The Friends of the Ridgefield N.W.R. in Clark County invite all
interested people to the first Birdfest, an open house and celebration of
the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. This first of what will be an
annual event is being held on October 14 - 15, 2000. Sunday will be your
only opportunity to bird the River "S" Unit from outside of a vehicle
until that seasonal restriction ends on May 1, 2001. This is a prime time
to visit this refuge with thousands of waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes
present.
Saturday, October 14
Starting from the kiosk at the Carty Unit, there will be a "Guided
Birdwatching Hikes" from 8:30 - 10:30 and at 3:00 - 5:00 pm and
"Birdwatching for Kids" from 11:00 - 12:00 noon and again from 1:00 -
2:00 pm.
At 9:00 am there is a 2 -4 hour guided Canoe/Kayak Tour launching from
the Ridgefield Marina Kayak Launch (provide your own canoe/kayak, limited
rentals available from Lake River Kayak at Main & Pioneer in Ridgefield).
In the Ridgefield Community Center:
A Community-wide garage Sale 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
2:00 pm, Lecture: "Wild in the City", speaker Mike Houck, Portland
Audubon Society
3:00 pm, Lecture: "Seasonal Birding at the Ridgefield Refuge",speaker
Eric Anderson, USFWS Biologist
4:00 pm, Children's Program: "The Lorax", Dr. Suess movie and "Musical
Bird", slides by photographer Michael Fant

Sunday, October 15:
Carty Unit: All day, hiking trail "Oaks To Wetlands"
River "S" Unit: All day, A preview of the new Hiking Trail on the River
"S" Unit, this new trail over a mile in length will not be open again to
the public until May 1, 2001, after the seasonal restrictions on being
out of a vehicle in this Unit end. At 11:00 am there will be a ceremony
to dedicate this new trail at the trail parking lot on the River "S" auto
tour route.
8:30 am - 10:30 am and 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Spotting Scope Sessions ,
scopes will be set up at choice spots along the auto tour with people
present to point out the birds.
1:00 & 4:00 pm a Guided Van tour of River "S", by reservation only. Call
360-887-4106
On both days there will be Art Exhibits in Ridgefield at "Seasons" and
at "Rose's Antiques".

Wilson Cady
Washougal, WA.
gorgebirds at juno.com