Now here’s a festival I wish I could attend. On three days surrounding International Migratory Bird Day (May 9), the Festival of the Birds will take place on a small peninsula in eastern Lake Erie called Presque Isle.
“Presque” is a French term meaning “almost an island.” The Isle, known as a recurving sand spit in geological terms, is in constant motion and has migrating eastward about a half mile per century in response to Lake Erie’s westerly winds. At various points in its history the peninsula actually HAS been an island.
It’s location on the Great Lakes makes Presque Isle a natural hotspot for migrating birds along the Atlantic Flyway. About 320 species of birds have been recorded on the Isle, so bird watching on IMBD day-during the height of spring migration–is bound to be fun and productive.
I cannot attend this festival. But if you travel for it, let me know how it goes.
From the organizers:
FESTIVAL OF THE BIRDS
MAY 8, 9, 10, 2009
The 2009 Festival of the Birds will be held May 8, 9, 10 at Presque Isle State Park and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie, PA. This event is hosted by the Presque Isle Audubon Society and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
This year’s Festival will include a variety of birding field trips on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 7:00 a.m. Workshops begin at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and will include Nature Photography, Birding 101, Full Moon Kayak Paddle and many more. On Sunday afternoon a special free program will be hosted for children and families, which will include an art show, Live Raptors, Fledgling Artists Workshop and films. No registration is required for the Sunday afternoon programs.
This event coincides with International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) on Saturday, May 9. There were 133 species of birds identified and recorded at last year’s Festival. Some of these included the Red Headed Woodpecker, Black Throated Blue Warbler, and the Bald Eagle. Many of the 150 participants also added to their “Life Lists” because of the unusual and abundant variety of bird species located at Presque Isle State Park.
Registration forms will be available at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center or on our web page at www.presqueisle.org/audubon. Pre-registration is $90/person for the weekend or $50/day. Special rates are available for students and children. This event is limited to 150 participants so early registration is recommended. Act 48 credits available.
For more information contact:
Karen Torney kmt1515@gmail.com
Linda Donati CDBirdz2@aol.com
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