Special Events and Tours, by reservation only.

Pre-Registration Required On ALL Special Events and Tours. Tours marked with a * please go to: www.brownpapertickets.com for reservations. For all other tours, call the phone number provided to make reservations. Tours fill quickly. Check with the Friends Info booth at Davis Park for available spots due to cancellations.

Sandhill Crane Tours*

Cost: $25 per person Friday 5:00 pm, Saturday 6:00 am and 5:00 pm, Sunday 6:00 am and 5:00 pm. The most unique wildlife viewing experience BirdFest has to offer, and a once in a lifetime chance to hear and see the magnificent flight of hundreds of sandhill cranes as they visit their night roost. Join expert staff to learn about cranes and wildlife from a close-in location, not available to the public. Meet at the Vistors Contact Station on the River 'S' Refuge Unit 15 minutes before the tour time and wear weather appropriate clothing in muted, neutral colors and footwear for a hike. Questions: call 360-887-4106. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/196068

Night Hike: Carty Unit

Suggested donation $5. Friday, Oct.7th, 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Join Refuge staff for a nightfall hike to Long Meadow, a unique opportunity to learn about the history and wildlife of the Carty Unit. Dress for the weather and anticipate a three mile hike over uneven surfaces. Meet at the tent near the Plankhouse. Registration is limited to 15 people. Contact Eric Anderson at: eric_anderson@fws.gov to reserve your spot.

"Birders Paradise on the Kiwa Trail" Tour*

Cost: $10 Saturday only; 7:00 to 10:30 am, 3:30 to 7:00 pm. Enjoy a sneak peak birding tour searching the woodlots and wetlands for new arrivals. Meet at the Visitors Contact Station on the River 'S' Refuge Unit. Questions: call 360-887-4106. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/196069

Photography Walk with Gerry Ellis*

Cost: $10 Sunday 9:00 am. Join award-winning international nature photographer Gerry Ellis for an exclusive photo-walk in our own Ridgefield NWR to discover approaches, techniques, and perspectives on photographing wildlife and nature he has honed in wilds around the world. First Gerry will start with a "gear talk" and do a show and tell about what works best in the varied situations when shooting at a refuge/wildlife setting. During the walk, Gerry will elaborate on what he went over and give live examples and point out great potential photographic situations/moments. Meet at the tent near the Plankhouse, 15 minutes before tour start time. Limit of 20 people. Check out the amazing portfolio and the work of Gerry's site http://gerryellis.net/ http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/196071

Volkswalk

Saturday. Start anytime 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Finish by 4:00 pm. All Weather Walkers is hosting this AVA Sanctioned 5K and 10K walk. There are two walks available – the 5K passes many old buildings from the last century, including the elegant Shobert House and two historic churches. The 10K will take you from Abrams Park up a wooded path into upscale neighborhoods with panoramic and river views and will include all the features of the 5K route. We encourage you to take in all the Bird Fest activities during and after the walk. Contact Leah Riedel: riedel@teleport.com or Jean Moeller: ejm33@hotmail.com.