This time of year Alaska is cold and dark, and hospitable only to the hardiest birds and the most intense birders willing to go chase them. But in the spring, Alaska welcomes returning birds with an incredible abundance of natural riches. The state welcomes birders too, particularly to the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, held the first week of May in Homer, Alaska, on the breath-takingly beautiful (and marvelously birdy) Kenai Peninsula.
If you are a college age birder, the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival is offering you a wonderful opportunity to travel to Alaska and take part in the festival thanks to the Schantz Brothers Foundation.
Tim and Tom Schantz were birders and naturalists with a passion for Alaska. Both died of a congenital heart issue and the family set up this memorial foundation to offer the opportunity for young birders from across North America to experience Alaska. Airfare, lodging, and registration for the festival are included, and recipients may be asked to give a small presentation at the festival. Registration can be found here.
If you are a college aged birder, or you know one who would be excited to visit Alaska, please pass on this information.
For more information on the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, see this blog post by Lynn Barber.