This sounds interesting...

Some friends of ours are partnering to present a REALLY cool birding event for beginners! The festival is a partnership between U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, American Birding Association, and Tropical Birding Tours, and ALL EVENTS ARE FREE!!



Here's the Festival 411:

Great Logo too, btw!!



Saturday & Sunday, February 20-21, 2010

7:00 am - 8:00 PM each day.

Location: Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge



If you have an interest in birds and have wanted to learn more but felt intimidated we have created the perfect event for you. Winter is a great time to see some amazing birds such as large groups of eagles, flocks of beautiful tundra swans and owls.

Bundle up, bring lots of questions and discover the amazing world of winter birding.



An amazing array of birding professionals will be on hand to answer questions and share their knowledge of these fascinating animals. Avid birders also come along share your experience and passion and let's make this a great weekend. Sign up for one, or all, of the events.

Call 734-692-7649 for information and registration.



Due to size restrictions and to accommodate as many participants as we can, programming is identical for Saturday and Sunday.



EVENT PROGRAM

Identical for Saturday & Sunday:





Time: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Program Title: Sunrise on Lake Erie

Program Description: Bring a hot drink and watch the sun rise over Lake Erie.

This is a great opportunity to see ducks in flight as well as gulls found in this area only in winter.

Location: Lady of the Lake at Consumers Energy J.R. Whiting Plant





Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Program Title: Eagles and More Viewing Tour

Program Description: The warm water discharged from the plant keeps the water free from ice and provides great fishing opportunities for eagles as well as other waterfowl. Tour is limited to 30 participants.

Location: DTE Monroe Power Plant (limit 30 participants)

Details: Registration required.





Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m

Program Title: Winter Visitors

Program Description: Pointe Mouillee, a premier birding location, is a great spot this time of year for many birds that can be found in the Arctic during the summer such as snow buntings, horned larks, and possibly the snowy owl.

Location: Pointe Mouillee State Game Area.

Details: Registration required.



***** LUNCH BREAK *****



Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Program Title: Long Way from Home: Tundra Swans

Program Description: Large flocks of waterfowl can often be found in the river this time of the year. Learn where they are from and why they are here. Meet at the Marshlands Museum.

Location: Lake Erie Metropark.

Details: There is a $5 entrance fee, free with a Metroparks Annual Pass.





Time: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Program Title: Dinner and Evening Presentations:

Presentations: "Best Birding in the United States" Josh Engel, Tropical Birding"

"Getting the Most Out of Our Planet" Iain Campbell, co-founder of Tropical Birding Location: Hotel Sterling in Monroe, Michigan.

Details: Limited to 40 participants; Programs are free; dinner is additional cost;

Registration required.





Call for price details. For registration or more information call: 734-692-7649.

Don't have the right supplies...we do! Binoculars and bird field guides are available to borrow upon request.