Festival draw for birders

The sixth annual Chequamegon Bay Birding & Nature Festival runs through Saturday.

It’s expected to draw casual and avid birders as well as nature lovers to the south shore of Lake Superior to enjoy some of the best birding hot spots and the most breathtaking scenery the Midwest has to offer.

The Chequamegon Bay Area is among the best birding destinations in the Midwest, with a wide variety of habitats hosting nearly 300 bird species. Abundant public lands and extraordinary natural beauty provide visitors with unparalleled nature watching opportunities in this exceptional area of northern Wisconsin.

With more than 100 activities to choose from, birders and nature lovers of all skills and ages will find numerous choices at this year’s festival.

Exceptional destinations such as the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Whittlesey Creek, Copper Falls State Park and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest highlights spectacular sights for both birders and nature lovers.

Participants in guided field trips will take in the birds, wildlife, and natural beauty of the area through hiking, walking along the beach and kayaking. Other activities include exhibits, educational programs, self-guided field trip opportunities, and numerous expert speakers including this year’s keynote speaker, John Bates, renowned Northwoods naturalist and author.

Late May is the peak of spring migration and therefore the ideal time to visit the Chequamegon Bay Area. The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and County Highway G in Ashland will serve as the home base for the event. Call (800) 284-9484 or visit www.birdandnaturefest.com.

Tags: lake superior, northland outdoors, community, entertainment, outdoors