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Pre-Festival Scouting Trip
Serious birders are invited to join the county's top ornithologist, Alan Barron for an exclusive pre-festival bird scouting trip. Come a day early to get a closer look at all the special and secret places as well as prime habitats for coastal birds, migrants, and rarities that will be shared over the rest of the weekend.- Birds & Botany in the High Country
Explore high elevation habitats and enjoy majestic views while searching for montane bird specialties such as Mountain Chickadee, Townsend's Solitaire, Cassin's Finch and White-headed Woodpecker in the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains, where an exceptional diversity of coniferous trees and other plant life exits. Field biologists Sean McAllister and Stephanie Morrissette with expertise in birds and plants co-lead this trip. Bring a lunch and an appetite for discovery.
Goose Fly-Off at Dawn
From coastal bluffs, travel with festival organizer, Rick Hiser, to witness the spectacle of thousands of Aleutian geese rising from Castle Rock after their night's rest. Watch them fill the dawn sky overhead with a symphony of wingbeats and sound as they move to feed in nearby pasture and farmland.- *Smith River Estuary Drift
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 our best regional biologists. Experience a water's-eye view of ducks, egrets, herons, hawks, kites, geese, and tundra swans. Keep an eye out for river otters, harbor seals, and sea lions looking for the last of winter's spawning steelhead. DRESS WARMLY
Bird & Nature Digital Photography
Take advantage of the morning light while learning the intricacies of digital photography with professional photographer Roy Irving. Nature photography for the birdwatcher has been turned inside out by the development and subsequent use of digital cameras. When combined with a telescope and binoculars, the possibilities for recording images of excellent quality is truly exciting. This workshop will explore techniques for taking professional quality bird photos, even on a limited budget. Bring your camera, and if you have not mastered it yet bring your instruction manual. Be prepared to spend 2 to 3 hours outdoors. Visit our web site gallery for close-ups of Roy's work. His work will also be on display at the "Wings & Whales Fair" during the weekend.- The Klamath River - A Yurok Way of Life
The Klamath and Trinity rivers provide one of the world's greatest salmon fisheries. These rivers and their watersheds have also been the home to the Yurok, Hupa, and Karuk people since time immemorial. For the Yurok, "salmon is everything." Join Tribal Environmental Program Director Kevin McKernan and other Yurok natural resources staff. Learn about Yurok culture, Klamath Basin history, an overview of current water management practices and their impacts upon tribal fisheries, which led to a massive fish die off in the summer of 2003. Presentations will be held at the Yurok Tribal Building in Klamath, followed by a boat ride up the river to traditional fishing sites. Lunch will be included.
Earthquakes & Tsunamis - Geology & Legends of the Redwood Coast
The redwood coast is one of the most seismically active areas in the world. Redwood National and State Parks geologist Vicki Ozaki gives a powerful presentation about the way plate tectonics, subduction zones, earthquakes, and tsunamis have been forming this coast for millions of years. Ranger Jim Wheeler introduces oral history compiled from local American Indian legends that reveal how scientists have only recently discovered what our native tribes experienced in the not so distant past-that the Pacific Northwest may be due for another "big one" at any moment.- Diversity of Coastal Habitats Hike
Join biologist Wendell Wood for an exploration of some of the least visited southwest portions of Tolowa Dunes State Park. Interpretation and identification of the area's flowering plant species (and marine species along the beach) will be the emphasis. This moderate 5-mile loop hike will explore Del Norte's dune system and native plant communities, coastal pine and Sitka spruce islands, wetland sedge meadows, a freshwater creek, and a small estuary leading to sandy, driftwood strewn beaches. A shorter 3.5-mile loop return option will also be possible. A species list with both scientific and common plant and marine species names will be provided.
Del Norte "Little Big Day" Field Trip
This half-day field excursion is designed especially for early birders who wish to come on Friday. A great opportunity to catch a preview of some of the top birds in the area led by a top birder from area. If you're looking for a lifer, we'll help you find it!- Ancient Pearlshells of the Redwoods
Along with giant, ancient trees, Redwood National and State Parks contain some of the world's longest living invertebrates. Western pearlshell freshwater mussels can live to be over 100 years old, spending almost their entire lives perched on the bottom of clear, cold, fast flowing streams. It is only as larvae latched onto the gills of salmon that pearlshells make major moves back upstream. Belonging to the most endangered taxonomic order of animals in North America, pearlshells are one of the best indicators of stream ecosystem health. National Park biologist Keith Bensen will present a talk about these creatures' amazing natural history and the research and monitoring currently occurring within the parks.
