Shorebirds are back!

It is that time of year again, when the shorebirds spring migration brings their flying wings back to Grays Harbor.   Their northern migration has their final destination in the arctic, but for a short while they stay and rest here at the National Wildlife Refuge.  In the coming weeks, nature and bird enthusiasts alike will be able to spot many different varieties of the shorebirds at several sighting spots around the harbor.

You may remember our in-depth interview with Dianna Moore last year, a Shorebird Festival volunteer.  You can revisit that here!  So many volunteers help out throughout the festival to keep the tours staffed, the events booked and the fun alive.  New this year is the Shorebird Procession.  Bring a costume and join in the parade!  

The festival kicks off officially April 26th and runs through April 28th.  The weekend is packed with Key Note Speakers (Clay Taylor), lectures, a Birding Marketplace and of course tours and field trips.  The annual fundraising Banquet and Auction is being held on Saturday night the 27th, the money raised is used to fund the next years festival and fund the AmeriCorps position at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge.

photo courtesy of Shorebird Festival website

 Springtime in April is a beautiful time on the harbor, and it is a wonderful time to witness the beauty of the birds in the Bowerman Basin.  Visit Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival website for all the details.

The best viewing times during the festival will be as follows:  but remember that the Wildlife park is open from dawn to dusk.
 

	High Tide	Best Viewing
Friday, April 26	2:55pm	12:55pm - 4:55pm
Saturday, April 27	3:45pm	1:45pm - 5:45pm
Sunday, April 28	4:35pm	2:35pm - 6:35pm