Join us for Humboldt County’s premier birding and nature event! Over four days, April 16–19, more than 75 tours and workshops led by expert naturalists, biologists, and experienced local birders will take attendees into some of the region’s most vibrant habitats to learn about resident and migratory bird species, native plants and trees, and the ecological connections that make this corner of the Pacific Flyway so extraordinary.

The main hall at the Arcata Community Center will serve as the lively festival hub, hosting more than 20 vendors, including nonprofit and government agencies, local artists, optics retailers, and booksellers offering resources, gear, and art pieces for birders and naturalists. Don’t miss the opportunity to view hundreds of Student Bird Art and Nature Writing Contest entries lining the lobby walls. A silent auction will open to bidders on Friday, April 17, at 3 pm and close on Saturday, April 18, at 6:30 pm.

Hours open to the public (free admission):
Friday, April 17, 3–6:30 pm
Saturday, April 18, 10 am–7 pm
Sunday, April 19, 10 am–3 pm

A welcome reception kicks off the weekend on Friday, April 17, at 5 pm. The public is welcome free of charge. Light snacks will be provided, and beverages will be available for purchase. Following the reception at 6:30 pm, the Integral Ecology Research Center of Blue Lake, CA, will present “Listening to the Wrong Owl for the Right Answer: How Barred Owls Help Uncover Toxic Threats to Spotted Owls and Other Forest Wildlife.”

On Saturday and Sunday, Familia Cafe will provide food and beverages for purchase onsite from 10 am–2 pm.

The Student Bird Art and Writing Contest Awards Ceremony will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 18, and the Family Nature Crafts “Mega-Palooza” will take place from 11 am–1 pm onsite. Drop-ins are welcome, and participation is free. We may even get a visit from Western Screech Owl, Chillido, a resident at the Sequoia Park Zoo.

On Saturday evening, April 18, professional nature photographer and international tour leader Krisztina Scheeff will present “Photographing the Spirit of Birds.” The keynote presentation begins at 7 pm. Tickets are available online for $10 or at the door.

A banquet catered by Cassaro's Catering will be held onsite from 5:30–6:45 pm prior to the talk. Tickets are $40 and must be purchased online. For those wishing to skip the banquet and attend the keynote only, a Happy Hour bar will be open from 4:30–7 pm in the main hall, serving beer from SeaQuake Brewing, wines from Trinity River Vineyards, kombucha from It's Alive Kombucha, and soda. Silent auction bidding closes at 6:30 pm, making this the perfect time to place your final bids.

On Sunday, April 19, the Institute for Wildlife Studies will provide live feeds from their monitored eagle nests and present “The Black and White Story of Avian Conservation on the California Channel Islands.” The presentation begins at 12:15 pm. Grab lunch from Familia Cafe and have a seat! The public is welcome to attend free of charge.

To learn more or register for tours and workshops—many of which fill quickly—visit godwitdays.org.