Festival of Birds. 18th Annual. Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. May 14-17, f Birds. Festival. 18th Annual

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1 e Detroit Lakes 18th Annual Festival f Birds t a s o M May 14-17, 2015 Melissa Groo i n n P.O. Box 348 Detroit Lakes, MN Printed in the USA on recycled paper 18th Annual Festival of Birds May 14-17, 2015 Detroit Lakes, Minnesota New Headquarters! Melissa Groo or

2 Fargo Moorhead Detroit Lakes Minneapolis St. Paul Duluth WELCOME TO OUR 18TH MIGRATION CELEBRATION IN DETROIT LAKES! Spring migration is underway in Minnesota! We look forward to the return of hundreds of species to the Detroit Lakes area to see them in their brightest springtime mating plumage. This 18th annual festival we head to a new headquarters nestled in the woods just east of Detroit Lakes. After being closed for ten years, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area opened in November 2014 with a brand new lodge, and new ski, snowboard and tubing amenities. This summer Detroit Mountain will celebrate the grand opening of several mountain biking trails. You will find nature all around you in this picturesque setting. You see, the Detroit Lakes area is located in a transition zone in northwestern Minnesota where tall grass prairie meets northern hardwood and conifer forest ecosystems. Add a landscape peppered with lakes and wetlands and the diversity of plant, animal and bird life is so unique that all of the state-listed bird species have been documented in the festival birding area. In a small geographic area, birders can find a tremendous variety of species. You won t find another festival that offers such great numbers of woodland warblers right next to a plentiful array of prairie sparrows or vast numbers of shorebirds! Mid-May birding is spectacular! More than 200 birds have been recorded during our festival. You will visit several natural and restored habitats, including forests and expansive prairies that are among the less than one percent of native prairie in the state. Birders attending the festival have been able to check off species such as the Chestnut-collared Longspur, Greater Prairie Chicken, Black-backed Woodpecker and Sharp-tailed Grouse. We work diligently to provide a quality experience for you with knowledgeable birding leaders and a naturalist on each fieldtrip by comfortable coach bus to the hot spots. Birders of all levels are invited to take part in the festival, sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce and US Fish & Wildlife Service. We ll treat you to some of our best small town hospitality! We hope you enjoy the enthusiastic line-up of presenters! Bob Janssen, Carrol Henderson and Paul Baicich will be on hand to sign their newly released books. Learning is enjoyable when you take part in presentations by Doug Buri on shorebird I.D. and Melissa Groo s fine professional photography. On May we head west to North Dakota and then north to one of Manitoba s hottest shorebird sites, so be sure to join us! Register by May 1 to be included in the early bird drawing for a pair of binoculars, donated by Eagle Optics. Grab your binoculars and field guides, and we ll See You at the Lakes in May! To Festival Headquarters Otto Zeck Road and Concordia on Long Lake Detroit Mountain Road 8th Street New Festival Headquarters Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Co. 54 COVER DESIGN: The Festival of Birds Committee thanks Melissa Groo for the use of her Western Grebe photo, our 2015 theme bird Forest Edge Gallery and Five Lakes Resort

3 PINE TO PRAIRIE BIRDING TRAIL BIRDING HOTLINE: While you re in northwestern Minnesota, plan to spend at least a few extra days to check out the Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail! On May 19, 2009 Minnesota partnered with Manitoba, Canada to become North America s newest International birding trail! Now covering 500 miles, the trail offers 68 sites to view hundreds of species of birds! The 200 mile trail in Minnesota offers tremendous birding opportunities through transitional habitats of pine forests, deciduous woodlands, native tallgrass prairie, aspen parkland, sand dunes (remnants of Glacial Lake Agassiz), calcareous fens, bogs, marshes, lakes and rivers that provide riparian habitat. The trail runs from Fergus Falls, to Pelican Rapids, Detroit Lakes, Thief River Falls, Roseau and Warroad. The Minnesota trail checklist includes 275 regular and 26 casual species. A copy of the trail brochure will be available at the registration desk. DETROIT LAKES CITY LODGING AmericInn Lodge & Suites (1) American Legion Campground (2) Best Western Plus Holland House(3) Budget Host Inn (4) Best Western Premier The Lodge on Lake Detroit (5) VIEW Country Inn & Suites (6) Lakecrest Resort (7) Holiday Inn on the Lake (8) America s Best Value Inn (10) Viking Resort Motel (11) New Festival Headquarters Detroit Mountain Recreation Area! (see map for directions on inside back cover) All Festival of Birds events centered out of DMRA, except where noted Thursday, May 14 evening Welcome Social/Program at DMRA Friday, May 15 evening meal/program at Five Lakes Resort Saturday, May 16 evening meal/program at M State College THURSDAY - MAY 14 REGISTRATION AT NEW HEADQUARTERS 12:00 pm 4:30 pm: Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, th Street, Detroit Lakes WORKSHOPS BIRDING BASICS Thursday, May 14th, 1:00 pm 3:00 pm Cost $15.00 Location: Sucker Creek Preserve, Highway 10 East to south on 290th Avenue Walk with experienced birders who will share tips on binocular handling, using guide books, and bird identification. We ll explore topics such as when the use of bird call recordings is appropriate, how you record official sightings and how to use the technique of pishing. This is your chance to ask questions from etiquette to habitat while practicing birding skills in the field. This workshop is the perfect way to start your spring birding adventures. Meet at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge. Driving directions available at registration. DISCOVERING GRASSLAND SPARROWS DOUG BURI Thursday, May 14th, 1:00 pm 3:00 pm Cost $15.00 Location: Concordia Long Lake Biological Research Station, Hwy 10 