Special Edition E-Newsletter: Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest |
|
|
24th Annual Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest May 14th-17th, 2026
Registration opens on Wednesday, March 25th at 5:00PM PST |
We are thrilled to celebrate another year of the return of Leavenworth’s migratory birds! Birders of all skill levels are encouraged to explore our extensive lineup of over 30 birding trips, workshops, and activities.
The schedule is now available online, giving you ample time to select your preferred outings before registration officially opens on Wednesday, March 25th at 5:00PM PST. Because some trips fill up almost immediately, we recommend registering as soon as possible once the window opens. Please keep in mind that the Bird Fest Schedule is a living list and will continue to be updated as the festival approaches.
Registration is required for most field trips, workshops, the Keynote Presentation, and the Birders' BBQ. However, several activities do not require prior sign-up, including the Bird Fest Community Fair and specific trips designed for beginner birders.
We are also introducing a significant change this year: we will not be maintaining waitlists. If a trip sells out and a spot later becomes available due to a cancellation, those open seats will be released for general registration on Wednesday, April 29th at 5:00PM. If you choose to cancel one trip to sign up for another, please be aware that our standard cancellation policy still applies.
WRI members enjoy a 15% discount on most Bird Fest events, so remember to have your discount codes ready. All members will receive an email with their codes before registration begins. If you are unsure of your membership status, please reach out to Randee via email for verification.
|
|
|
2026 Founders' Award Nominations Now Open! Nominations open until Sunday, April 12th at 11:59PM |
Do you know of a business or volunteer who has dedicated themselves to Bird Fest year after year? Nominate them for a Founders' Award! This annual award is given to one volunteer and one professional who contributes time, energy, and resources to make Bird Fest a wonderful experience for all who attend. To see previous recipients, click here.
Learn more about the Founders' Award and make your nomination below. |
|
|
This year, we’re bringing back the same great Bird Fest logo you love, but with a fresh twist! We’ve introduced new color palettes and expanded our product options, so you can support the festival in style.
While a selection of hats and totes will be available for purchase at the event, items at this link are ONLY available for online orders. Don’t miss out on your chance to further support Bird Fest. 20% off everything from March 23-27, 2026 |
Orders will be shipped directly to the buyer. To ensure your gear arrives in time, please make sure to place your order at least one week prior to the festival. |
|
|
Keynote: Wings Over Washington with Neil Paprocki, PhD Saturday, May 16th 7:00PM-8:30PM |
We are excited to welcome Neil Paprocki, PhD, a local ecologist, into the Red Barn as this year's Keynote Speaker. He will delve into their year-round movement ecology, revealing remarkable insights gained from GPS transmitters placed on two iconic hawk species: the Red-tailed Hawk and the Rough-legged Hawk. Come and experience the thrill of raptor migration as we uncover the secret lives of these incredible hawks! This presentation is a hybrid event with in-person and virtual tickets available.
Check the schedule for field trips led by Neil—registration required. |
| Artist Spotlight: Carleen Ormbrek Zimmerman |
We are thrilled to announce Carleen Ormbrek Zimmerman as our Featured Artist Spotlight for this year’s Bird Fest! She will have an art gallery throughout Bird Fest, and we can't wait to display it. Carleen brings a wonderful blend of observation and artistic wonder to our lineup, offering two workshops designed to bridge the gap between birding and the sketchbook. Join Carleen on Friday or Saturday for art workshops suitable for beginners all the way up to experienced artists. Registration required. Check the schedule for "Meet the Spotlight Artist" times and gallery hours. |
|
|
View past Bird Fest Keynote presentations on YouTube. |
|
|
Bird Fest Community Fair
Saturday, May 16th 10:00AM-3:00PM |
Looking for an easy way to drop by Bird Fest? Gather the whole family and visit the Bird Fest Community Fair on the WRI Lawn! This free vendor fair will feature local businesses, organizations, and artists. Live music by Eric Link from 11AM-2PM. No registration required!
|
Kids can dive into hands-on educational activities at our various booths, and we even have two special youth-focused programs. Register ahead of time. In-person registration will be available while supplies last! Painting Mini Bird Figurines
Saturday, May 16
9:00am-11:30am | $15 Make & Take a Lego Bird Saturday, May 16
9:00am-11:30am | $10
It’s the perfect way to get the little ones engaged while the adults enjoy the festivities too.
|
|
|
Birders' BBQ
Saturday, May 16th 5:00PM-6:30PM |
Join us for a quick bite to eat before the Keynote Presentation! Enjoy the WRI campus lawn with a view of the towering Cascade mountains and the Wenatchee River below. A delicious meal will be provided by Ravenous Catering with many vegetarian and vegan options. Check out the menu by clicking the link below! |
Please note that ticket prices are adjusted this year to reflect the rising cost of food. |
|
|
Movie Night: "Listers: A Glimpse into Extreme Birdwatching" Thursday, May 14th
6:00PM-8:00PM |
Join us for an eye-opening dive into the high-stakes world of competitive birding! Listers explores the obsession, the adrenaline, and the incredible distances people will travel just to add one more species to their life list. Whether you're a seasoned ornithologist or just curious about the "extreme" side of nature, this event offers a fascinating look at a unique subculture. Free. No RSVP or registration. Doors open at 5:30. Beverages will be for sale. Note: Fowl and foul language and drug use in the film. |
|
|
Bird Fest Happy Hour and Game Night Friday, May 15th
3:00PM-7:00PM |
After a great day of birding, come socialize with us at the Bird Fest Happy Hour held on the beautiful Wenatchee River Institute campus! Open to everyone with no registration required, this free event is the perfect place to drop in anytime to meet fellow birders and friends, old and new. Evening Schedule & Highlights
3:00 – 5:00 PM | Bird Games: Join Audubon volunteers to play Wingspan and other bird-themed games—whether you're a seasoned player or just want to see what the buzz is about.
5:30 – 7:00 PM | Bird Trivia: Put your knowledge to the test! Bring your own team or join one on the spot for some friendly competition.
Refreshments: Beer, wine, and sparkling water will be available for purchase. |
|
|
Bird Fest Youth Art Contest Results |
The results are in! After some very difficult deliberations, the WRI staff has officially voted on this year’s Bird Fest Youth Art Contest.
We were absolutely blown away by the talent and creativity displayed in all 78 entries we received. It is truly inspiring to see the level of artistry from our local youth every single year.
This Year's Winner: Congratulations to Lin Spichiger, an 8th-grade student at Hood Canal School in Shelton, WA, for being chosen for the 2026 Bird Fest Poster!
Want to see the incredible work for yourself? You can now view all of this year’s submissions in our online gallery. |
|
|
Custom Bird Fest Course via Larkwire |
Larkwire is the premier app for learning to bird by ear and by eye. Its interactive courses are authored by some of the best birders in North America and its game-based approach is often described as "addictive." Now Larkwire has created a custom songs course for Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest—covering all the species likely to be seen at the festival.
Available on web or iOS. |
|
|
Thank You, Bird Fest Sponsors! |
|
|
Support from local businesses and organizations make Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest possible. Spot some of these sponsors around town displaying a gold Bird Fest flag as we get closer to Bird Fest. You can support us by supporting them! See a full list of sponsors here. |
|
|
Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*
*{{Unsubscribe}}* |
| |
|
|
