Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds May 18-21, 2006 in Detroit Lakes Minnesota

The community of Detroit Lakes is gearing up to welcome birders to the ninth annual Festival of Birds, May 18-21, 2006. Last year, more than 170 bird species were recorded. Birders of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, will benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable field trip leaders and a naturalist on each of the coach bus tours.

(PRWEB) February 27, 2006 -- The community of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is gearing up to welcome birders to the ninth annual Festival of Birds, May 18-21. Detroit Lakes is located in a unique transition zone where tallgrass prairie, northern hardwood and conifer forests converge. These ecosystems result in a diverse variety of plant, animal and bird life in a small geographic area. According to field trip leader Doug Buri, “With three very different habitats and located on the major spring migration route, Detroit Lakes is ideally suited to provide a great time and a large number of species of sought-after birds.” Detroit Lakes is midway along Minnesota’s first birding trail, the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail.

Last year, more than 170 bird species were recorded. Birders of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, will benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable field trip leaders and a naturalist on each of the coach bus tours. The field trips begin on Thursday, May 18 with a 5:30 p.m. excursion to kick-start bird identification skills. Birders will also visit Tamarac and Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuges, Itasca State Park, Rothsay Prairie/Maplewood State Park and Ulen/Felton prairies. New this year are trips to Buffalo River State Park to experience bird banding, and an area nest-sighting tour.

The festival is expanding into the nature realm in 2006 with a frog and toad identification session on Thursday evening, May 18. Birders go batty when humorist Al Batt returns to Detroit Lakes for the Friday evening banquet, followed by a bat identification program. Participants will learn interesting facts about the five species of bats common to the area, then go outdoors to “hear” bats in the field.

When not on field trips, birders will have the opportunity to attend informational workshops at the host facility, Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Detroit Lakes. On Friday afternoon, Jim Fitzpatrick will lead attendees through his personal travels in the team search for the Ivory Billed Woodpecker. Saturday afternoon will feature three one-hour workshops, exhibitor booths and a silent auction. That evening, an hors d’oeuvres social will precede a series of comedy sketches by the lively duo, Bill and Sharon Stiteler.

For more information or to receive a free festival program, contact the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce at 800-542-3992. Online registration is available at http://www.visitdetroitlakes.com/visitor-info/events/festival-of-birds/

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