West, Detroit Lakes Doug Buri has extensive experience in sparrow identification, their habitat requirements and the best methods of finding this group of birds in the field. He is a lifelong birder with a BS degree in Zoology and has participated in past birding festivals. Doug s enthusiasm and passion for birding is incredible and the festival committee is very pleased to have him back! After Doug s classroom Sparrow Identification course in the Concordia research building, the group will put their new skills to work by birding the grassland, woodland and lakeshore trails of the Concordia property. This will be a unique opportunity to hone your skills in species identification with one of the foremost sparrow experts in the country! FREE NATURE HIKE DETROIT MOUNTAIN NATURE HIKE Thursday, May 14, 3:15 pm-4:15 pm (and Saturday, May 16, 3:15 pm-4:00 pm) Cost: Free with Event Fee Location: Detroit Mountain Recreation Area. Hike the ski and mountain bike trails at Detroit Mountain to enjoy the maple-basswood 1

4 THURSDAY - MAY 14 forest, spring wildflowers, warblers, raptors and other migrating birds. The ski runs provide much forest edge habitat making forest/grassland edge-loving species common. This is a rigorous hike not for the light of heart! This hike will take you to the top of Detroit Mountain for a gorgeous view of Detroit Lakes and the surrounding area. We will gather on the deck behind the lodge to begin our hike with leader Stacy Salvevold of the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Please bring a water bottle and sturdy shoes. It may be a muddy hike in May depending on the weather, but the view from the top is worth the hike! Species we may see: warblers, vireos, bluebirds, tanagers, woodpeckers and raptors. Raptors are frequently seen soaring on thermals over these hills, so this will be an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of our local raptors. WELCOME SOCIAL Thursday, May 14th, 4:00 pm 6:00 pm Cost: Free with Event Fee Location: Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge What could be more fun than meeting friends, checking out the new Detroit Mountain Recreation Area lodge and enjoying the music of the Hardwood Groove Trio? Join us for the Festival of Birds Welcome Social! If the weather is favorable, we ll be outdoors on the back deck taking in the funky Blue Jam Grass Lovin Folk music via bass, guitar and mandolin, with areas to mingle and visit with friends. Enjoy wine and beer selections from the cash bar. The fee for the evening presentation also gives you access to a selection of hors d oeuvres during the welcome social. Welcome to lakes country! HORS D OEUVRES, PROGRAM AND BOOK SIGNING Birds of Minnesota State Parkes Bob Janssen Thursday, May 14th, 5:00 pm 7:00 pm Cost: $20, Includes Hors d oeuvres and Program Location: Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge Bob Janssen is well-known as one of the state s top birding experts. He was editor of the Minnesota Ornithologists Union quarterly journal and a past president of the organization. He consults for the MN DNR and is a coordinator of the Minnesota Breeding Bird Survey for the US FWS. He is an author of three additional books on Minnesota birds. To write Birds of Minnesota State Parks, Janssen spent more than ten years making multiple visits to the parks to observe nesting species and migrants. The book is arranged by parks by county within the four biomes of tallgrass prairie, tallgrass aspen parkland, hardwood forest and pine forest. He describes the bird families likely to be seen in the park habitat as well as offering specific areas to look for particular species. With more than 200 pages in the book, you ll find maps with detailed park amenities. Join us as Bob Janssen shares his experiences in writing his latest book, with technical advisor Carrol Henderson providing additional stories of interest Have you picked up your copy of Birds of Minnesota State Parks by author Bob Janssen? Friends of Tamarac will have books available for purchase. Thinking of a gift? Janssen will make it special by personally signing copies. Enjoy a selection of hot and cold hors d oeuvres from LaBarista from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, before the presentation. Photo by Ivan Kuzmin, Shutterstock SPONSORS Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District Protecting more than 50,000 acres of nesting bird habitat! Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge Designated as one of Minnesota s IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS American Bird Conservancy: a single and steadfast commitment to achieving conservation results for birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABCbirds.org 2 19

5 Five Lakes and Fair Hills Resorts offers 1000 Acres of pristine Five wilderness Lakes and Fair for excellent Hills Resorts birding. offers 1000 Acres of pristine wilderness for excellent birding. Pet & Garden Items: Birder Books, Gifts, Feeders and Supplies Garden Supplies Pet Toys, Treats and Accessories Dog and Cat Food The Candy Store: Fresh Homemade Fudge Salt Water Taffy (50+ Flavors) Old Fashion Candies Minnesota Made Chocolates and Truffles Licorice - Australian and Salty Jelly Belly Novelty Gifts SPONSORS Come and stay Fair with Hills us! Resort Come and stay with us! Within 15 minutes of weekend activities. Within 15 minutes of weekend activities Washington Ave. Detroit Lakes, MN across from Essentia Health St Mary s Phone: Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge Where Wildlife Comes Naturally Protecting 43,000 acres of wildlife habitat 250 species of birds including 25 species of warblers! Visitor Center Open Weekdays 7:30am-4pm, Weekends 10am-5pm Welcome to Bird Festival 2015 Continental Breakfast extra early for the early bird All rooms have 32 LCD TVs, fridge & microwave Pool, Whirlpool, Sauna and Game Room 777 Hwy. 10 East, Detroit Lakes, MN americinn.com FRIDAY - MAY 15 REGISTRATION 5:15 am 5:45 am & 1:30 pm 4:30 pm: Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge FIELD TRIPS These field trips depart and return from the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area parking lot. Please be prompt, as buses leave on time! Coffee will be served