Headquarters
VisitDetroitLakes.com
© Laura Erickson
May 18-21, 2017
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
218.847.9202 or 1-800-542-3992
Keynote David Sibley
20th Annual
Festival of Birds
Welcome to our 20th Migration
Celebration in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota!
Fargo
Moorhead
Detroit
Lakes
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Duluth
2017 marks our 20th annual Festival of Birds! We’re
celebrating with an all-star line-up of presenters and
fieldtrips. Please join us!
Spring migration is underway in Minnesota. We look forward
to the return of hundreds of species to the Detroit Lakes area
in their brightest springtime mating plumage.
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 Golden-winged
Warbler.
We hope you enjoy our anniversary all-star line-up of presenters! Thursday
workshops jump-start the festival with Doug Buri teaching the steps to finding
your dream bird and Earl Johnson sharing his love and concern for MN bats.
Thursday evening Carrol Henderson reveals which contaminants from the bp
oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico are impacting the Common Loon. Now that travel
is opened to Cuba, we have the opportunity to see the amazing birds of the
country through Ernesto Reyes’ photography. Understand the psychology of bird
identification from the master – David Sibley – during his Saturday night keynote
presentation.
The headquarters this year is again at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area. You’ll
be introduced to some new locations around Detroit Lakes for workshops and
evening socials, look for maps at the registration desk. 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!
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!
THEME BIRD: The Northern Parula is the 2017 Festival of Birds theme bird.
Thank you to Laura Erickson for use of her photo.
Festival Headquarters – Detroit Mountain Recreation Area
(see map for directions on inside back cover)
THURSDAY ~ MAY 18
REGISTRATION AT HEADQUARTERS
Noon-4:00 pm, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area
29409 170th Street, Detroit Lakes
WORKSHOPS
“10 STEPS TO GETTING YOUR DREAM BIRD”
With Doug Buri
Thursday, May 18, 2017, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Cost: $25.00
Location: Detroit Lakes EMS Conference Room, 225 Park Street
This two part workshop focuses on the steps birders can take
to finding their dream bird. In the first part of the workshop,
Doug will reveal the ten things birders need to learn and use
to find the dream bird. The second part allows individual participants to invite
everyone to use the 10 step method. Beginner or expert, this workshop is for
you! Finding and identifying the common bird that seemed to always get away
or a rarity, the 10 step method is your best chance at success. Doug Buri is a
zoologist and educator who spent more than five decades birding all fifty states
and Canada. When his North American list exceeded 600 species, he stopped
counting and focused on conducting birding, lecturing on bird I.D. and serving as
a personal guide.
Use the map at the registration desk to drive to the Detroit Lakes EMS Conference
Room just south of Frazee Street near the new Holiday Station Store. Use the Essentia
Parking lot across the street to the north of the EMS building.
“GOING TO BAT FOR MN BATS”
With Earl Johnson
Thursday, May 18, 2017, 1:30pm-2:30pm
Location: MN Dept of Transportation lower level Conference
Room, 1000 Hwy 10 West, Detroit Lakes
Cost $10.00
Can a Little Brown Bat eat 1000 mosquitoes in an hour? Do we
need to fear these natural insect controllers? In this informative
session, you’ll find out the status of all Minnesota’s bat species
and how White Nose Syndrome is affecting them. What are some creative ways we
can help bats? Does the design of highway bridges contribute to rearing of young?
You’ll find out the answers to these questions from one of the most knowledgeable
bat-lovers, Earl Johnson, who is from Detroit Lakes. Earl has enjoyed working
with bats since becoming “addicted” to them in 1982. He designed the bat house
included in the DNR’s Woodworking for Wildlife publication. Bat structures at
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THURSDAY ~ MAY 18
his home have provided a maternity colony for 500 Little Brown Bats for the last
35 years, and in return, Earl has enjoyed a mostly mosquito-free yard. Raised in
Fertile, MN he achieved his BS in Wildlife Management in 1970 from the U of M.
He was employed by the MN DNR as a wildlife manager from 1971 until retiring
in 2010.
Use the map at the registration desk to drive to MnDOT’s lower level Conference
Room. Use the lower level parking lot on the back side of the building.
EVENING DINNER AND PROGRAM
Thursday, May 18, 2017, 5:00 pm-7:15pm
Cost: $35.00, includes dinner and program
Location: David Donehower, 609 Hwy 10 East, Detroit Lakes
Our Thursday evening dinner and program are in the bright, cheery meeting
room at David Donehower. Newly constructed in 2012, we’ll use the back parking
lot and entrance on the south side of the building. The buffet will include chicken
alfredo, lasagna and vegetarian lasagna, garden salad, garlic toast, chocolate torte
with raspberry, coffee and water. Carrol Henderson’s presentation follows the
meal.
