Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival

Mark your calendars for the festival! May 5-7, 2023

2023 Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival
Program of Events

Schedule of Events Draft 2023.02.27
Friday, 5 May 2023
11:21 am ‐ 5:21 pm    Best Shorebird Viewing at Grays Harbor NWR (high tide @ 2:21pm)
7:00am ‐ 3:00pm        Festival Information, Nature Shop, and Registration at Grays Harbor NWR
                                     on Airport Way
7:30am ‐ 3:30pm        Field Trip to Tokeland, Grayland, and Westport Loop $50
8:00am ‐ 3:00pm        Field Trip to Ocean Shores $40
1:30 pm ‐ 4:00 pm      Guided Walk at Grays Harbor NWR Free
4:00pm ‐ 7:00pm        Festival Information and Registration at Hoquiam Middle School
6:45 pm ‐ 7:15 pm      Dessert Reception at Hoquiam High School Free
7:30 pm ‐ 9:00pm       Keynote Speaker Hoquiam High School Theater $20
Saturday, 6 May 2023
12:09 pm ‐ 6:09 pm    Best Shorebird Viewing at Grays Harbor NWR (high tide @ 3:09 pm)
7:30am ‐ 5:00pm        Festival Information and Registration at Hoquiam Middle School
8:30am ‐ 3:30pm        Field Trip to Ocean Shores $40
9:00am ‐ 4:00pm        Free Shuttles between Hoquiam Middle School and Refuge
9:00am ‐ 5:00pm        Birding Marketplace with Vendors and Exhibitors
9:00am ‐ 5:00pm        Nature Fun Fair
10:00am‐1:30pm        Individual presentations - Programs to be confirmed
10:00am ‐ 11:00am    Presentation: Bring Back the Bees (Mason Bees by Jim Ullrich) Free
11:00am ‐ 4:00pm      Mudflat Meals at Nature Fun Fair
11:00am ‐ 12:00pm    Presentation: Shorebird Identification Basics Free
12:30pm ‐ 3:30pm      Field Trip to Grays Harbor NWR ‐ Shorebirds for Beginners $15
5:30pm ‐ 6:30pm        Social Hour with no‐host bar at Elks Club
6:30 pm ‐ 9:00 pm      Annual Fundraising Dinner and Speaker (Elks Club) $40
Sunday, 7 May 2023
12:56 pm ‐ 6:56 pm   Best Shorebird Viewing at Grays Harbor NWR (high tide @ 3:56pm)
8:00am ‐ 4:00pm       Information and Registration at Hoquiam Middle School
9:00am ‐ 4:00pm       Free Shuttles between School and Refuge
8:00am ‐ 3:30pm       Field Trip to Tokeland, Grayland, Westport Loop $50
9:00am ‐ 4:00pm       Birding Marketplace with Vendors and Exhibitors
9:00am ‐ 4:00pm       Nature Fun Fair
10:00am‐2:30pm       Individual presentations - Programs to be confirmed
1:00pm ‐ 2:00pm       Poster Contest Awards Ceremony
2:00pm ‐ 4:00pm       Guided Walk at Grays Harbor NWR Free
2:30pm ‐ 2:45pm       Procession of the Shorebirds ?

Shuttle Bus between Hoquiam Middle School and Grays Harbor NWR:
9am ‐ 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Ride takes approximately 15 minutes
Suggested donation $1 per rider

To register for Events with costs, please go to the Registration page on this site

Bring Back the Bees
Saturday, 10:00am - 11:00am
Presenter: Jim Ullrich
The presentation covers the development of a backyard sanctuary for our bees and birds, including the interesting relationship of our Orchard Mason Bees and our backyard birds. This non-aggressive pollinator is native to our area and is extensively studied by Washington State University and area master gardener organizations.

Shorebird Identification Basics
Saturday, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Presenter:  Scott Morrison
Shorebird identification can be tricky. With the help of experienced birders, you will become familiar with the more common shorebirds so that you can identify them in the field. You are encouraged to follow up this program with the “Shorebirds for Beginners” Saturday field trip to Grays Harbor NWR or the free guided walk on Sunday.