at the Lodge for a free-will offering from 5:15 am 5:30 am. GLENDALOUGH STATE PARK/SEVEN SISTERS PRAIRIE Friday, May 15, 5:30 am-1:30 pm Cost $45.00, includes sack lunch Location: Trip leaves promptly Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Parking Lot Glendalough State Park, Lake Christina and Seven Sisters Prairie offer a truly special opportunity to immerse yourself in the best that west central Minnesota has to offer. Glendalough State Park has one of the largest tracts of undeveloped lakeshore in western Minnesota. Lake Christina is a critical migration stop for diving ducks throughout North America, and Seven Sisters Prairie is a gravel prairie mountain that rises 190 feet above Lake Christina on its western shore. This tour will cascade you through the rolling topography of the Alexandria Moraine and is a beautiful example of original landscape transitioning from prairie to northern hardwoods. Because of the diversity of these sites, the opportunity to see many species of birds is possible because prairies, woodlands, savannas, wetlands and lakes will be equally represented on this tour. Birds we are looking for: Lark Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Eastern Kingbird, Western Meadowlark, Great-crested Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, numerous woodpeckers, hawks, thrashers, prairie sparrows, orioles, gulls and over 20 species of warblers. TAMARAC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Friday, May 15, 5:45 am 1:30 pm Cost $45.00, Includes Lunch at Tamarac Location: Trip leaves promptly Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Parking Lot The pristine woodlands of Tamarac Refuge are host to 25 species of warblers including the Golden-winged warbler. Tamarac s 43,000 acres are a premier bird refuge in Northwestern Minnesota. Tamarac s wildlife biologist will be on board to guide you through the mosaic of habitats including pine and hardwood forests, lakes, rivers, marshes and brushy grasslands. Bring your hiking shoes as we trek sections of the North Country Trail and get behind the gates of key sections of the refuge. A stop will be made at the visitor center to capture a few more species on the busy bird feeders and explore the natural history exhibits. Lunch will be served at the new Tamarac Discovery Center by the Friends of Tamarac, including hot turkey sandwiches, wild rice salad, veggies, dessert bars and a beverage. The refuge has a bird list of 258 species, so there will be plenty of feathered friends to see here. Birds we ll be looking for: Solitary Sandpiper, American Woodcock, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Vireos, 25 species of warblers, Common Loons, Trumpeter Swans, nesting Bald Eagles and Ruffed Grouse. 18 3

6 4 FRIDAY - MAY 15 SOCIAL, DINNER AND PROGRAM Friday, May 15th, 3:30 pm 7:30 pm Cost $29.00, Includes Transportation, Social, Dinner and Program Location: Meet bus 3:30 pm sharp at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area parking lot You ll be treated to two unique settings in the tranquil wooded countryside south of Detroit Lakes. We re going green step on the bus and leave behind worries of getting lost! Meet at the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area parking lot at 3:30 pm sharp! FOREST EDGE GALLERY SOCIAL Many of you have found copper treasures at our annual silent auction (and look for them this year, too!) Our first stop will be the art gallery of copper and steel artist Patrick Shannon and partner Helena Johnson s contemporary mixed metal jewelry. Look for birds in the trees while you browse the outdoor sculpture gardens, as well as the indoor gallery. Enjoy complimentary light snacks and beverages. Our hosts will be on hand to answer questions about their artistic creations as well as works from other American artists. DINNER AND PROGRAM FEEDING WILD BIRDS IN AMERICA: A Story of Wild Birds, Innovation and Conservation PAUL BAICICH AND CARROL HENDERSON Friday, May 15, 5:15 pm-7:00 pm Location: The Barn at Five Lakes Resort Americans have been feeding wild birds for more than 100 years, but few people have followed the history and development of the popular pastime. It s a surprise, since over 55 million Americans engage in some level of backyard bird feeding. In this presentation, you will learn how bird feeding evolved, from decade to decade, and you will get insights into little-known stories of feeding development. These include the invention of the hopper feeder, the discovery and use of such seeds as black oil sunflower and Nyjer, the creation of the tube feeder, and why hemp (popular through the 1920s) is no longer fed to birds. Most importantly, you will learn to connect the past with current developments in bird feeding, including the top ten bird foods for bird feeding and the five steps to double the number of bird species at your feeders. The presentation is by Paul Baicich and Carrol Henderson, two of the three co-authors of the new book, Feeding Wild Birds in America (Texas A&M University Press). Baicich is a conservation writer/editor and avitourism consultant who lives in Maryland. Henderson is supervisor of MN s Nongame Wildlife Program in the Department of Natural Resources. The authors will be available to sign your book and copies will be on hand for purchase. Nestled in the woods along the shores of a private lake is Five Lakes Resort. The Barn was re-purposed in 2012 into a unique facility for events. Our meal, followed by the presentation, will include meat and veggie lasagna, Caesar salad, carrots, garlic bread, brownie and beverages. GENERAL INFORMATION LOST & FOUND If you happen to misplace an item or find one, please check at the Registration Desk. BIRDER S BAZAAR Browse the Birder s Bazaar which will feature booths from a variety of organizations and businesses. Hours: Saturday, May 16, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm SILENT AUCTION Donations of silent auction items will be accepted at the registration booth. Proceeds benefit future festivals. Be sure to place your bids before the auction closes at 3:30 pm Saturday and pick up your auction items immediately afterward. Look for the silent auction items during the festival and especially on