“THE COMMON LOON AND BP OIL CONTAMINANTS”
With Carrol Henderson, Minnesota DNR
The Minnesota DNR Nongame Wildlife Program has been
involved with research and surveys of Common Loons since the
Deepwater Horizon Oil spill in April of 2010. During the past
seven years, the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program staff has been
collaborating with the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences
Center of the US Geological Survey, the Wisconsin DNR, and
the Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering at the
University of Connecticut to learn which contaminants from the oil spill have been
exposed to Minnesota loons on their wintering grounds in the Gulf of Mexico.
This has involved annual loon surveys, satellite and geolocator technology,
and contaminant analysis of loon blood, feathers, tissues, and unhatched eggs.
This study has been funded by donations from the Nongame Wildlife Checkoff
on Minnesota Tax Forms and allocations from the Minnesota Environment
and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Carrol Henderson, Minnesota Nongame
Supervisor, will bring you up to date on the results of these studies and share the
current status of the pending allocation of BP remediation funds to Minnesota for
future loon conservation work.
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1.800.542.3992 • www.visitdetroitlakes.com
FRIDAY ~ MAY 19
REGISTRATION AT HEADQUARTERS
5:15 am-5:30 am & 1:30 pm-4:00 pm, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area
29409 170th Street, Detroit Lakes
FIELD TRIPS
These field trips depart and return at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area parking
lot. Please be prompt, as buses leave on time! Coffee will be served in Detroit
Mountain Lodge for a free-will offering from 5:15 am-5:30 am. When you return
to Detroit Mountain at 1:30 pm, look for the Opticron booth.
“PRAIRIE CHICKEN BLIND”
Friday, May 19, 2017, See times below
Cost: $55.00, snacks included
Location: Car-pool from Detroit Mountain parking lot. Maps provided.
Get an up-close experience with a view of a lifetime of a Greater Prairie Chicken
lek! Sit in a blind where notables such as John Fitzpatrick took photographs and
David Sibley rendered sketches. Blinds will be set up at two locations, with limited
seats available at each so this event will fill up quickly. These habitat complexes
contain some of the last one percent of remnant native prairie in the state of
Minnesota! Each blind will be placed directly near a working lek to observe the
unique vocalizations and mating rituals of the Prairie Chickens. Members of
the Minnesota Prairie Chicken Society, who know these prairie areas well, will
be your guide. To witness this truly amazing event, participants must be in the
blind before sun up – and although it is early, it is well worth your early rise!
You may have the opportunity to visit another birding hotspot before you leave.
Participants will receive maps and instructions for the blind in advance and will
carpool on their own. For the best experience, dress warm, wear waterproof boots
and bring a blanket. If you bring a beverage, remember there are not restroom
facilities at the blind.
Twin Valley/Syre: 3:30 am-10:00 am
Bluestem Prairie: 3:50 am-10:00 am
“FRIDAY FERGUS EXCURSION”
Friday, May 19, 2017, 5:30 am-1:30 pm
Cost: $49.00, sack lunch included
Location: Trip leaves promptly from Detroit Mountain parking lot
New Tour! This fieldtrip will include multiple habitats in the Fergus Falls area.
Multiple habitats may result in several different species of birds! We’ll begin at
Oak Grove Cemetery, with acres of open grassland and hardwoods, and bordered
by a river and a lake. We’ll be looking for Cooper and Broad-winged Hawks, Green
Herons, Belted Kingfishers, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Eastern Bluebirds, and a
variety of flycatchers and warblers – such as Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Black and
White, Blackburnian, Cape May, Palm, and Nashville. We’ll next drive to Lake
Alice for hopeful looks at Clark’s, Pied-billed and Red-necked Grebes, Redbreasted Mergansers and additional shorebirds. As we travel through Fergus Falls,
we’ll stop for looks at rookeries that may have Green, Black crowned, and Great
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FRIDAY ~ MAY 19
Blue Herons as well as Great Egrets and Cormorants. If time allows, we may stop
at Agassiz Waterfowl Refuge west of Fergus Falls for the chance to see Dickcissels,
Northern Mockingbirds, Red-Headed Woodpeckers and more.
