Millions of birds on their spring migration north will be welcomed to Prince William Sound from May 7-10 as Cordova celebrates its 36th annual Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival.
The event has become a cherished tradition for Cordova residents and festival visitors in this critical stopover area on the migration route of millions of birds through the Pacific Flyway.
“This oldest birding festival in the state offers participants a chance to enjoy the wonder of migration the richness of local culture and the vitality of Cordova’s wetlands,” said Cathy Renfeldt, executive director of the Cordova Chamber of Commerce.
For Olivia Carroll, festival coordinator, the event has always been a reminder “of how deeply connected we are – to each other, to the land, and to the birds that pass through our skies each spring.”
“I remember participating in the festival through field trips as a kid,” Carroll said. “When you feel the joy and curiosity it sparks in everyone, you can’t help but think it’s more than just birds – it’s a celebration of community and a time to reflect on the beauty around us that we sometimes take for granted.”
Festival highlights include guided excursions to prime shorebird habitats, educational talks and workshops about the birds, and delicate ecosystems of the Copper River Delta.
Keynote speaker Rob Clay, from the United Kingdom, has been active in migratory bird conservation in the Western Hemisphere for more than 20 years. Prior to joining the Western Hemisphere Reserve Network (WHSRN) and Manomet in May 2014, Clay worked for BirdLife International as senior conservation manager in the Americas Secretariat. There he led development of conservation programs for a variety of migratory birds and globally threatened species.
Other speakers include Erin Cooper, a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Forest Service in Cordova for the past 24 years; Dotty Widman of The Net Loft; and Raven Cunningham of Cordova, an advocate for Indigenous stewardship and environmental justice in coastal Alaska.
The Prince William Sound Science Center will provide free hands-on activities to foster appreciation for science and birding. Participants can also participate in workshops, art classes and nature journaling sessions at the Net Loft.
Local tour operators will be offering land and water-based tours at discounted rates for festival registrants. Cordova businesses, organizations and community groups plan to offer a variety of events, including St. Joseph’s Catholic Church’s Birders Breakfast, the Pioneer Pie Social, an Artisan Market and more.
Festival organizers are looking for volunteers to serve as guides, welcome table attendees and for set-up and take-down crews. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt or free festival registration. Visit coppershorebird.com to sign up.
Festival registration with early bird pricing is open until March 31 at coppershorebird.com/register.
A Cordovan local discount is available through the Cordova Chamber of Commerce.
Visitors are encouraged to come early and stay late to witness peak migration. For a full list of lodging, ground transportation, dining, tours, and shopping in Cordova, contact Cordova Chamber of Commerce or visit their website at cordovachamber.com.
For the complete schedule of speakers, workshops, tours, and registration information, visit coppershorebird.com. More details about visiting Cordova can be found at cordovachamber.com.
