The 9th Annual Ladd Marsh Bird Festival in La Grande, Oregon is just around the corner, May 16 - 18. The festival offers a unique opportunity to explore Ladd Marsh as well as staffed birding stations on Saturday; a photography workshop Saturday and field trips on Sunday; Friday evening featured speaker Terry Rich; a deaf birder tour with a professional Sign Language interpreter; wine; displays; kids' activities including the junior Birder Program and bird house building; live raptor presentation by Blue Mountain Wildlife. There will be birding and activities for the whole family. For more information, check out www.friendsofladdmarsh.org or call Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area 541-963-4954. The web site includes a link to the field trip descriptions and registration form. M. Cathy Nowak Certified Wildlife Biologist(r) Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area 59116 Pierce Rd La Grande, OR 97850 541-963-4954