Saturday, May 16, 11:00 am - 3:30 pm. SPONSORS Please support festival sponsors with ads and these sponsors: Bremer Bank, NA Eagle Optics Forest Edge Gallery Friends of Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District Izaak Walton of America League, Prairie Woods Chapter Lakes Area Birding Club Lake Region Electric Cooperative Lakeside Tavern THANKS TO OUR FIELDTRIP LEADERS OVER THE RECENT YEARS Al Batt Betsy Beneke Janice Bengtson Dave Bennett Jerry Bonkoski Kelly Blackledge Jo Blanich Steve Blanich Jeff Bouton Barbara Boyle Wayne Brininger Judd Brink Doug Buri Ed Clem Keith Corliss Richard Crossley Connie Cox Lowell Deede Kim Eckert Jason Ekstein Becky Esser John Fitzpatrick Jeff Fjestad Jeffrey Gordon Joel Greenberg Juan Carlos Geise Paula Grieef Sandy Gunderson Larry Hanson Sally Hausken Carrol Henderson Greg Hoch Robert Janssen Teresa Jaskiewicz Earl Johnson Rhett Johnson Jeanie Joppru Scott Kahan Fred Lesher Steve Mallard Barb Martin Dennis Martin John Marzluff Matt Mecklenberg Steve Midthure Mike Murphy Frank Nicoletti Jeff Norby Sherri Norland Bob O Connor Mark Otnes Rosalind Renfrew Kim Risen David Allen Sibley Beau Shroyer Sharon Stiteler Dan & Sandy Thimgan Bill Thompson Gary Tischer John Voz Charles Walcott Rud Wasson Scott Weidensaul Drew Wheelan Ron Windingstad 17

7 GENERAL INFORMATION REGISTRATION HOURS: Thursday, May 14: 12:00 pm 4:30 pm Friday, May 15: 5:15 am 5:45 am & 1:30 pm 4:30 pm Saturday, May 16: 5:15 am 7:00 am & 11:00 am 4:00 pm Sunday, May 17: 5:15 am 5:30 am WEATHER & ATTIRE Northwestern Minnesota weather is highly variable during the spring months. Temperatures usually range from the 70 s to the 40 s. If it s windy, it can seem much colder! We suggest that for field trips you bring jackets for both warm and cold weather that you can layer, along with hats, gloves and waterproof outerwear. Waterproof footgear is also recommended for field trips, as dew may be heavy in the mornings. No field trips will be canceled unless weather is severe. Refunds will not be given for field trip cancellations due to weather conditions. Feel free to dress in casual attire for all festival events. FIELDTRIP GUIDELINES All fieldtrips will depart from the parking lot at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area. With the exception of workshops and evening events, all trips will be via coach buses with onboard restrooms or executive buses, fieldtrip leaders and a naturalist. Granola bars and water will be provided on all trips. Several trips also include a sack lunch, as noted in the trip description, which includes a hearty pasta or wild rice salad with veggies and meat, (vegetarian: without meat) assorted crackers, mixed fruit and bar or cookie. Many of the fieldtrips involve a considerable amount of walking. Participants are required to stay with the group. Please notify the trip leader if you have limited mobility or a health condition that limits the distance you are able to walk. Your fieldtrip experience begins as the bus departs so personal vehicles may not caravan behind the buses on field trips and boarding at locations along the way may not be accommodated. If you need to leave Detroit Lakes early on Sunday, please plan accordingly. Please be on time as the buses leave at the times noted from the parking lot of Detroit Mountain Recreation Area and there are no refunds! Return times may fluctuate slightly from the stated time, especially if bird sightings are exceptional on any of the fieldtrips. The use of bird call devices is not allowed by participants and is limited to circumstantial use by the trip leaders only. Please be considerate and limit side conversations and turn off cell phones. Many of our unique species are located by sound. We kindly request that those choosing to smoke do so away from other birders and properly dispose of butts. We are committed to providing an enjoyable and safe experience. Space may be limited on some field trips so register early! Coffee will be available Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge. SATURDAY MAY 16 REGISTRATION 5:15 am 7:00 am & 11:00 am 4:00 pm: Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge FIELD TRIPS These field trips depart and return from the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area parking lot. Please be prompt, as buses leave on time! Coffee will be served at the Lodge at a free-will offering from 5:15 am 7:00 am. HAMDEN SLOUGH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Saturday, May 16, 5:30 am 11:30 am Cost $35.00 Location: Trip leaves promptly from the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Parking Lot Hamden Slough is an Important Bird Area designated by Audubon Minnesota that showcases some of the best prairie and wetland bird viewing in west central Minnesota. Depending on precipitation, exceptional shorebird, waterfowl and wading bird viewing at Bisson Lake is possible. Come and see shorebirds and waterfowl using newly restored wetlands that were just completed along the east side of the refuge in Look and listen for Greater Prairie Chickens, Marbled Godwits, Western Meadowlarks and prairie sparrows in the drained Hamden Lake bed and recently hayed grasslands. Walk the Hesby Memorial Trail through a restored prairie while Bobolinks sing their one-of-a-kind song. A breakfast snack will be served by the Friends group. Birds we ll be looking for: Greater Prairie Chicken, Marbled Godwit, Wilson s Phalarope, Western Meadowlark, Le Conte s Sparrow, Sedge Wren, Bobolink, Sandhill Crane; 20 waterfowl and 20 shorebird species! CALLAWAY / OGEMA SPRINGS BIO BLITZ Saturday, May 16, 7:00 am 11:30 am Cost $35.00 Location: Trip leaves promptly from the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Parking Lot New field trip site! In this fieldtrip, you will be able to see the striking transition of tallgrass prairie to hardwood forests! At a stop along this route north of Detroit Lakes, one can literally see for miles in every direction with very few trees to obstruct the view! You ll walk and bird the interesting habitats of this area s historic Red River Ox Cart trail. As the trail moved northwest of Detroit Lakes to what is now called Winnipeg it traversed the edge of the old Agassiz beach ridge. Some of these habitats remain today as important birding areas. The tour will highlight the Ogema Springs State Wildlife Management Area and focus on grassland sparrow habitats. Doug Buri will assist the group in identifying grassland sparrows in the field using information from his Sparrow workshop. It is also likely professional photographer Melissa Groo will participate in this fieldtrip. To better understand what you see on this fieldtrip, local naturalists will be available to identify some of the unique flora, fauna and freshwater springs of the area. Birds we ll be looking for: Grassland sparrows, Marsh & Sedge Wrens, Bobolink, Sandhill Cranes, Bitterns, Marbled Godwits, Greater Prairie Chicken, and a variety of grassland warblers. 16 5