Spotted Owls
Expect an extraordinary morning with spotted owls before breakfast! U.S. Forest Service wildlife biologist Brenda Devlin and biologist Chris Howard with Green Diamond Resources guarantee an astonishing experience. Don't miss this early morning once-in-a-lifetime magical journey into the world of the silent winged ones, as they reveal their usually reclusive feeding habits. Great close-up photo opportunity!- Crescent City History Tour
Meet at the Crescent Harbor Art Gallery for a 1-hour walking tour with great views of the entire harbor. Gallery docents will give history and current status of the harbor's fishing industry, ship building/repair facilities, its lighthouses, resident wildlife, and plans for upcoming harbor renovations. Special emphasis will be given to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Battery Point Lighthouse. The tour is handicap-accessible. The Crescent Harbor Art Gallery is located at 140 Marine Way in the harbor - For more information contact the gallery (707) 464-9133.- Birds & Botany in the High Country
Tidepool Excursion
Early to rise? Blend science with inquisitive wonder as you uncover the mysteries behind and below the daily tidal waves shaping our north coast. Experienced naturalist Susan Davis teams with biologists involved in on-going Redwood National and State Park research to lead this close-up excursion into the exciting seldom-seen realm of seastars, seaslugs, and sponges. The planned fieldtrip to Enderts Beach tidepools will require a 1-1/2 mile roundtrip walk, involving steep and uneven terrain. Tidepool rocks are wet and slippery. Participants should bring or wear appropriate footgear and dress accordingly.
Del Norte "Big Day" Field Trip
Plan a fast, full day exploring Del Norte's hot spots with the area's top ornithologist Alan Barron. Expect to see close to 100 different species including a good assortment of early spring migrants in a variety of habitats, from coastal mountains to the Pacific shoreline. This trip travels by van and caters to advanced birders who wish to add new birds to their life lists. Van space is limited; register early. Past trips have seen harlequin ducks, tufted puffins, black-capped chickadees, black oystercatchers, and Eurasian wigeons.
*Kayaks on Lake Earl Lagoon
Join Lake Earl naturalist Joe Gartland and California State Park rangers Dick Goss and Kirk Shea and glide in a kayak built for two over the cool clear water of Lake Earl, the West Coast's largest coastal lagoon. View an amazing variety of migrating shorebirds, ducks, and waterfowl. Look for bitterns, rails, western grebes, and visiting bald eagles or peregrine falcons hunting from trees along shoreline. DRESS WARMLY- Birding by Ear
This workshop will focus on 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 several different habitats. This seminar, led by research biologist Pablo Herrera, is considered a primer and is designed to get you started in this critical area of identification. Expertise is not required but come with an open ear.
*Ocean & Harbor Charter Trip
A 44-foot charter boat will travel to offshore islands, Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge and St. George Reef, with top wildlife researchers aboard to interpret. This is the prime migration time of year; local waters and islands abound with seabirds and marine mammals. Look for marbled murrelet, tufted puffin, sooty shearwater, and Cassin's aucklet. Watch for elephant and harbor seals, Steller's and California sea lions, and north-bound gray whales with their new calves. DRESS WARMLY
Shorebirds
The Del Norte County coastline hosts a rich abundance of shorebirds. Join Gary Bloomfield for a combination workshop/field trip that identifies the flocks likely to be seen during the weekend and over the next month as spring migration peaks. Gary will explore the importance of the timing of these birds in their annual migrations.- Walking In the Footsteps of the Tolowa
Visit the past, walk on ancestral lands set in the stunningly beautiful and diverse natural environs of the Lake Earl lagoon and Smith River estuary. Discover Tolowa history, tradition and legend as you reimagine the past glory of ancient thriving villages, now protected in California's newly designated park, Tolowa Dunes State Park. Experience the ancient village sites of Etchulet on Saturday and Yontocket, the Tolowa center of the universe, on Sunday with tribal elders Bill and Viola Richards.- Story of the Geese - Success and Challenges
For 20 years, Dr. Paul F. Springer was the lead wildlife biologist for the Aleutian Goose Recovery Team in both California and Alaska. Dr. Springer presents an in-depth and visually compelling slide show about the recovery project. With an increasing annual population, now soaring to more than 60,000, the geese are rapidly expanding the confines of their spring staging and winter resting grounds. Dr. Springer and Dennis Woolington from the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex discuss the challenges and solutions facing federal and state wildlife managers and private property owners as they strive to balance the needs of a once-endangered species with the interests of private landowners.- Birding Basics
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, followed by a trip to the harbor to view some of the larger residents like loons, surf scoters and other sea ducks, turnstones, surfbirds and cormorants.