“FRIDAY FARGO FORAY”
Friday, May 19, 5:30 am - 1:30 pm
Cost $49.00, sack lunch included
Fargo, ND can be quite productive during spring migration with up to 25 warbler
species, numerous other passerines and raptors. Located less than an hour from
Detroit Lakes, the Red River divides the border between the cities of Moorhead,
MN and Fargo, ND. The Red River flows north into Canada before ultimately
reaching the Hudson Bay. Prior developments along the reaches of the river are
being redefined and pulled back in order to mitigate losses from years of flooding.
As a result, more urban acres are accessible to birders and nature enthusiasts
as “greenways” expand and more wooded stretches are available to explore.
Sites include the Forest River area, downtown bank to see the nesting peregrine
falcons and several walkable parks. After morning birding, we’ll stop for lunch,
followed by a stop at Rourke Art Museum in Moorhead for a special viewing of
the Touch the Sky prairie photographic exhibit by Jim Brandenburg! The exhibit
includes 44 framed photographs that capture the wide-open magnificence of the
prairie. The Rourke was founded in June 1960 by James O’Rourke. The building
was opened to the public in 1915 as the Moorhead Federal Post Office. It is on
the National Register of Historic Places. Optional free will offering accepted at
the Rourke Museum for exhibit viewing. Birds we’ll be looking for: Peregrin Falcon,
Indigo Bunting, Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, Scarlet Tanager, Least Sandpiper, Lesser
Yellowlegs, multiple species of warblers, sparrows and swallows.
EVENING DINNER AND PROGRAM
Friday, May 19, 2017, 5:15 pm - 7:15 pm
Cost: $35.00, dinner and program
Location: Holiday Inn on the Lake, 1155 Hwy 10 East, Detroit Lakes
Share your birding adventures of the day while enjoying buffet stations in the
Holiday Inn banquet room. Our selection includes chicken marsala (or vegetarian
kabobs), dinner rolls, baked potato bar with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese,
bacon bits and cheese sauce toppings, vegetables with dip, assorted dessert bars,
coffee and water. Cash bar available. Ernesto Reyes presentation follows our
meal.
“THE BEAUTIFUL BIRDS OF CUBA”
With Ernesto Reyes
Over the past several years we have witnessed a remarkable
warming of relations with the people and country of Cuba. We
now have the opportunity to reconnect with our neighbors
to the south and rediscover the diversity and richness of
their culture, art, music, vintage cars, perhaps some rum,
and especially—the birds! Ernesto Reyes is one of the most
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FRIDAY ~ MAY 19
respected and talented of Cuba’s birding guides and nature photographers. He is
a biologist with more than 15 years of experience with birds in Cuba, Honduras,
Dominican Republic and Bahamas. Ernesto has introduced more than 50
Minnesota birders to the wonders of Cuba’s avifauna through five trips planned
by Carrol and Ethelle Henderson from 2013 through 2015. They are sponsoring
Ernesto’s travels to Minnesota with the collaboration of Soledad Pagliuca of The
Friendship Association in St. Augustine, Florida. Cuba has 370 species of birds.
This is not as many birds as in many Central and South American countries, but
the list of endemic species found only in Cuba is tremendous! There are at least
26 endemic birds and pending species splits could raise that total to 30. In two
weeks of travels with Ernesto it is possible to see from 22 to 24 of those endemic
birds and a stunning array of other tropical birds. Now Ernesto is taking his show
on the road to share Cuba’s avian beauty at the Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds and
give you some tips for when you plan a trip to Cuba. He will also have some of his
stunning bird photos available for sale at the Festival.
SATURDAY ~ MAY 20
REGISTRATION AT HEADQUARTERS
5:15 am-6:00 am, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area
29409 170th Street, Detroit Lakes
2:00 pm-4:00 pm, M State College’s Student Life Center
900 Hwy 34 East, Detroit Lakes
FIELD TRIPS
These field trips depart and return at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area parking
lot. Please be prompt, as buses leave on time! Coffee will be served in Detroit
Mountain Lodge for a free-will offering from 5:15 am-6:00 am. Snacks will be
provided on the bus, lunch is on your own.
“BIRDING WITH DAVID SIBLEY”
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 5:30 am-Noon
Cost: $80.00
Location: Trip leaves promptly from Detroit Mountain parking lot
Here’s a chance of a lifetime to go birding with the field-guide author David
Sibley! You’ll visit two national wildlife refuges and a variety of habitats. Hamden
Slough National Wildlife Refuge boasts restored tallgrass prairies and wetlands
attracting a plethora of species. Our first stop will be at the prairie chicken
booming grounds, other stops will feature prairie sparrows, shorebirds, and other
waterfowl. A trek to Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge will reveal the wonders of
the woodlands in the North Country. From hardwood oaks to red and white pines
through tamarack bogs, this dramatic change in landscape will bring yet another
variety of bird life. You’ll see nesting Bald Eagles, Trumpeter Swans and Common
Loons along with woodland warblers. At designated birding sites we’ll divide
into small groups lead by avid bird guides, on at least one of the stops you’ll be
in a small group with Sibley. Birds we’ll be looking for: Greater Prairie Chicken,
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SATURDAY ~ MAY 20
Marbled Godwit, Le Conte’s Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak,
Vireos, Golden-winged Warbler, Sedge Wren, Trumpeter Swan and Ruffed Grouse.
