The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

The Wings Over Willapa, a multi-day bird and nature festival is slated for September 22-25. The family friendly festival has events on Willapa National Wildlife Refuge and other sites on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula.

“The festival, hosted by the nonprofit Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, is a great introduction to birding and an ideal way for advanced birders to experience fall migration in a region filled with vast birding opportunities,” said Nancy Marvin, event coordinator.

Events include expert-led bird identification walks, birding workshops ranging from beginning birding to bird-friendly landscaping. Other highlights include a guided tour to Long Island to experience its ancient cedar grove, a hands-on introduction to wildlife tracking, a guided 4x4 excursion to Leadbetter Point, and art experiences including pottery, ceramics, and needle felting.

A “Taking Flight” social and artist event will take place on Thursday evening, Sept. 22, and a Nature Play Day will offer fun-filled activities for children and families on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Expert birder Noah Strycker will be Friday evening’s keynote speaker at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum. Strycker is an author and an entertaining and knowledgeable lecturer. In 2015, he set a record for the World Big Year of birding, seeing 6,042 species in a single year. Light snacks, drinks and a cash bar are offered.

A $5 general festival registration is required. Nominal fees are charged for the workshops and classes. Registration for the keynote event is $35. All Nature Play Day activities are free. To register and view the full schedule of events visit wingsoverwillapa.org.