Ancient Forest Walk
Experience the magic and power of the tallest trees on earth, as an ancient redwood forest ecosystem is interpreted by national park ranger Pat Grediagin. Delight in the quiet and moist smells of this primeval forest; listen for bird songs and learn about some of the creatureswho make this place their home.- Chosing Optics by Swarovski
A presentation by Clay Taylor of different types of binoculars, spotting scopes, optical terms, and designs. Especially for beginners and intermediate birders - to show the differences, advantages, and weaknesses of optics in the field and how to choose the best ones for your needs.
*River, Rocks, and Redwoods
The geology and majesty of the Smith River canyon is unrivaled anywhere else in the world. Travel in driftboats with the region's best fishing guides. Glide the swift turquoise waters past steep serpentine walls, mossy rocks, rushing creeks, and ancient redwood sentinels. Led by Oregon Caves National Monument geologist and interpreter Roger Brant, learn why the Smith River is unique geologically and how some of the world's tallest and oldest trees thrive on its banks. DRESS WARMLY- Birds of Buldir - Eden in the Aleutians
Embark on a journey across the fog-covered legendary isle that few other bipeds have ever or will ever see. Step ashore and take a visual tour of Buldir Island in the far west of the Aleutians. Hosting the most diverse array of breeding seabirds (22) in the Aleutians, Buldir is also the island where in the early 1960s the last remaining breeding population of Aleutian geese was discovered. In 2004, wildlife biologist Slade Sapora spent the summer working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a part of their annual seabird monitoring program. A slide show and discussion will focus on the island's ecology, geology, bird life, and the purpose and goals of the monitoring program.
Gulls
Our county coastline abounds with 16 species of gulls. A single gull can go through four different molts and appearances as it matures, making identification a challenge. This fieldtrip program travels to select gull-viewing locations for an introduction to gulls and their differences.- Living with Rare Species
Mountain Lions in the Redwoods
Return of Western Snowy Plovers
Redwood National and State Parks deals daily with the management of threatened, endangered, rare, and other species of special concern. In 1994 human-mountain lion encounters increased abruptly in the parks but there was little information available to develop sound management strategies. Terry Hofstra, Chief of Resources Management and Science presents some of the latest information about mountain lions within RNSP with a focus on lion and human interactions, but will also address recently completed research.A decade of state and national recovery programs has yielded encouraging results locally for the western snowy plover. RNSP wildlife biologist, Greg Holm looks at their life history and the reasons that led to their listing as threatened in 1993. Learn what current efforts are underway statewide to protect and study plovers. Greg will address management issues that have arisen with the recent return of nesting birds to the Parks' Gold Bluffs Beach.
Hawks and Raptors
The profusion of waterfowl at Lake Earl Wildlife Area brings an abundance of winged predators. Every hawk species recorded in Del Norte County (except one), including five North American falcon species, have been recorded at the wildlife area. Wildlife biologist Tristan McKee will share his knowledge of raptors and guide the group to the best viewing areas.- Edible & Medicinal Uses of Native Plants
Have you ever wondered what native plants are edible? Join ethnobotanist, naturalist and educator, Natalie Schaefer to discover the edible and medicinal uses of plants found along coastal trails in the California Dept of Fish & Game's Lake Earl Wildlife Area. Discover which plants produce the most delicious berries and what are the best times of year to pick them. Learn about the health benefits that flowers, leaves, and roots of certain native plants offer. A 4-mile easy to moderate loop walk on gravel roads and trails.
Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge
Castle Rock Island not only provides sleeping quarters for the Aleutian Canada goose, it is home to over 100,000 breeding seabirds and a major haul out site for marine mammals. Researchers Deborah Jaques, Dominic Bachman and Mike Cunha will present the history of this little known National Wildlife Refuge including, it's rich wildlife resources, and some exciting new techniques being developed for seabird observation. A weather dependent field trip to view seabirds and marine mammals from the mainland will take place after the lecture.
