOTTING SCOPE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SWAROVSKI
    ($0 - with registration)
    Learn to take photos of birds and wildlife using your camera and our spotting scopes. This covers 35mm and digital cameras (digiscoping).

  45. SAT 6:00PM – 8:30PM
    OWL PROWL ($15)
    Leave from the Center at dusk to seek out some local owl haunts. Ride off with some of our regions best owl hooters into the growing darkness for a glimpse of these silent night hunters. If luck and weather allow, we hope to see and/or hear a screech, barn, saw-whet, or great horned owl.

  46. SAT 6:00PM – 9:00PM ($15)
    A CELEBRATION OF WILDNESS GALA - REGIONAL WINE
    & FOOD TASTING
    Hosted by the Smith River Rancheria, spend an evening relaxing and enjoying a taste of the region with a sampling of wines provided by our area's top wineries and vineyards. Sumptuous local food catered by Lucky 7 Casino's - House of Howonquet Restaurant. This benefit/fundraiser for the festival includes a silent auction with a dazzling array of donated items and services.


    47. Sunday Morning

  47. SUN 4:45AM – 6:30AM
    MARBLED MURRELET MORNING ($10)
    Watch marbled murrelets fly in and out of old growth redwoods. Meet a regional Audubon leader on the river bar at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Watch and listen when these federally listed birds fly by at amazing speeds reaching 50 mile-per-hour. Learn about the characteristics that these unique birds utilize to adapt to their lifestyle. Marbled murrelets are the only seabirds in the world to nest in old growth conifer trees, but you've got to get up really early to see them fly into and out of the forest.

  48. SUN 6:00AM – 3:00PM
    OCEAN PELAGIC TRIP - CHARTER BOAT EXCURSION ($100)
    Travel offshore on our 44-foot charter boat with Mad River Biology's senior wildlife biologist Ron LeValley and whale researcher Jeff Jacobsen for a full day of excellent birding. On most trips, pelagic birds are numerous and the variety can be impressive. Black-footed albatross are often common with flocks of up to 100 regularly encountered. Laysan albatross have been recorded nearly every month of the year. This offshore trip is an opportunity to encounter gray whales and sea lions that frequent the near-shore waters. Weather and ocean permitting, our trip will extend out to 20 miles. WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY

  49. SUN 7:30AM – 11:30AM
    KAYAKING ON LAKE EARL COASTAL LAGOON ($50)
    Lake Earl is one of the West Coast's most important destinations for migratory and resident shore birds. Explore this waterway with Humboat Adventures certified guides and view shorebirds, songbirds and wildlife from the water using sit-on-top kayaks, both singles and tandems. This trip is appropriate for beginners and will include a brief kayaking lesson. Wetsuits, lifejackets, windbreakers, booties, kayaks, and paddles will be provided.
    WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY

  50. SUN 7:30AM – 11:00AM
    NEARSHORE BIRDS & MARINE MAMMALS -
    CHARTER BOAT TRIP     ($45)
    Leave from the Crescent City Harbor on the 44' MV Golden Bear charter boatTravel to nearby offshore islands, Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge and St. George Reef, with seabird researcher Craig Strong. This is a prime time and area for nesting seabirds; local waters and islands abound with seabirds and marine mammals. Expect to see Marbled Murrelet, Tufted Puffin, Rhinoceros and Cassin's auklet, Pigeon Guillemot, and 100,000 Common Murres. Watch for elephant and harbor seals, Steller's and California sea lions, harbor porpoise, and gray whales.
    WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY

  51. SUN 7:30AM – 11:30AM
    SMITH RIVER ESTUARY DRIFT ($45)
    Relax while being rowed by some of Del Norte's most experienced local professional river fishing guides. Enjoy a 4-mile leisurely drift to the mouth of the Smith River led by Redwood Region Audubon field trip leader, Ken Burton. Experience a water's-eye view of ducks, egrets, herons, hawks, kites, and geese. Keep an eye out for river otters as well as harbor seals.
    WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY

  52. SUN 8:00AM – 11:30AM
    DIPPERS OF THE SMITH RIVER ($10)
    The American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) is known for its musical songs, its unusual ability to forage in and around wild streams and rivers, and its nest of moss. During this field trip, participants will observe the birds' foraging and nesting behavior and learn how special physiological adaptations enable this resident to thrive along the Smith River. The workshop is hosted by the Smith River Alliance at beautiful Rock Creek Ranch on the South Fork Smith River. Trip Leaders: Grant Werschkull, Executive Director and Darrell Warnock, Rock Creek Ranch Caretaker.