“WAUBUN FOREST AND TAMARAC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE”
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 5:45 am-Noon
Cost: $39.00
Location: Trip leaves promptly from Detroit Mountain parking lot
New tour! From Pileated Woodpeckers to the festival theme bird Northern Parula,
this woodland avian venture is sure to fill your list. First we will venture north to
the Waubun Forest to hike back into the woods to explore a mix of hardwoods and
pine. Then we’ll head over to Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, a premiere site
for research on Golden-winged Warblers and the American Woodcock. Tamarac’s
wildlife biologist and American Bird Conservancy public lands coordinator will
be on board to share the ground breaking habitat work underway to preserve
populations of the fragile Golden-winged Warbler and other species. You’ll
explore a mosaic of habitats including pine and hardwood forests, lakes, rivers,
marshes and brushy grasslands. Also on the route will be a stop at the visitor
center with active feeders, spectacular views of an active marsh, and a gift shop.
Birds we’ll be looking for: American Bittern, Sandhill Crane, American Woodcock,
Ruffed Grouse, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Vireos, Golden-winged
Warbler, 25 species of warblers, Sedge Wren, Common Loons, Trumpeter Swans,
and nesting Bald Eagles.
“WOODLAND WONDERLAND”
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 6:00 am-Noon
Cost: $35.00
Location: Trip leaves promptly from Detroit Mountain parking lot
New tour! This trip will focus on the northern hardwood forest habitat of the Smoky
Hills State Forest, as well as Hubbell Pond Wildlife Management Area, which hosts
a trailhead of the North Country Scenic Hiking Trail. Join us on the rustic trails of
the Smoky Hills in search of spring migrants under the canopy of paper birch,
sugar maple, basswood and oak trees. This habitat is conducive to large numbers
of spring migrating warblers. Experienced tour leaders will help identify elusive
warblers and understory species which can be difficult at times for birders. We’ll
also trek along Hwy 34 to Hubbell Pond WMA. The habitat includes hardwoods,
lowland brush and fields. Be prepared for light hiking and wear sturdy shoes.
Birds we’ll be looking for: Ovenbird, Golden-winged, Black and White, Tennessee,
Nashville, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Palm, Common, Yellow-rumped,
Blackpoll and Palm Warblers, Northern Parula, American Redstart, Eastern Wood
Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher and Red-Eyed Vireos.
As you return from your Saturday fieldtrips, enjoy lunch out at one of our several
Detroit Lakes dining options. Registration will reopen at 2:00 pm at M State
College’s Student life Center. Please join our afternoon social at M State College.
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1.800.542.3992 • www.visitdetroitlakes.com
SATURDAY ~ MAY 20
SATURDAY SOCIAL
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 2:00 pm –4:30 pm
Book signing: 2:30 pm
Cost: Free with registration event fee
Location: Student Life Center, M State College, 900 Hwy 34 East, Detroit Lakes.
Use east door.
Join us for a fun afternoon of socializing, book signing with David Sibley, exhibitors,
bird quizzes and silent auction. There will be prizes, snacks, beverages and several
stations of bird friendly organizations, including optics. Take the Photo Flub Bird
ID Quiz -sometimes the perfect photo of that cool bird doesn’t quite turn out as
planned. We’ve collected an array of flubbed up bird pictures and are challenging
you to identify the species. Try your luck at guessing the birds in these blunders
and you could win a prize!
BIRDER’S BAZAAR
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: Student Life Center, M State College, 900 Hwy 34 East, Detroit Lakes.
Use east door.
Stop by the vendor booths for birding and related items. See Tom Dunkerton for
optics at the Opticron booth. Here’s your opportunity to pick up original nature
items such as books, feeders, bird and nature photos, gift items and educational
materials. Birding and nature books will be available from the Friends of Tamarac
National Wildlife Refuge including Sibley and Henderson books for signing.
SILENT AUCTION
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 2:00 pm -4:00 pm
Location: Student Life Center, M State College, 900 Hwy 34 East, Detroit Lakes.