Lake Earl Coastal Lagoon - A Wetland Wonder
Lake Earl is the largest lagoon of its type on the continental West Coast. A gem of biodiversity, it is considered one of California's most productive coastal wetlands. Eleven threatened or endangered species depend on the lagoon and its immediate environs. A critical stopover on the Pacific Flyway, more than 300 bird species have been recorded there. Diverse habitats host 250 native plant varieties, 21 fish species, and 40 mammal species, including black bear and cougar. Explore the complexities and controversies surrounding the protection of this vast and delicate coastal lagoon and wetland system with Lake Earl Wildlife Area manager Tim Williamson and local naturalist Sandra Jerabek. A slide show followed by a 2-mile round trip moderate walk to the lagoon's edge.
Marine Mammal Rescue
Attend a fascinating slide presentation on North Coast pinnapeds. Program presenter Dr. Dennis Wood, local veterinarian and founder of the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center, will reveal the skill and techniques involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals. He will finish the slide show with a short walk to the Center for a closer look at the seal and sea lion pups being treated.
Fields of Geese
Travel into the Smith River delta for a view of geese in the fields. Learn more about the birds, their return from near extinction, and the vital role this area has played in their recovery. Visit a working dairy and explore the complex interrelationship between the geese and the dairymen of the delta and the associated set of conflicts arising out of an endangered species success story.- Spotting Scope Photography by Swarovski
Learn to take photos of birds and wildlife using your camera and our spotting scopes. This covers 35mm and digital cameras (digiscoping).
Owls at Dusk
Leave from the Center at dusk with our favorite owl fanatics for a wild ride into the growing darkness to seek out the phantom hunters of the forest. If luck and weather allow, plan for a peek at a short-eared, screech, barn, saw-whet, great horned, or pygmy owl.- *Ocean Pelagic Charter Trip
Travel offshore on our 44-foot charter boat with research biologist Craig Strong and keynote speaker Dr. David Ainley 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. Shearwaters and alcids highlight March / April trips. Marine mammals can be seen. This offshore trip is an opportunity to encounter species other than the gray whales and sea lions that frequent the near-shore waters. Weather and ocean permitting, our trip will extend out to 20 miles. DRESS WARMLY
- Coastal Hot Spots
Hit all the coastal hot spots from the Smith River estuary, Pt. St. George, Crescent City Harbor, and the Klamath River estuary. This trip visits the four most outstanding birding locations in Del Norte County. 
*Kayaks on Lake Earl Lagoon
Join Lake Earl naturalist Joe Gartland and California State Park rangers Dick Goss and Kirk Shea and glide in a kayak built for two over the cool clear water of Lake Earl, the West Coast's largest coastal lagoon. View an amazing variety of migrating shorebirds, ducks, and waterfowl. Look for bitterns, rails, western grebes, and visiting bald eagles or peregrine falcons hunting from trees along shoreline. DRESS WARMLY- Tidal Zone Life Forms
Join biologist Wendell Wood and walk primarily on non-slippery wet sand, to see easily accessed tidepools and marine life near Crescent City's B Street public pier. Tidepool ecology as well as identification of marine animals and algae will be the emphasis. A list of common and scientific names of the most likely marine species seen will be provided. - Mill Creek - Reweaving the Fabric
Discover why Mill Creek, a tributary of the Smith River, is regarded as one of California's most ecologically significant streams as a refuge for native salmon. Travel backroads within the watershed with Rick Sermon, past Superintendent of RNSP, and view how the 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. - Lake Earl Nature Walk
Walk through a mysterious forest to the West Coast's largest coastal lagoon (outside of Alaska) with Lake Earl Wildlife Area staff Larry and Betty Depe. Walk a 1-mile loop trail through a mysterious forest to the West Coast’s largest coastal lagoon (outside of Alaska) with a regional naturalist and botanist. Spend three peaceful and informative hours exploring this wildlife refuge. - Salamander & Frog Foray
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 morning 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. - Walking In the Footsteps of the Tolowa
Visit the past, walk on ancestral lands set in the stunningly beautiful and diverse natural environs of the Lake Earl lagoon and Smith River estuary. Discover Tolowa history, trad-ition, and legend as you reimagine the past glory of ancient thriving villages, now protected in California's newly designated park, Tolowa Dunes State Park. Experience the ancient village sites of Etchulet on Saturday and Yontocket, the Tolowa center of the universe, on Sunday with tribal elders Bill and Viola Richards. - Coast to Crest Geology