8 6 SATURDAY - MAY 16 LOCAL HOT SPOTS Saturday, May 16, 8:00 am 10:00 am Cost $20.00 Location: Trip leaves promptly from the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Parking Lot Calling all novice birders! Detroit Lakes offers amazing places to learn to identify many species of birds. Sleep in and then spend a couple hours with local birders and educators who will share with you some of our birding gems! Leaders will be scouting local sites like Sucker Creek Preserve, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, Headquarters Waterfowl Production Area and Dunton Locks County Park, in order to plan a fun morning for you to ask questions and build your birding skills. Board the bus at 8:00 am sharp at the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area parking lot and local guides will select a number of sites. Species we are looking for: Osprey, Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle, White-throated Sparrow, Orioles, Woodpeckers, Warblers and Waterfowl. BIRDER S BAZAAR Saturday, May 16, 11:00 am 4:00 pm Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge Stop by the vendor booths for birding and related items. Here s your opportunity to pick up original nature items such as books, feeders, bird and nature photos, garments and gift items. Show your support for protecting vital habitat for birds and pick up your Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. LUNCH Saturday, May 16, 11:00 am 12:30 pm Cost: $9.00 Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge As we return to the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge, join us at the Birders Bazaar for complimentary vegetables and dip, cheese and crackers and trail mix. For larger appetites, the paid lunch adds tasty croissant sandwiches of ham salad, chicken salad or egg salad, Caesar salad and pasta salad, fruit bowl, brownies or pumpkin bars, lemonade, coffee and water. This lunch is sure to energize you for the afternoon! SILENT AUCTION Saturday, May 16, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge Donations of silent auction items will be accepted at the registration booth. Proceeds benefit future festivals. Although anything bird related is preferred, we will accept any items with a nature theme. From locally handcrafted items to art and bird supplies, binocs and books, bidders have found unique festival souvenirs and great buys at the Silent Auction. Look for Silent Auction items before Saturday to start placing bids. Be sure to place your final bid before the auction closes at 3:30 pm on Saturday. Please claim your items immediately following the auction. FREE WORKSHOP BEES WITH BRYAN DR. BRYAN BISHOP, Associate Professor Biology, Concordia College Saturday, May 16, 12:30 pm 1:30 pm GENERAL INFORMATION REGISTRATION Our pre-registration deadline is Friday, May 8th. On-site registration will be available at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, however, early registration is strongly recommended as fieldtrip and workshop space is limited. Register by Friday, May 1st to be include in the special Early Bird Drawing for a pair of Atlas Intrepid 7x36 binoculars from Eagle Optics! Register online to secure your spot in the Festival of Birds events. Go to www. VisitDetroitLakes.com. Registration is found under Events, then Festival of Birds. You may use your credit card while registering under a secure server. All registrants receive a confirmation form. If registering by hard copy, you will be called or ed about an event that has been filled. We do not share addresses, so supplying your address is a timely way to be made aware of festival updates. You may call the Chamber to see if there are event or field trip openings after the May 8th deadline. Questions should be directed to the Chamber at , or by ing dlchamber@visitdetroitlakes.com. Or, mail your completed registration form, along with your credit card information or check made out to Chamber of Commerce to: Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds, PO Box 348, Detroit Lakes, MN Cancellation Policy & Special Terms: Cancellations must be made no later than 4:00 pm, May 8, The registration fee is non-refundable. Purchase of additional fieldtrip or workshop tickets may be made on-site, upon availability. If you would like a Detroit Lakes lodging and attractions guide, bird checklists, and maps mailed to you with your registration confirmation letter, please indicate this on your registration form. These items will be available at the festival. REGISTRATION BOOTH The registration booth will be located in the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge. To get to DMRA, turn north off of Highway 10 at the Washington Avenue stoplight corner. Travel six blocks and turn east (right) onto Highway 34. Travel 2 miles east on Hwy 34 to Otto Zeck Road. Look for the brown highway sign immediately before Otto Zeck Road that reads Detroit Mountain Recreation Area. Turn south on Otto Zeck Road for 1 mile to the T and turn right. Take the immediate next left into the woods at the sign reading Detroit Mountain Recreation Area. At the end of the entrance road in the woods, turn right to get to the paved parking lot by the lodge. When you arrive, please check-in to receive your information packet complete with name tags, maps, tickets, bird checklists and an event schedule. Look inside your welcome packet for merchant discounts and sponsor gifts. Volunteers will be available to help you with questions. We re big on recycling, so we ask that you return your name tag holder at the registration desk or after attending your last event. Join us for the 19th Annual Festival of Birds ~ May 19-22,