Use east door.
Donations of silent auction items will be accepted Saturday at M State College.
Silent auction items will be displayed and open for bidding only on Saturday
afternoon from 2:00 pm until final bids are placed at 4:00 pm.
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. Be sure to place your final bid before the
auction closes at 4:00 pm Saturday. Please claim your items immediately following
the auction.
BOOK SIGNING AND PHOTO PURCHASE OPPORTUNITY
With David Sibley, Carrol Henderson and Ernesto Reyes
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 2:30 pm
Cost: Free with registration event fee
Location: Student Life Center, M State College, 900 Hwy 34 East, Detroit Lakes.
Use east door.
Join this special opportunity to get your personalized copy of author and illustrator
David Sibley’s books! This is also your chance to have Carrol Henderson sign your
book and to purchase colorful photos of the Birds of Cuba from Ernesto Reyes!
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SATURDAY ~ MAY 20
The Friends of Tamarac will have copies of Sibley’s and Henderson’s books
available for purchase. Be sure to attend this special book signing and photo
purchase opportunity as this will be the only time during the festival when both
are available.
DINNER AND KEYNOTE PROGRAM
“THE PSYCHOLOGY OF BIRD IDENTIFICATION”
With David Sibley
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 4:30 pm-7:00 pm
Cost: $45.00, includes dinner
M State College Cafeteria and Conference Center
Please note the evening meal and presentation are at M State College.
Enter the east side doors for the meal.
What highlight bird species have been seen during the festival
so far? Fieldtrip leaders will share highlights of tours at 4:30
pm in M State’s cafeteria before dinner. Then join your fellow
birders at 5:00 pm for a delightful dinner of baked torsk with slivered almonds,
buttered herb red potatoes, carrots, bread loaves and beverages. Vegetarians may
choose Mexican casserole (steamed veggies and rice with cheese) for their main
entrée. For dessert, choose from Strawberry Shortcake or Rhubarb Delight.
The evening keynote presentation follows our meal in M State’s Conference Center.
We proudly announce the return of Daivd Sibley.
In this presentation, illustrated with photos, drawings and a few quizzes, David
Sibley expounds on how we perceive the world around us and how our brains
both help and hinder our efforts at identifying birds. David Sibley is the author
and illustrator of the series of successful guides to nature with his name, including
the New York Times best seller The Sibley Guide to Birds. He has contributed art
and articles to Smithsonian, Science, The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, Birding,
BirdWatching, North American Birds, and wrote and illustrated a syndicated
column for The New York Times. Sibley received the Roger Tory Peterson Award for
Lifetime Achievement from the American Birding Association and the Linnaean
Society of New York’s Eisenmann Medal. He makes Concord, Massachusetts his
home.
For more information on this Speaker please visit www.prhspeakers.com.
Note: In the event of an emergency that prevents any 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.
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1.800.542.3992 • www.visitdetroitlakes.com
PRINCIPLES OF BIRDING ETHICS
Please help the Festival of Birds support the American Birding
Association’s Code of Birding Ethics (http://aba.org):
• 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
Register Early to Win!!
How to Register
• Register online at www.VisitDetroitLakes.com
• Use registration form in this program
Make checks to: Detroit Lakes Chamber.
Mail by May 1, 2017 to:
Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds
PO Box 348 • Detroit Lakes, MN 56502
1.800.542.3992 • www.visitdetroitlakes.com
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20TH MIGRATION CELEBRATION
FESTIVAL OF BIRDS
May 18-21, 2017 | Detroit Lakes, MN
REGISTRATION FORM
For immediate registration under a secure
server, go to www.VisitDetroitLakes.com.
You are encouraged to register early! If we receive your registration form by Monday, 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 12th.
Cancellation Policy & Special Terms: Cancellations must be made no later than 4:00 pm on May 12, 2017. The event fee is non-refundable.
Registrations will be accepted by date received. Questions? Call 1-800-542-3992.
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
Email
ONLY
PER
ONE
SON
P
AGE
ER P
PLEA
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 56502.
SE
Name on Credit Card
Type of Card: o Visa o MasterCard o Discover
Exp. Date
o Please send me additional Detroit Lakes area information.
