BirdFest Texoma Sunday. May 5, 2013, Events

Day Three!  Last day for BirdFest Texoma 2013.  The morning programs will begin with a  Bird Photography Field Trip at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge with  professional nature photographer John English; 6 – 10 am; advance registration for this intermediate level photography field trip is required; cost of field trip - $40 (FOH members)/$45 (non-members), limited to 20 participants.

OR – take a short trip over to Fannin County by van to the Caddo National Grasslands, just far enough east to provide woodland habitat required by a variety of warblers, flycatchers and vireos.  Target species for this trip led by Dr. Wayne Meyer include Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Kentucky Warbler and Acadian Flycatcher, all regular breeders, although a variety of other migrants may appear as well.  Yellow-throated Vireos occasionally breed, and Scarlet Tanager has been seen in the area in early May. On arrival, participants will  take several short walks to find  birds.  Trails are irregularly maintained and at least one stop will require some bush-whacking into usually wet and always poison ivy infested woods.  Participants who do not wish to brave the wet woods may bird on their own along the shore of Coffeemill Lake. Advance registration required; cost of field trip - $35 (FOH members)/$40 (non- members), includes transportation. Leave the HNWR Visitor Center a 7 am and return by Noon.  Limited to 20 participants.

Meanwhile, back at the Refuge, two Birding Hagerman  NWR field trips will be offered on Sunday morning, each on one of the five trails at Hagerman NWR.  Hagerman has a variety of habitats that are used by over 270 species of birds.   Caravans will depart from the Visitor Center for trail designated for the particular field trip. Pick up an HNWR Bird Check List to take along with binoculars, scopes, field guides, and water.  Walks will visit areas not accessible by car, focusing on woodland and prairie birds. Exact location to be visited will depend on weather and on the birds found on the refuge in the previous few days.  Walking will be on well-maintained trails with only moderate change in elevation, about two miles total distance.  The following trips on the refuge are offered:  Advance registration is required; cost of each field trip is $10 (FOH members)/$15 (non-members).  Each of these trips will be limited to 12 participants, your choice of

7:30 – 10:30 am - Birding Hagerman NWR with expert amateur birder, Mike Pease, OR

8 - 11 am - Birding Hagerman NWR with Gary Akin, undergraduate student majoring in fisheries and wildlife.

OR enjoy a leisurely Storybook Walk - for families - free, no registration, read a nature story together as you take a walk along Harris Creek Trail.  Self-guided, 9 am - 4 pm.

Two Shorebird Tram Tours will be offered on Sunday - Enjoy a clear view with binoculars or camera on this open, all electric tram as you glide along Wildlife Drive and the Pad roads to view the shorebirds migrating through the Refuge.  Dress for the weather. Free, advance registration required due to limited seating. 9 participants maximum.  10:30 am - Noon AND 2 – 3:30 pm

Jonathan and Susan Wood’s Raptor Project, with 36 live birds of prey, eagles, hawk, owls and falcons has been booked for an additional day and will hold outdoor shows at 1 pm AND 3 pm on Sunday.

Take to the water from 1:30 – 3:30 pm as you kayak or canoe Big Mineral Creek with Refuge Manager Kathy Whaley.  Get a new perspective on the refuge, from the water!   Each person must provide own water craft and PFD; hats, sunscreen, bottled water advised. Anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by parent or responsible adult. Trip will last approximately 1.5 hrs; advance registration required; cost of trip $10 (FOH members)/$15 (non-members). Registrants will be notified where to meet for launch.  Trip is limited to 12 participants.

Look, Listen and Learn!  Seminars and Talks:

1:30 - 3 pm - Landscaping with Native Plants, with Michael Parkey, Dallas Landscape Architect and designer.  Going native in your home landscape can lead to more gardening success and lower impact on the environment!  Advance registration advised for guaranteed seating; cost of program - free.  Meeting Room A in the Visitor Center, 50 participants maximum.

1:30 – 2:30 pm - Snakes, Snakes, Snakes, with Don Walker, science instructor.  Family friendly free program, advance registration advised to guarantee seating.  You will have a new attitude about snakes after this program!!  Meet in Audio Visual Classroom in the FOH Center - 50 participants maximum.

3 – 4 pm - Nature Writing Workshop, with William B. Hughes.  Choosing topics, tips on getting published and more in this free workshop.  Please register in advance for guaranteed seating.  Library, FOH Center; limited to 12 participants. 

How Sweet it is!   3 – 4 pm - Honey Tasting.  Buzz in and meet a Honey Queen.  Test your tasting skill as you sample honey from various nectar sources, and learn the ABC’s of Bees!  Free –registration not required but will guarantee you get to taste!  Meeting Room B, Visitor Center,  50 participants.

That’s a Wrap until the next BirdFest Texoma!  You'll be glad you came!