9 SUNDAY/MONDAY MAY River. A step on guide from the refuge will explain the diverse habitats of wetlands, grasslands and wooded areas. Depending on spring rains, a lake in draw down could produce several species of shorebirds. Some walking should be expected, although more time is expected to be spent with optics along shorelines. If time and opportunity permits, we may also search out grassland species. Birds we ll be looking for: Western, Eared and Clarks Grebes; Snowy and Great Egrets; Black-crowned Night and Great Blue Herons; Least, Baird s, Pectoral, and Semipalmated Sandpipers; Piping Plovers, Willets, Marbled Godwits and dowitchers. On our way north to Bottineau, ND for our overnight stay, if time permits and conditions are right, we ll make a stop at Devils Lake to look for Ruddy Turnstones. Monday, May 18, 5:30 am leave Bottineau Cobblestone Inn After our included complimentary breakfast at the hotel, we travel north to cross the Canadian border. Birders will need a valid passport and photo identification. Weapons, criminal history and previous arrests for DUI s within the last ten years will prohibit you from crossing the border. We meet our step-on expert Canadian birder, Ken DeSmet at Boissevain before heading to the Whitewater Lake area. Ken is an Avian Species at Risk Specialist with the provincial Wildlife and Ecosystem Protection Branch and has conducted research and conservation efforts for a variety of declining grassland birds. He has coordinated Breeding Bird Survey efforts in the province for more than 20 years. He has been involved in birding and wildlife tours in Manitoba for more than 25 years. Ken enjoys birding! Whitewater Lake is a Canadian Important Bird Area of global significance. The area provides habitat for more than 110 species of birds and 40 species of wildlife. The large, shallow saline wetland is one of the best known staging areas for waterfowl and shorebirds in Canada. Taking up more than 22,000 acres, Whitewater Lake is located in SW Manitoba between the towns of Boissevain and Deloraine. We will focus on the several species of expected shorebirds in pools near the road in the Whitewater Lake area. Birders should expect to spend time walking the gravel road if it is too wet to allow driving it. Some species will be visible from the roadside, while additional species in the fields may require optics. This area was a shorebird mecca last year! Birds we ll be looking for: Killdeer; American Avocet; Spotted and Solitary Sandpiper; Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs; Willet; Upland Sandpiper; Hudsonian and Marbled Godwit; Sandpipers including Least, White-rumped, Baird s, Pectoral, Stilt and Semipalmated; Short-billed Dowitcher; Wilson s Snipe; and Wilson s Phalarope. Hopeful sightings include: Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plover; Ruddy Turnstone; Red Knot; Sanderling; Dunlin and Red-necked Phalarope. We ll plan to arrive at the Canadian/US border in time for our included lunch at the International Peace Gardens. After our meal, we ll have some time to bird the trails, check out the Interpretive Center, 9/11 Memorial, Peace Tower or Bell Tower. With a few stops along the way, we ll return to Detroit Lakes by 7:30 pm on Monday, May 18. Find the details and registration form for the Great North American Birding Tour at visitdetroitlakes.com/events/festival-of-birds or call to have the information mailed to you. This additional registration form is required to be filled out by May 6, 2015 to reserve your spot. A minimum of 20 registrants are required for the Great North American Birding Tour SATURDAY - MAY 16 Cost: Free, included with event fee Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge Wildflowers on the prairie are an excellent insect food source for migratory and nesting birds. There are over 350 native bee species in Minnesota which help pollinate these wildflowers as well as many of the crops we rely on for food. Dr. Bryan Bishop will talk about the amazing symbiotic relationship between bees and wildflowers. Bryan started raising honey bees at age 12 and has a long time interest in insect and plant interactions. This workshop will surprise and inform birders about the significance of this declining species. FREE WORKSHOP SOUTHERN WINGS: MINNESOTA TO COSTA RICA CARROL HENDERSON Saturday, May 16, 2:00 pm 3:00 pm Cost: Free, included with event fee Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge Minnesota DNR wildlife biologist and Nongame Wildlife Program supervisor Carrol Henderson did his graduate studies on the wildlife of Costa Rica in He studied under Dr. Dan Janzen through the Organization for Tropical Studies. Fast forward 46 years--dr. Janzen is still doing entomological research in Guanacaste National Park and international fundraising for land acquisition to round out park boundaries that extend from mangrove forests on the Pacific coast to tropical wet forests in the Caribbean lowlands. Meanwhile, Carrol and his Costa Rican wife Ethelle have led 28 annual birding trips to Costa Rica and have developed a comprehensive bird sighting database of over 30,000 sightings in Costa Rica, including over 3,000 sightings of migratory birds that winter in Costa Rica including Guanacaste National Park. The Association of Wildlife Agencies in Washington, DC, has recently developed a program called Southern Wings to link state wildlife conservation agencies in the United States to Latin American countries in order to promote bird conservation in those countries and protect wintering habitat for migratory birds. Carrol Henderson has applied his understanding of wintering birds in Costa Rica with the unique opportunities that exist in Guanacaste National Park to create a new emphasis on bird conservation there. The most important missing ingredient for this effort is to incorporate support for bird conservation in the citizens and youth of the local communities so that they will see the benefits of the national park both as a habitat for birds and a future employer for