The Godwit Days Spring Migration Bird Festival is slated to return to its usual large, in-person event (starting at Arcata Community Center, 321 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Pkwy, Arcata, CA 95521) on April 14 through 16, 2023.
Field trips start on April 13th. See second image for detailed schedule.
Among the exciting new trips being planned are an outing with Chris West, senior wildlife biologist with the Yurok tribe, to view California Condors and a day-long ocean (pelagic) trip on an 18-person vessel with three expert guides on board to help you spot offshore seabirds.
Events at the Community Center will kick off with an opening reception on Friday evening where everyone – not just paying registrants, but members of the public – is welcome to come and enjoy finger foods as they peruse vendor booths and listen to a keynote lecture by Tiana Williams-Claussen, director of the Yurok Tribe Wildlife Department, on the condor reintroduction effort. Our long-time supporters Friends of the Arcata Marsh and Redwood Region Audubon Society will be co-hosting the reception.
Bird Fair vendors will return, as well as an art show by Arcata Artisans, display of all entries in the 20th annual student bird art contest, a Saturday keynote lecture, a banquet, presentation of the 2022 Humboldt County Bird of the Year award, and more.
Bring the whole family to enjoy free nature crafts during the Godwit Days Bird Festival. Five different groups will be offering drop-in activities on Sunday, April 16, between 10:30 am and 1 p.m. at the Arcata Community Center. Join Friends of the Arcata Marsh (bird and otter masks, Marsh critter ornaments, and more); the Natural History Museum (paper birds and envelopes with flower seeds that can be planted); Sequoia Park Zoo (pinecone birdfeeders); California State Parks (bird-themed craft); and Friends of the Dunes (activity to be determined). All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Another part of Godwit Days is a silent auction fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting our nonprofit Spring Migration Bird Festival. We have received many items from both businesses and individuals for you to bid on. Some highlights are gift cards/certificates from stores and restaurants (including a $200 gift card from Pierson’s Building Center), artwork and jewelry (including a carved grebe with its chick aboard and a handmade ceramic duck teapot), games and puzzles, quality books, housewares, outdoor items (including bird feeders), and more, most having a nature or bird theme. The auction will kick off at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 14 and end at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 15.
