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2006 Yosemite Birding Festival

Dates: May 5 (eve) - 7, 2006

Location: The Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal, California, will be headquarters, with field trips to locations throughout the park including Yosemite Valley, Foresta, Crane Flat, and more.

Basic Fee: $130 (YA Members Price: $110.50)

To register online, click here.

Events start with a prologue Outdoor Adventure course for those new to birding all day on Friday the 5th.
The fast growth of birdingwatching as a hobby suggested the need for this extra course. We’ve found that many people who come to birding festivals would gain from a bit of introductory tutoring, to get warmed up, before the weekend’s events. Local naturalist Sarah Jo Lemley is a marvelous teacher and will have all participants build their skills and enthusiasm through the day in Yosemite Valley. This is a separate registration from the Birding Festival as a whole.

The Festival proper gets underway on Friday afternoon, as people register and make plans for which field trips they’re going with on the next two mornings. An evening reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres gets everyone acquainted, and we are privileged to have artist Keith Hansen present an evening program for us on his career and his passion for birds. Keith is working on an opus of Yosemite bird art, and he’ll update us on his magnificent work to date. At the same time as Keith’s presentation, there will be a carpool excursion to observe the unique crepuscular courtship flight of the Wilson’s snipe; if you haven’t listened to their eerie call drifting down from a darkening sky, here’s your chance.

We’ll be up early to catch spring birds at their most active. Several field trips, lead by people like Ted Beedy, Dave Shuford, Jeff Maurer, and Deepak Dathatri depart for various places in the park for the morning. Participants will collect diverse lists in Yosemite Valley, Foresta, Crane Flat and El Portal, while growing their knowledge of Sierra ecology and bird natural history, and soaking in the visual feast of Yosemite during spring runoff.

A lighter afternoon schedule allows some resting up before a second day’s reception and an evening presentation by USFWS wildlife biologist Joe Burley on the recovery of the California Condor. The condor soars over Yosemite still – on our new state quarter. Joe will give us an insider’s update on our chances for seeing this in the real world someday. A small group of interested participants will be escorted by our local spotted owl researcher, Sue Roberts, to meet this mysterious bird in its old growth haunts.

Sunday morning features the same suite of rich field expeditions, and an additional one that takes you west, birding along country roads through the foothills to finish your weekend at the edge of the Central Valley.

The Yosemite View Lodge is a very comfortable place to spend a weekend, on the banks of the Merced River. We’ve also got free camping in Yosemite Valley, and all participants have their park entry fees waived. If you haven’t got all the bird books you need, YA will have its wares on hand, with – as always - all proceeds benefiting Yosemite.

Other Attractions: Ranger walks, book signings, and receptions.

For a list of likely Yosemite SPRING BIRDS, click here.

For a list of birds seen at the 2005 festival, click here.


HOW DO I REGISTER?
You can register by phone at (209) 379-2321, using the Internet over a secure connection by clicking on the link above, or by mail using the registration form that will be downloadable from this site soon.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN TUITION?
The basic fee covers all on-site activities including workshops, programs, cash bar receptions, and book signings. A schedule of additional activities requiring additional payments (meals, box lunches, and some field trips) will be sent with confirmation materials.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
A number of rooms have been reserved for festival participants at Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal. Costs vary with accommodation types. Reservation forms will be mailed to participants with confirmation materials.

Reserving a Room on Your Own: If you would like to rent a room in the park on your own (very few vacancies are expected), call (559) 252-4848 for reservations. In addition, there are other accommodations outside Yosemite--call us at (209) 379-2321.

HOW DO I GET TO YOSEMITE?
Most participants drive to Yosemite since it is some distance from urban areas. Major airports near Yosemite include Fresno, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Reno. Public Transportation arrangements to Yosemite Valley can be made through Amtrak, Greyhound Bus, and VIA Adventures.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE WEATHER?
Expect the unexpected! Spring weather conditions can vary greatly, so be prepared for all conditions. The festival will be held rain, snow, or shine. For road and weather information call the NPS 24-hour updated recording at 209-372-0200.

WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL?
Refunds of festival fees will be given for cancellations received in writing no later than 30 days before the festival starting date. A 10% cancellation fee will be charged for each cancelling participant. No exceptions can be made to the policy. If the Yosemite Association cancels the festival, we will refund your fees fully.

HOW DO I ARRANGE TO CAMP?
You must make campground reservations on your own for an additional fee, by calling 1-877-444-6777. National Park Service campgrounds have cold running water and flush toilets, but there are no showers or electricity. Showers may be purchased through the concessionaire in Yosemite Valley. Pets are not allowed at the festival, though some camgrounds permit them.

WHAT ABOUT MEALS?
Meals are on your own unless specified in the festival materials.

ARE THERE BEARS IN YOSEMITE?
Yes! Black bears live in Yosemite and cause damage to automobiles and personal property every year -- be sure to follow federal requirements for food storage while visiting the park campgrounds or room accommodations. Never store food in your car. Each visitor plays an important role in keeping human food away from bears!