Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, May 8 - 12, 2024

The Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges and Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge sponsor the festival and invite you to celebrate the migratory shorebirds stopover on Kachemak Bay’s mudflats and rocky coastal areas of the Homer Spit to refuel as they head on their journey to the Arctic nesting grounds. Homer’s mud flats and Kachemak Bay are now considered “critical habitat” and a part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.

During the Festival people of all ages and abilities have opportunities to learn about the birds and their habitat and why conservation of that environment is important and can be accomplished if we all care.

ALL participants MUST purchase the Festival Pass first in order to ensure the other tickets purchased are verified.

Birds connect the world!

Registration Notes

All participants are REQUIRED to register for the Festival. Many events and activities are included in the registration fee at no extra cost, but registration is required to participate due to capacity and allows us to contact you if there is additional information or changes made.

The one-time Festival Registration fee is just $20. Participants may add up to five immediate family members to their Festival Registration for an additional $5 per person. If there are more than five in your immediate family, please call for registration.

1. FREE EVENTS + JR & Teen Birders! Listed Day/Time Click on ^ to see the whole list of that category or to close it, as you scroll down page it will lead to all the Boat Tours, Field Events and more, with the day noted to begin with.
2. Registration is limited on most of the opportunities so don't hesitate booking!
3. After completing your registration, you will receive an emailed confirmation with tickets that you can download and print. (this confirmation will have the beginning date : May 3, 5 a.m. of the Festival at the top of the page, look to the bottom for the dates/times of what you registered for)

LIST OF FESTIVAL EVENTS

BT - Boat Tour, ET - Entertainment, FE - Field Event, WP - Workshop/Presentation, JB - Junior Birder, TB - Teen Birder, IR - No additional charge, included in festival fee but registration may be required

Be sure to plan your day to arrive in time for the start of each choice of activity you've made, for boat tours, be sure to arrive 1/2 hour before departure time.

For ALL outdoor activities, be aware of the weather and be sure to bring appropriate layers and wear boots or shoes you don't mind getting mucky. Also bring water and snacks.

Contact the Festival Coordinator at kachemakshorebird@gmail.com or 907-226-4631 for further information or with any questions. If there is a discrepancy from printed program, info here is most up-to-date.

HIGH TIDES, May 8-12, 2024

• Wednesday, May 8 HIGH TIDE 3:48 p.m. 19.7'

• Thursday, May 9 HIGH TIDE 4:33 p.m. 19.1'

• Friday, May 10 HIGH TIDE 5:17 p.m.18.1'

• Saturday, May 11 HIGH TIDE 6:03 p.m. 16.8’

• Sunday, May 12 HIGH TIDE 5:39 a.m. 18.1’

This event is just one way that the Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges helps to support the conservation of natural resources in all 16 of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges through education, support, and advocacy. JOIN TODAY, select your membership level and learn about the opportunities around the state throughout the year. We match your time and talents with the needs of Alaska’s refuges.

(Contributions and membership fees are tax-deductible)

This map will be useful so you can find your way to...

Self-Guided Shorebird Viewing Station Mud Bay

1. Wednesday Afternoon, 1:30-3 p.m. | Mud Bay
2. Thursday Afternoon, 2:30-4 p.m. | Mud Bay
3. Friday Afternoon, 3:30-5 p.m. | Mud Bay
4. Saturday Afternoon, 4:30-6 p.m. | Mud Bay
5. Sunday Morning, 6 - 7:30 a.m. | Mud Bay

Morning at the Marsh
Saturday Morning, 6-8 a.m. | Beluga Lake Airport Viewing Platform
Sunday Morning, 6-7:30 a.m. | Beluga Lake Airport Viewing Platform

Family Viewing Station (Jr. Birder Event)
Friday Evening, 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Beluga Lake Airport Viewing Platform
Saturday Afternoon, 11:30-1:30 p.m. | Beluga Slough Picnic Table

The Family Bird Search Challenge on these 5 trails around town (self-guided bird walks on local trails with laminated birds)

• Calvin and Coyle,
• Pratt Museum Trails,
• Mud Bay,
• the Beluga Slough Trail
• Diamond Ridge Trail

Beluga Lake Lodge| 204 Ocean Drive Loop |Deck overlooking Beluga Slough

photos by Sam Wilson