News Release
| Release Number: | 06-059 |
| Dated: | 5/8/2006 |
| Contact: | Heidi Y. Helwig, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore.--On Saturday, May 13, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers biologists will lead bird- and wildlife-watching activities at Fern Ridge Reservoir.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., biologists will be stationed at a viewing platform near the end of Royal Avenue on the east side of Fern Ridge Reservoir. Spotting scopes will be available for the public to view wetland bird species including herons, egrets and waterfowl.
In addition, members of the public can pre-register for a free guided bird walk or turtle talk offered by the U.S. Corps of Engineers at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., respectively.
Fern Ridge Reservoir is home to more than 250 bird species including breeding populations of black terns, yellow-headed blackbirds and osprey. In 2003, Fern Ridge was identified as an Important Bird Area, an internationally recognized designation for areas that provide essential bird habitat.
“This festival is a great opportunity to bring members of the community out to Fern Ridge and show them what a unique and special place they have in their own backyard,” said Kat Beal, Corps biologist. “This is the first year for this event, and we hope it will become an annual celebration of birds and the critical local habitats that support them.”
The Wings and Wine Festival schedule includes additional bird walks in the Fern Ridge area that will be guided by local birding experts for a small fee. Other festival highlights include a guided canoe trip, free kids activities, live raptors, and a special dinner at Secret House Winery.
The festival coincides with International Migratory Bird Day, a worldwide effort to celebrate and increase awareness of migratory birds.
To pre-register, see a Fern Ridge birds and birding checklist, or learn more about festival activities, call (541) 935-3774 or go to the festival’s website at http://www.wingsandwinefestival.com.