  53. SUN 8:00AM – 1130AM
    TIDEPOOL EXPLORATION & BEACHCOMBING WALK     ($10)
    Explore Del Norte County’s best beachcombing locations with a naturalist that can identify most every shell, seaweed, or invertebrate you may find. Wildlife biologist Wendell Wood will first acquaint you with the multiple life forms in the upper zone tidepools by Crescent City’s Battery Point Lighthouse. Next participants will drive to Point St. George, which Wood regards as the best, easily accessible, beachcombing area in Del Norte County. Please wear suitable shoes or boots for climbing around small pools and over wet rocks. A hiking stick for balance recommended. A detailed, printed list of the most common invertebrate animals and seaweeds to be seen and discussed will be provided. While some living organisms will be observed, only shells or non-living organisms are collected. You may also bring along shells and other “marine treasures” you have previously found along our coast that you wish to have identified.

  54. SUN 8:00AM – 11:30AM
    MILL CREEK - REWEAVING THE FABRIC ($8)
    Travel the roads within the Mill Creek watershed with Rick Sermon, past Superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks and Dan Burgess Coastal Watershed Coordinator. View how Redwood National and State Parks and Save-the-Redwoods League's 400-year plan to rehabilitate cut-over timberland, using innovative restoration methods, will accelerate old-growth redwood forest characteristics. Scientific research that reveals the interconnectedness of fish and forests to watershed health will be discussed.

  55. SUN 8:30AM – 11:30AM
    COAST TO CREST GEOLOGY     ($15)
    Join geology professor Mark Renner on a three-hour geologic tour of a few elements of Del Norte County’s highly unique natural history. The tour begins at Point St. George with a short hike along some fascinating outcrops, then proceeds on U.S. Hwy# 199 toward Oregon, stopping at many instructive outcrops along the beautiful Smith River. It visits some recent fossils (only 5 million years old), angular unconformities, major fault boundaries, ancient oceanic crust, and rock units spanning well over 150 million years’ time.  Renner discusses plate motions past and present, including the recent earthquakes on the North Coast and the “granddaddy” earthquake, which repetitively strikes this coastline every 200 to 500 years, and occurred most recently about 310 years ago.

  56. SUN 8:30AM – 11:30AM
    MEDICINAL USES OF NATIVE PLANTS ($10)
    Before prescription drugs were available, native plants provided the main source of medicine. Learn about the healing properties of local medicinal plants with herbalist Julie Caldwell. Take an easy 1-mile walk along the trail in Tolowa Dunes State Park and the Lake Earl Wildlife Area. Learn about the health benefits that flowers, leaves, and roots of certain plants offer. Handouts will be provided.

  57. SUN 8:30AM – 2:30PM
    STONEY CREEK HIKE - SERPENTINE WILDFLOWERS
    (Free with registration)
    Some of the rarest plants in Del Norte County are found in the serpentine soils along the Smith River and its tributaries. Join a regional botanist from the North Chapter of the California Native Plant Society for a 2-mile round trip hike along the Stoney Creek Trail following the crystal clear waters of the North Fork of the Smith River. Two of the three carnivorous plants found in Del Norte County can be found on this hike, the California pitcher plant (Darlingtonia californica) and the Horned Butterwort (Pinguicula macroceras ssp. nortensis). This is also spring bloom time for the fragrant shrub Western Azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) and dozens of other native plants and wildflowers. (Bring Lunch)

  58. SUN 9:00AM – 11:00AM
    THE PERUVIAN CONNECTION     (NEW) (Free with registration)
    Experience the birds and culture of Peru in a slide presentation by Doris Valencia, professional guide for Habitats Peru Travel. Doris, a native of Peru, is touring the U.S to promote Peruvian culture and birding. Peru is recognized as one of the richest countries in the world for birds with more than 1,800 species, of which 85% are all-time residents. It is second only to Brazil in number of endemics with 117 species found nowhere else and second only to the “islands” of Indonesia in the number of species with restricted geographical ranges, 20% of all bird species are found in Peru. Coastal Peru and Equador shares many neotropical migrants with the Pacific Northwest. See some of Peru's birds at Habitats Peru.


    59. Sunday Afternoon

  59. SUN 12:30pm – 4:00PM
    MYRTLE CREEK BOTANICAL TRAIL HIKE
     (Free with registration)
    The Myrtle Creek Botanical Trail begins by climbing a short distance to where it turns to follow a historic mining ditch for about half a mile to Myrtle Creek. Rhododendrons, wild azaleas, pitcher plants, lady slippers, and orchids grace the trail. Educator and local conservationist Joe Gillespie shares fascinating facts about the trail, its botany, geology, and gold mining history.