3
3
Credit Card Number
FESTIVAL EVENT FEE
FEE
Event fee includes Sat social, birders’ bazaar, and
festival support! (required fee, non-refundable)
Event fee for students to age 18
CVV Code
$20 for full festival
or $10 per day
FREE
THURSDAY ~ MAY 18, 2017
EVENT
TIME
Workshop: Dream Bird with Doug Buri at EMS Building
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Workshop: MN Bats with Earl Johnson at MnDOT
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Dinner & Program w/ Carrol Henderson at David Donehower
5:00 pm - 7:15pm
FRIDAY ~ MAY 19, 2017
EVENT
TIME
3
Field Trip: Prairie Chicken Blind - Twin Valley/Syre
3:30 am -10:00 am
Field Trip: Prairie Chicken Blind - Bluestem Prairie
3:50 am - 10:00 am
Field Trip: Friday Fergus Excursion
5:30 am - 1:30 pm
Field Trip: Fargo Birding and Rourke Museum
5:30 am - 1:30 pm
Dinner & Program w/ Ernesto Reyes at Holiday Inn
5:15 pm - 7:15 pm
SATURDAY ~ MAY 20, 2017
EVENT
TIME
3
Fieldtrip: Birding with Sibley at Hamden Slough/Tamarac
5:30 am - 12:00 pm
Fieldtrip: Waubun Forest/Tamarac Refuge
5:45 am - 12:00 pm
Fieldtrip: Woodlands of Smoky Hills/Hubbell Pond
6:00 am - 12:00 pm
Book Signing/Photo Purchase with Sibley/Henderson/Reyes
2:30 pm
Dinner & Keynote at M State with David Sibley
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
SUNDAY ~ MAY 21, 2017
EVENT
TIME
3
Fieldtrip: Glacial Ridge/Agassiz Dunes
5:15 am - 1:30 pm
Fieldtrip: Ulen Felton Prairie
5:30 am - 1:30 pm
Vegetarian Meal Request- Includes Field Trip Snack & Other Meals for Entire Event
3
TOTAL
o $20 full
o $10/day
o FREE
FEE
$25
$10
$35
TOTAL
FEE
$80
$39
$35
FREE
$45
TOTAL
FEE
$55
$55
$49
$49
$35
FEE
$49
$49
TOTAL
TOTAL
(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. As an atendee of the Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds, I give permission for my inclusion in photos and videos taken during the event.
SignedDate
— SPONSORS —
Friends of Tamarac
Tamarac Wildlife Books & Gifts
218-844-1767
www.tamaracfriends.org
Get
The Latest
Birding Books
Here
Photo by Ivan Kuzmin, Shutterstock
Visit our booth at the Birders’ Bazaar. Proceeds benefit the Tamarac National
Wildlife Refuge Educational Programs and Wildlife Habitat.
American Bird Conservancy:
a single and steadfast commitment
to achieving conservation results
for birds and their habitats
throughout the Americas.
ABCbirds.org
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1.800.542.3992 • www.visitdetroitlakes.com
SUNDAY ~ MAY 21
REGISTRATION AT HEADQUARTERS
5:00 am-5:30 am, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area
29409 170th Street, Detroit Lakes.
Please note: Sunday morning only – bus loading and unloading is at the Tubing
Lodge, which is to your right before the main lodge parking lot.
FIELD TRIPS
These field trips depart and return at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area parking
lot by the Tubing Lodge. Please be prompt, as buses leave on time! These trips
conclude the festival and the tubing lodge will not be open upon returning.
“GLACIAL RIDGE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE/AGASSIZ DUNES”
Sunday, May 21, 2017, 5:15 am-1:30 pm
Cost: $49.00, includes sack lunch
Location: Trip leaves promptly from Detroit Mountain parking lot at the Tubing Lodge
Glacial Ridge is becoming the largest tallgrass prairie restoration in the nation.
Pairs of Burrowing Owls have been spotted and the refuge boasts of bobolinks
and prairie sparrows. We’ll also listen for the booming prairie chickens. You may
even meet a few Franklin ground squirrels that share the prairie with the fragile
grassland birds. In the past we’ve had great looks at the American Avocet in the
newly restored wetlands. A stop at Agassiz Dunes features a unique sandy oak
savanna. You’ll stroll through the dry prairie among gnarly bur oaks listening for
LeConte’s and Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows. Along the Sandhill River we’ll
watch for warblers, vireos and a variety of passerines. Birds we’ll look for: Sandhill
Cranes; Prairie Chickens; Sharp-tailed Grouse; Bobolink; Upland Sandpiper; Shorteared Owl; Wilson’s Phalarope; Grasshopper, Savannah, Lincoln’s, Vesper and
Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow; and Short-billed Dowitcher.
“ULEN FELTON PRAIRIE”
Sunday, May 21, 2017, 5:30 am-1:30 pm
Cost: $49.00, includes sack lunch
Location: Trip leaves promptly from Detroit Mountain parking lot at the Tubing Lodge
If you’re looking for prairie grassland bird species, then this is the trip for you!