Take a journey through Del Norte County with geologist Roger Brandt and see why the recent tsunami is closer than you think. From mountain uplift to subduction zones to volcanic origins, Del Norte County is rich in its geological past and present. Travel by car from the coast to the inland mountains along the majestic Smith River to view the rocks, which hold the story of our region. - St. George Reef Lighthouse Helicopter Excursion
Weather Permitting
$170.00
Visit and land on the West Coast's tallest and most remote lighthouse in a Robinson R-44 Raven helicopter flown by veteran pilot Dave Everson. Learn the fascinating history of ship wrecks and courageous lighthouse keepers during a one-hour tour. The lighthouse was recently partially restored by the St. George Reef Lighthouse Preservation Society docents. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a first for our festival goers. All profits are donated to the Society for ongoing restoration and continued maintenance.To reserve this EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY:
Call Coordinator Guy Towers direct at 707-464-8299 - Rarities of Del Norte
This workshop provides a closer look at some of the rare birds that have graced our county. Rob Hewitt will show slides and discuss these Del Norte breeding rarities and unexpected vagrants. A field trip to visit some of the special sightings from the festival weekend will follow. - Restoring Coastal Cutthroat Trout
Join Coastal Watershed Coordinator Dan Burgess for a close up look at the life cycle of cutthroat trout, stream enhancement, and restoration projects occurring throughout the county. Dan will share some "befores" of habitat loss and then head out to the field for a view of several "afters" of successful restoration. Here's a chance to learn about the cooperative efforts of private landowners and agencies to protect this important salmonid species. 
Diversity of Coastal Habitats Hike
Join biologist Wendell Wood for an exploration of some of the least visited southwest portions of Tolowa Dunes State Park. Interpretation and identification of the area's flowering plant species (and marine species along the beach) will be the emphasis. This 3-mile one way hike, explores the diversity of freshwater lakes, meadow, dune, beach, and forest communities. A species list with both scientific and common plant and marine species names will be provided.- Ancient Forest Walk
Experience the magic and power of the tallest trees on earth, as an ancient redwood forest ecosystem is interpreted by RNSP interpretive ranger, Susan Davis. Delight in the quiet and moist smells of this primeval forest; listen for bird songs and learn about all the animals who call this place their home. - Pelicans
Pacific brown pelicans return every summer to the northcoast from their southern breeding areas. For over 20 years, wildlife biologist Deborah Jaques has studied the non-breeding habits of this federally listed species. Her presentation includes her years of research on the birds' communal roosting behavior, their ecology, distribution, range expansion, habitat use, age-related differences in behavior, and recent west coast management issues. - Wood Ducks
Dick Goss, retired California State Park ranger, spent 20 years restoring wood duck habitat and maintains 25 nesting boxes throughout the Tolowa Dunes State Park and Lake Earl Wildlife Area. Join Dick in the field and learn about wood ducks and their habits with an eye toward starting your own nest box program. Plans will be provided. - Fields of Geese
Travel with festival organizer Rick Hiser into the Smith River delta for a view of geese in the fields. Learn more about the birds, their return from near extinction, and the vital role this area has played in their recovery. Visit a working dairy and explore the complex inter-relationship between the geese and the dairymen of the delta and the associated set of conflicts arising out of an endangered species success story.
Del Norte "Birder's Choice" - Full Day
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. Alan Barron will do a full day tailored-to-your-specific requests. A full day - from dawn to dusk - owl requests honored! 10 persons maximum per trip.- Del Norte "Birder's Choice" - Half Day
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. Alan Barron will do a half day tailored-to-your-specific requests. 10 persons maximum per trip. - Klamath Basin 2-Day Trip
Spend two days visiting the varied habitats and associated birds of inland northern Calif-ornia and southern Oregon in Jackson, Klamath, Siskiyou, and Modoc counties. Rob Hewitt of LBJ Enter-prises will lead 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.
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Ron LeValley, Roy Irving, Rick Hiser, Pete Craig, Bob Mize