Visiting the area’s best birding sites is the number one priority for the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society’s first BirdFest on Friday through Sunday, but it’s not the only activity in which the participants can get involved.
Optional activities being offered include sea kayaking trips in Port Angeles Harbor, a traditional salmon bake and storytelling by the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe, and a cruise around Protection Island.
The cost of the birding event, which is titled “Come Bird With Us,” is $35 per person. Box lunches for the Saturday activities are available at an extra cost.
There are extra fees for each of the optional events.
To register for any of the events, go online to www.olympus.net/opas, or call 360-681-4076.
Proceeds from the event will be used to support the Dungeness River Audubon Center and its educational programs.
The schedule includes:
Friday
* 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Bird walks at Dungeness River Audubon Center, 2151 W. Hendrickson Road, Sequim.
* 7 p.m.: Presentation on the birding programs conducted by the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and the pelagic birds in the area, Dungeness River Audubon Center.
Saturday
* 7 a.m.: Registration, Dungeness River Audubon Center; self-guided birding at the center and at Hollywood Beach, Port Angeles.
* 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Birding teams visit Jimmycomelately Creek/Sequim Bay Estuary, John Wayne Marina, Washington Harbor, Marlyn Nelson Park/Port Williams Boat Launch, Three Crabs/Horse Ponds, Dungeness Landing and the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.
* 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Bird banding demonstration, Dungeness River Audubon Center.
* 6 p.m.: Salmon bake prepared by the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe, with traditional storytelling, at the Tribal Center in Blyn. The cost is $25 per person.
Sunday
* 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Boat cruises around Protection Island Wildlife Refuge, leaving from Point Hudson Marina, Port Townsend. The cost is $40 per person.
* 9 a.m.: Birding teams meet at Kah Tai Lagoon, Port Townsend, for visits to birding sites, led by members of the Admiralty Audubon Society.
* 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 1:30 p.m.: Sea kayaking/sea bird trips from Port Angeles Harbor, offering 1½-hour trips to observe the birds and marine life. Kayaks, equipment and guides will be provided, and no experience is required. The cost is $25 per person.