The habitat for this tour is remnant short grass prairies alongside the historic
Lake Agassiz beach ridge. This area serves as an island for many endangered
and threatened species. Experienced tour leaders who have birded this site for
several years will be available to assist small groups in landing your life birds.
Felton Prairie is the only place in Minnesota where you will see the endangered
Chestnut-collared Longspur! In addition to Felton and the B bar B Ranch, the trip
will include access to other private lands where wetlands have recently been
restored. These freshly restored wetland areas are a great opportunity to see
many bird species up close. The combination of open prairie, river woodland and
open marshes is expected to bring 100 or more species. Birds we’ll be looking for:
Greater Prairie Chicken, Western and Eastern Kingbirds, Orchard Orioles, Upland
Sandpiper, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Loggerhead Shrike, Eastern Meadowlark,
Brewers Blackbird, Sandhill Cranes, a myriad of spring migrating Warblers, Marbled
Godwits, Greater Yellowlegs and many additional shorebirds and waterfowl.
1.800.542.3992 • www.visitdetroitlakes.com
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Our pre-registration deadline is Friday, May 12th. 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
Monday, May 1st to be included in the special ‘Early Bird Drawing’ for a pair of
Atlas Sky King 8x42 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 e-mailed about an event that has been filled. We do not share e-mail
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 12th deadline. Questions should be directed to the Chamber at 218847-9202 or 800-542-3992, or by e-mailing [email protected].
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 56502.
CANCELLATION POLICY & SPECIAL TERMS
Cancellations must be made no later than 4:00 pm, May 12, 2017. 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 Detroit Mountain, 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 (right) on Otto Zeck Road for 1 mile to the “T” and turn right.
Take the immediate next left into the woods at the sign “Detroit Mountain
Recreation Area.” At the end of the entrance road in the woods, turn left 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.
REGISTRATION HOURS:
Thursday, May 18: Noon – 4:00 pm
Friday, May 19: 5:15 am-5:30 am & 1:30 pm-4:00 pm
Saturday, May 20: 5:15 am-6:00 am & at M State: 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Sunday, May 21: 5:00 am-5:30 am
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1.800.542.3992 • www.visitdetroitlakes.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
WEATHER & ATTIRE
Northwestern Minnesota weather is highly variable during the spring months.
• Temps range from 70’s to 40’s
• Bring jackets you can layer for warm and cold weather
• Bring hats, gloves, waterproof outerwear and footgear
• Fieldtrips will not be cancelled unless weather is severe
• Refunds will not be given for field trip cancellations due to weather
• Casual attire recommended for festival events
FIELDTRIP GUIDELINES
• All fieldtrips depart from the parking lot at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area
• Except for workshops and some evening events, trips will be via coach buses
with restrooms
• Fieldtrips include birding leaders and a naturalist
• Granola bars and water included on fieldtrips
• Some fieldtrips include sack lunch of either Caesar salad or wild rice salad,
assorted crackers, smoked turkey stick, apple slices and oatmeal raisin
cookie. Vegetarian option: without meat
• Please bring a water bottle that you may refill from our large thermos
• Many fieldtrips involve considerable walking. Notify trip leader if you have
limited mobility or health condition limiting the distance you are able to walk
• We are committed to providing an enjoyable and safe experience
• Participants are required to stay with the fieldtrip group. We cannot be
responsible for those who do not
• Your experience begins as the bus departs so vehicles may not caravan
behind buses on fieldtrips and boarding at locations along the way may not
be accommodated
• Please be on time as buses are not able to wait beyond the leaving times
printed
• There will not be a refund if you miss the bus
• Return times may fluctuate slightly from stated time if bird sightings are
exceptional
• Bird call devices are not allowed by participants and are limited to
circumstantial use by trip leaders
• Please limit side conversations and turn off cell phones. Many unique species
are located by sound
• We kindly request that those choosing to smoke do so away from other
birders
• Space may be limited on some field trips so register early!
Coffee will be available Friday and Saturday morning at Detroit Mountain
Recreation Area Lodge.
BIRDING GREEN
Help make this event even more eco-friendly!
• Bring a refillable water bottle and favorite coffee mug
1.800.542.3992 • www.visitdetroitlakes.com
15
GENERAL INFORMATION
•
•
Use recycling bins provided
Recycle your name tag by returning to registration desk after last event
LOST & FOUND
If you 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, including Opticron. Hours: Saturday, May 20, 2:00
pm - 4:30 pm at M State College’s Student Life Center.