local youth to work as biologists, park managers, guides and tourism specialists. Sites are being identified to designate as Guanacaste National Park s first Bird Conservation Areas. Through a mentorship program, they are also training an elite group of enthusiastic young students to develop their bird identification and photography skills so they can do bird inventories of their area. These young students may develop into future conservationists and stewards of Guanacaste National Park. Carrol Henderson will be giving a presentation on this unique international effort for bird conservation and on the progress that has been made in Costa Rica over the past year. BOOK SIGNING Saturday, May 16, 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge Authors Bob Janssen, Paul Baicich and Carrol Henderson will be available to sign their recently published books and some previous favorites at the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge. Take advantage of this opportunity to visit with 7

10 8 SATURDAY - MAY 16 these fascinating authors. If you don t have your own copies yet, books will be available for purchase from the Friends of Tamarac. FREE NATURE HIKE DETROIT MOUNTAIN NATURE HIKE Saturday, May 16, 3:15 pm-4:00 pm Cost: Free with Event Fee Location: Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Hike the ski and mountain bike trails at Detroit Mountain to enjoy the maplebasswood forest, spring wildflowers, warblers, raptors and other migrating birds. The ski runs provide much forest edge habitat making forest/grassland edgeloving species common. This is a rigorous hike not for the light of heart! This hike will take you to the top of Detroit Mountain for a gorgeous view of Detroit Lakes and the surrounding area. We will gather on the deck behind the lodge to begin our hike with leader Stacy Salvevold of the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Please bring a water bottle and sturdy shoes. It may be a muddy hike in May depending on the weather, but the view from the top is worth the hike! Species we may see: warblers, vireos, bluebirds, tanagers, woodpeckers and raptors. Raptors are frequently seen soaring on thermals over these hills, so this will be an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of our local raptors. THE FINE ART OF NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY MELISSA GROO Saturday, May 16, 5:30 pm-8:00 pm Cost: $27, includes dinner M State College Cafeteria and Conference Center Please note that the evening meal and presentation will be held at M State College. Enter the east side doors as in previous years for the meal in the cafeteria. The presentation will be down the hall in the Conference Center. A fluffy fox kit. A deer s tawny winter coat. Bobcats snuggling. Bird mating rituals. The flowing mane and tail of a grazing horse. Tree bark or owl? Stories of animals are told through vivid photographic images. Melissa Groo is a nature photographer whose images educate people about the marvels of the natural world. She has received awards in national and international photography competitions. Her prints are in personal collections all over the country, and published in numerous books and magazines, including Smithsonian Magazine. Coming from Ithaca, New York, Groo previously worked at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as a research assistant on the Elephant Listening Project in the rainforest of Central Africa. Join us for this fantastic opportunity to learn how bird and wildlife images are captured and how photographs aid in the conservation of birds and their habitats. Join your fellow birders at 5:30 pm to share your birding experiences over a delightful dinner of Barbequed ribs basted with M State s special sauce, buttered herb red potatoes, asparagus, mini bread loaves and beverages. Vegetarians may choose a stuffed Portabella mushroom for their main entrée. Round out the meal with a light and creamy chocolate dessert with a buttery crust. In the event of an emergency that prevents a speaker from delivering their presentation, the Festival of Birds/Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce will attempt to replace the speaker and will not be held responsible and will not issue refunds if another speaker cannot be secured. SUNDAY - MAY 17 REGISTRATION 5:15 am 5:30: Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Lodge FIELD TRIPS These field trips depart and return from the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area parking lot. Please be prompt, as buses leave on time! Coffee will be served at the Lodge at a free-will offering from 5:15 am 5:30 am. Please note that Detroit Mountain Recreation Area will be closed when you return since these trips conclude the festival. SYRE AND FELTON PRAIRIES Including Agassiz Dunes Dry Prairie Sunday, May 17, 5:30 am-1:30 pm Cost $45.00, sack lunch included Location: Trip leaves promptly from Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Parking Lot Spend the day birding with experienced guides in some of the last remaining large blocks of contiguous grassland. These large islands of permanent grass harbor some of the last remaining endangered and threatened bird species in Minnesota. This tour will include Felton and the B bar B Ranch along with the Syre and Agassiz Dune prairies. With this combination of open prairie, river woodland, freshly restored wetlands and sand dunes this trip should bring 100+ species. We will begin on the short grass of Felton prairie and meander our way north through this remarkable prairie landscape. Most tour leaders would agree that this trip is a must for any birder. Birds we ll be looking for: Marbled Godwit, Upland Sandpiper, Eastern Meadowlark, Vesper Sparrow, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Brewers Blackbird, Greater Prairie Chicken, Orchard Oriole, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Sandhill Cranes, grassland sparrows, woodland warblers and many species of shorebirds and waterfowl. GREAT NORTH AMERICAN BIRDING TOUR 2 Sunday, May 17, 5:30 am sharp depart from Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Monday, May 18, 7:30 pm return to Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Cost: $354/person single