Friday, June 11th
Birders with a variety of experience attend the festival. To better meet your expectations, we are asking that you pre-register for the birding festival activities that best suit your interests. Many of the activities are conducted at the same time, so please register for only one activity per time slot. Pre-registration for lunch is also preferred for planning purposes. Please indicate the number of adults and/or youth attending each activity.
TIME
EVENT
DESCRIPTION
NUMBER OF ADULTS ATTENDING
NUMBER OF YOUTH ATTENDING
6:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Sparrow Seekers
Guided Birding Tour
If
you have a checklist of grassland bird species that are your "must see or hear" birds, this is the tour for you. For 4 1/2 hours your experienced guides will visit numerous locations as the birds dictate. Some walking will be done, so that you can learn to identify the calls and visual identification of those difficult grassland birds. Other sightings will not be ignored, but the focus of this tour is for the dedicated birders who are looking for the elusive grassland sparrows. This tour will visit portions of the Refuge that will maximize your birding experience. A field break for your comfort will be provided during the tour.
6:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Prairie Pothole Potpourri Guided Birding Tour Group size is limited. Register early
A general Refuge tour which will focus on having the widest variety of birds viewed, and sometimes heard. The tour buses will be unloaded at four or five prime locations, where participants will walk short distances to view a wide variety of grassland species. If you want variety, this 4 1/2 hour tour should fit your needs. Depending on recent bird sightings, traffic, weather and road conditions, this tour will visit portions of the Refuge that will maximize your birding experience. A field break for your comfort will be provided during the tour.
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Safari Style Guided Tour
This
shorter (2 hour) Refuge tour will be interpreted while participants stay on board and observe from their bus seats. This tour is focused on people who want a broader wildlife experience, with no walking required. Beginner birders should note that some optics may be available for loan.
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
Enjoy complimentary refreshments, view static exhibits and informational displays.
10:45 AM - Noon
Lostwood Wilderness Walk
A guided walk over rough terrain without a trail to explore wilderness
on Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Indoor Bird Review
An
opportunity to "debrief" and discuss the morning tours, bird sightings and validate bird songs in a comfortable indoor setting.
11:15 AM - Noon
Explore Indoors: LBNA
Local
leaders and members will share information on the Lostwood Birding and Nature Association (LBNA) ~ the Friends Group associated with Lostwood NWR. Following the brief indoor session we'll take an informal stroll near Headquarters to view some of the birds that make their home here.
Noon - 1:00 PM
Lunch
Lunch and refreshments at Lostwood NWR
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Prairie Wildflowers and Grasses Walk
Join
us as we observe the waving seas of native grasses and flowers. This is the habitat that is unique and vital to the grassland birds.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Indoor Informational Presentations
Several
sessions including: Neal Niemuth speaking on "Bird Conservation in the Prairie Pothole Region" - discussion of the threats facing grasslands & wetlands in the region, and what birders can do to help. Margi Coyle will present information on a variety of raptors, bald eagles, and golden eagles. Additional presentations will feature information on burrowing owls.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Youth Activities
Educational
and fun activities for youth of all ages. Led by Jackie Jacobson of Audubon NWR & the Fish & Wildlife Service Team. Details yet to be announced.
Saturday, June 12th
Birders with a variety of experience attend the festival. To better meet your expectations, we are asking that you pre-register for the birding festival activities that best suit your interests. Many of the activities are conducted at the same time, so please register for only one activity per time slot. Pre-registration for lunch is also preferred for planning purposes. Please indicate the number of adults and/or youth attending each activity.
TIME
EVENT
DESCRIPTION
NUMBER OF ADULTS ATTENDING
NUMBER OF YOUTH ATTENDING
6:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Sparrow Seekers Guided Birding Tour
If you have a checklist of grassland bird species that are your "must see or hear" birds, this is the tour for you. For 4 1/2 hours your experienced guides will visit numerous locations as the birds dictate. Some walking will be done, so that you can learn to identify the calls and visual identification of those difficult grassland birds. Other sightings will not be ignored, but the focus of this tour is for the dedicated birders who are looking for the elusive grassland sparrows. This tour will visit portions of the Refuge that will maximize your birding experience. A field break for your comfort will be provided during the tour.
6:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Prairie Pothole Potpourri Guided Birding Tour
A general Refuge tour which will focus on having the widest variety of birds viewed, and sometimes heard. The tour buses will be unloaded at four or five prime locations, where participants will walk short distances to view a wide variety of grassland species. If you want variety, this 4 1/2 hour tour should fit your needs. Depending on recent bird sightings, traffic, weather and road conditions, this tour will visit portions of the Refuge that will maximize your birding experience. A field break for your comfort will be provided during the tour.
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Safari Style Guided Tour
This shorter (2 hour) Refuge tour will be interpreted while participants stay on board and observe from their bus seats. This tour is focused on people who want a broader wildlife experience, with no walking required. Beginner birders should note that some optics may be available for loan.
10:30 AM -10:45 AM
Break
Enjoy complimentary refreshments, view static exhibits and informational displays.
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Indoor Bird Review
An
opportunity to "debrief" and discuss the morning tours, bird sightings and validate bird songs in a comfortable indoor setting.
Festival close - noon
Everyone Welcome!
You are invited to attend the Lostwood Birding and Nature Association meeting which starts at the close of the festival. Meeting will be held at Lostwood NWR.