  60. SUN 12:30PM – 4:00PM
    SALAMANDER & FROG FORAY ($8)
    Del Norte County is home to six frog and eleven salamander species including the largest in western North America, the Pacific Giant Salamander. Herpetologist, Brad Norman conducts field surveys of amphibians for state and federal agencies. A slide presentation for easy identification starts the program followed by a fieldtrip to scout up some common, colorful, and hopefully rare species; such as the Painted and Torrent salamanders, and the Tailed frog.

  61. SUN 12:30PM – 4:30PM
    HIKE THE HISTORIC KELSEY TRAIL     (NEW)
    (Free with registration)
    Hike with local historian and trail crew supervisor Clarke Moore on a newly restored 3-mile section of the Historic Kelsey Trail. Learn how Native American traders were the first trail users, how the gold rush impacted the development of roads into the steep Smith River canyons, how early Chinese immigrants were critical to successful mining efforts, and find out more about future projects that plan to connect the Kelsey and Coast to Crest trails to the Pacific Crest Trail.

  62. SUN 1:00pm – 4:00PM
    ANCIENT REDWOOD WILDFLOWER WALK
    (Free with registration)
    Experience the magic and power of the tallest trees on earth, as the ancient redwood forest ecosystem is interpreted by a Redwood National and State Parks interpretive ranger. Delight in the quiet and moist smells of this primeval forest; learn about the tall trees, wildflowers, and plants while listening to bird calls.
    (1 mile easy walk)

  63. SUN 1:00pm – 4:00PM
    WHAT'S THAT BUZZIN' IN THE DUNES?     (NEW) ($8)
    Join Humboldt State University graduate student Kim McFarland, who will share results of countless, patient research hours in coastal dunes observing one of California's northern dune bees, the silver bee (Habropoda miserabilis). Working on her biology thesis, Kim followed the life cycle of this solitary ground-nesting bee, investigating its underground nests and mating behavior, which resulted in discoveries of previously unknown silver bee life history and behavior.

  64. SUN 1:00PM – 4:00PM
    HARBOR/OCEAN KAYAKING ($50)
    Join Humboats Kayak Adventures for a guided eco-tour of Crescent City's harbor. Paddle past seal and sea lion haul outs and the numerous water bird species that feed in the calm marina. This is the time when north-migrating gray whales might also be spotted off shore and if the ocean is quiet, the tour will poke outside the breakwater. Guides are trained naturalists and professional kayakers. This tour runs on the water for at least 2 hours, and is an adventure you will never forget. All kayaks and necessary equipment provided. WATER TRIP - DRESS WARMLY


    65. Monday morning

  65. SUN 7:30AM – 11:30AM
    "BIRDER'S CHOICE" - HALF DAY ($25)
    Want to chase a certain Festival specialty or find a lifer you missed? Maybe you just want a better look at a favorite bird, or you want to do some more birding in beautiful Del Norte County. Ken Burton will do a half-day custom tailored to your specific requests.
    (10 person maximum per trip)

  66. SUN 7:30AM – 3:30PM
    "BIRDER'S CHOICE" - FULL DAY     ($45)
    Want to chase a certain Festival specialty or find a lifer you missed? Maybe you just want a better look at a favorite bird, or you want to do some more birding in beautiful Del Norte County. Ken Burton will do a full-day custom tailored to your specific requests.
    (10 person maximum per trip    )

  67. MON 8:00AM DEPARTURE
    KLAMATH BASIN 2-DAY TRIP ($110)
    Spend two days visiting the varied habitats and associated birds of inland northern California and southern Oregon in Jackson, Klamath, Siskiyou, and Modoc counties. Redwood Region Audubon Conservation Chair and field trip lead Chet Ogan will guide the trip from Crescent City to Grants Pass and on to Medford. The journey continues up Highway 140 to Lake of the Woods, finishing the first day on the west side of Upper Klamath Lake with overnight accommodations in Klamath Falls. Day two will focus on water-fowl and raptors in the string of wildlife areas associated with Klamath and Tule Lakes, Lava Beds, and the Modoc Plateau. The "mostly car-birding" trip will end on Tuesday evening at the intersection of Weed and Interstate 5. Expect to see Ross's goose, snow goose, Sandhill crane, bald eagle, Swainson's hawk, rough-legged hawk, prairie falcon, rock wren, and mountain bluebird.