STANWOOD — The fifth annual Port Susan Snow Goose and Birding Festival is all about bird watchers.
Planned are informational speakers, educational presentations, guided tours to the Nature Conservancy’s Port Susan Preserve and Iverson Spit, and buses to take people to the fields where the snow geese and trumpeter swans are hanging out and eating.
Other birds you’re bound to see include bald eagles, hawks and other raptors, and a variety of shorebirds, including the great blue heron.
Despite the birding focus, the festival is a great event for families with kids.
Activities include treasure hunts, craft projects and a chance to dissect an owl pellet.
“Families are our emphasis. It’s a great weekend for kids and adults,” organizer Melanie Serroels said. “The weather is going to be fabulous, so we are anticipating a wonderful festival.”
The festival is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood, and at the Four Springs Lake Preserve, 585 Lewis Lane, Camano Island.
At the cultural center, people can browse the vendor booths, get on-the-bus tours and listen to educational speakers.
At the lake preserve, people can view the large fine art show Everything Birds, take a watercolor lesson, watch a homing pigeon release and eat a snack.
The guided tour to the Nature Conservancy’s property is a rare chance to see a lot of wildlife. Bus tours are filling up. Reservations can be made on the festival’s Web site: www.snowgoosefest.org.
At 1 p.m. Saturday at Four Springs, the Stanwood and Camano libraries plan to sponsor a bird sketchbook class using pencil, pen and easy watercolor wash techniques for ages 8 and older. Call the library at 360-629-3132 to register.
Festival organizers have added a special early dinner on Saturday.
Gerry Andal plans to serve barbecued salmon from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Four Springs Lake Preserve. The band Coyote Moon plans to perform.
Learn more
For more information about the Port Susan Snow Goose and Birding Festival, and to sign up for guided tours, bus tours and art projects, go to www.snowgoosefest.org.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
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