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 4:00 pm Saturday and pick up your auction items immediately afterward.
Silent auction will be held Saturday, May 20, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at M State College’s
Student Life Center.
SPONSORS
Please support festival sponsors with ads and these sponsors:
Arvig
Bremer Bank, NA
Eagle Optics
Isaac Walton League of America,
Prairie Woods Chapter
Lake Region Electric Cooperative
JOIN US FOR THE
21ST ANNUAL
FESTIVAL OF BIRDS
MAY 17-20, 2018
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1.800.542.3992 • www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Visit Opticron rep Tom Dunkerton
Friday afternoon at Detroit
Mountain and at the Saturday
afternoon Social at M State
College for binocs, scopes,
tripods and phone adapters.
SOME OF OUR FIELDTRIP LEADERS THIS YEAR
Wayne Brininger
Judd Brink
Doug Buri
Peter Dieser
Kim Eckert
Ryan Frohling
Carrol Henderson
Marshall Johnson
Noah Kuck
Dennis and Barb Martin
Matt Mecklenberg
Steve Midthune
Mike Murphy
Wayne Perala
Neil Powers
Ernesto Reyes
David Sibley
Beau Shroyer
John Voz
Benjamin Walker
THANKS TO OUR FIELDTRIP LEADERS OVER THE YEARS
Paul Baicich
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
Tom Cooper
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
Melissa Groo
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 Midthune
1.800.542.3992 • www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Mike Murphy
Frank Nicoletti
Jeff Norby
Sherri Norland
Bob O’Connor
Mark Otnes
Rosalind Renfrew
Kim Risen
Stacy Salvevold
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
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— SPONSORS —
Protecting over 150,000 acres
of local nesting bird habitat!
Experience bird watching
on these nearby
federal lands:
Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District
www.fws.gov/refuge/detroit_lakes_wmd
218-847-4431
Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge
www.fws.gov/refuge/hamden_slough
218-847-4431
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
www.fws.gov/refuge/tamarac
218-847-2641
Rydell National Wildlife Refuge
www.fws.gov/refuge/rydell
218-687-2229
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge
www.fws.gov/refuge/glacial_ridge
218-687-2229
The Longspur Prairie Fund is dedicated to
fostering the experiences, insights, and
pleasures found in the native landscapes
of the Red River Valley by way of
advocacy, education, and conservation.
www.longspurprairie.org
18
1.800.542.3992 • www.visitdetroitlakes.com
— SPONSORS —
Five Lakes and Fair Hills Resorts offers 1000 Acres of
Five wilderness
Lakes and Fair
Hills Resorts
offers 1000 Acres of
pristine
for excellent
birding.
pristine wilderness for excellent birding.
Fairwith
Hillsus!
Resort
Come and stay
Come and stay with us!
www.fairhillsresort.com
www.fairhillsresort.com
800-323-2849
800-323-2849
Within 15 minutes of
weekend activities.
Within 15 minutes of weekend activities.
Welcome to Bird Festival 2017
• Continental Breakfast extra early for the early “bird”
• All rooms have 46” LCD TVs, fridge & microwave
• Pool, Whirlpool, Sauna and Game Room
777 Hwy. 10 East, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
218.847.8795
1.800.542.3992 • www.visitdetroitlakes.com
800.634.3444
americinn.com
19
America’s Best Value Inn (10) ...................................................................................................................................... 888-315-2378
American Legion Campground (2) ............................................................................................................................. 218-847-3759
AmericInn Lodge & Suites (1) ...................................................................................................................................... 800-634-3444
Best Western Plus Holland House(3) ........................................................................................................................ 218-847-4483
Best Western Premier The Lodge on Lake Detroit (5)....................................................................................... 218-847-8439
Budget Host Inn (4) .......................................................................................................................................................... 800-888-2124
Country Inn & Suites (6) ................................................................................................................................................. 800-456-4000
Holiday Haven Motel (12) .............................................................................................................................................. 218-847-5605
Holiday Inn on the Lake (8) ........................................................................................................................................... 877-251-9348
Lakecrest Resort (7) ......................................................................................................................................................... 800-435-5459
Lakes Inn (13) ..................................................................................................................................................................... 218-850-1180
Long Lake Campsite & RV Resort (9) ........................................................................................................................ 218-847-8920
DETROIT LAKES CITY LODGING
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.
www.mnbirdtrail.com — BIRDING HOTLINE: 1-800-443-1888
PINE TO PRAIRIE BIRDING TRAIL
Printed in the USA on recycled paper
P.O. Box 348 | Detroit Lakes, MN 56502