occupancy; $299/person double occupancy Minimum of 20 registrants required by May 6, 2015 For more details and to fill out the required trip form, go to com/events/festival-of-birds. Come experience birding in the grasslands and wetlands west of Detroit Lakes as we travel to North Dakota and north into Manitoba, Canada! We leave Detroit Lakes on the morning of Sunday, May 17 and head west, and north to Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge. With Refuge staff, we ll spend the morning birding. We ll take a break for our included lunch. In the afternoon we ll continue north to our overnight destination at Cobblestone Inn in Bottineau, ND. The evening meal will be on our own. Monday, May 18, after our included complimentary breakfast, we leave our hotel to head north to cross the Canadian border. At Boissevain, Manitoba, we ll meet our expert step-on birder before heading to the Whitewater Lake area. This area has produced a significant number and variety of shorebirds! After a morning of birding, we ll return to the border, stopping at the International Peace Gardens for lunch and to walk some of the birding trails. With a few stops along the way, we will return to Detroit Lakes by 7:30 pm on Monday, May 18. Sunday, May 17, 5:30 am from Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, Detroit Lakes ARROWWOOD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE This 16,000 acre refuge northwest of Jamestown, ND stretches 14 miles along the James 13

11 SINCE 1982 SPONSORS 1204 Washington Ave. Detroit Lakes, MN GRAPHIC DESIGN FULL COLOR DIGITAL PRINTING BANNERS Friends of Tamarac Tamarac Wildlife Books & Gifts Clip this coupon for 20% OFF Mounted Canvas Expires July 31, 2015 Get The Latest Birding Books Here PRINCIPLES OF BIRDING ETHICS Please help the Festival of Birds support the American Birding Association s Code of Birding Ethics ( Promote the welfare of birds and their environment Keep your distance when observing and photographing birds, Limit the use of recordings, Stay well back from nest sites, Keep habitat disturbance to a minimum Respect the law and rights of others Get landowner s permission to walk on private property Group birding requires special care Respect fellow birders, Take a stand against unethical birding behavior Visit our booth at the Birders Bazaar. Proceeds benefit the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge Educational Programs and Wildlife Habitat. Register by May 1st for a chance to win a FREE pair of Atlas Intrepid 7x36 binoculars 12 REGISTER EARLY TO WIN!! How to Register Register online at Use registration form in this program Make checks to: Detroit Lakes Chamber. Mail by May 1, 2015 to: Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds PO Box 348 Detroit Lakes, MN 56502

12 18TH MIGRATION CELEBRATION FESTIVAL OF BIRDS May 14-17, 2015 Detroit Lakes, MN REGISTRATION FORM For immediate registration under a secure server, go to You are encouraged to register early! If we receive your registration form by Friday, May 1st, you will be entered in the Early Bird Drawing for a pair of binoculars donated by Eagle Optics! Please register before Friday, May 8th. Cancellation Policy & Special Terms: Cancellations must be made no later than 4:00 pm on May 8, The event fee is nonrefundable. Registrations will be accepted by date received. Questions? Call ONLY ONE PERSON PER PAGE PLEASE Name Address City, State, Zip Phone o Please send me additional Detroit Lakes area information. 3 3 FESTIVAL EVENT FEE Event fee includes Sat workshops, welcome social, Dt. Mt. Nature Hike, birders bazaar, and festival support! (required fee, non-refundable) Event fee for students to age 18 THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2015 One registration per form. Please photocopy for additional entries. Make checks payable to Detroit Lakes Chamber and send to: Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds, PO Box 348, Detroit Lakes, MN Name on Credit Card Type of Card: o Visa o MasterCard o Discover Exp. Date Credit Card Number TOTAL FEE $15 for full festival or $10 per day FREE o $15 full o $10/day o FREE 3 EVENT TIME FEE TOTAL Workshop: Birding Basics at Sucker Creek 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm $15 Workshop: Grassland Sparrows w/doug Buri 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm $15 Nature Hike at Detroit Mountain 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm FREE Hors d oeurves & Program: MN State Park Birds w/janssen 5:00 pm - 7:00pm $20 FRIDAY, MAY 15, EVENT TIME FEE TOTAL Field Trip: Glendalough/Seven Sisters 5:30 am -1:30 pm $45 Fieldtrip: Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge 5:45 am - 1:30 pm $45 Social, Dinner, Program: Baicich & Henderson 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm $29 SATURDAY, MAY 16, EVENT TIME FEE TOTAL Fieldtrip: Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge 5:30 am - 11:30 am $35 Fieldtrip: Callaway/Ogema Springs Bio Blitz 7:00 am - 11:30 am $35 Fieldtrip: Local Hot Spots 8:00 am - 10:00 am $20 Lunch 11:00 am - 12:30 pm $9 Workshop: Bees with Bryan 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm FREE Workshop: MN to Costa Rica with Henderson 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm FREE Booksigning w/janssen, Baicich, Henderson 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm FREE Nature Walk at Detroit Mountain 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm FREE Dinner & Keynote: Art of Photography w/melissa Groo 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm $27 SUNDAY, MAY 17, EVENT TIME FEE TOTAL Fieldtrip: Syre and Felton Praries 5:30 am - 1:30 pm $45 May Fieldtrip: North American Birding Tour 5:30 am $354/$299 Vegetarian Meal Request - Includes Field Trip Sack Lunch & Other Meals for Entire Event (include Festival Event Fee) Total Amount Due Liability Waiver: I agree to hold harmless the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce and any employees, volunteers, instructors, and any contractors hired in connection with the Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds for any injury, accident, damage to or loss of property, or illness that could occur as a result of participating in this event. Signed Date