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8 • April 2016 • COAST • www.coast-magazine.com Take flight to Homer for shorebird festival Registration is open for one of the most popular birding fes- tivals in the state. The 24th annual Kachemak Bay Shorebird Fes- tival is set for May 12-15, and there are some exciting changes in the air. “We are always looking to offer new and exciting excursions,” said event organizer Robbi Mixon. “Fat biking has been gaining a lot of popularity over the last few years and our local bike rental business, Cycle Logical/Derek Reynolds, started leading fat bike trips last year. We thought it would be a great way for birders to experience Homer and to access places not normally gotten to easily on foot.” Alongside fat biking, Mixon said there also will be Stand-Up Paddle boarding birding, offered by longtime sponsor, True North Kayak Adventures, operated by Alison O’Hara. Both additions, Mixon said, are aimed at keeping the festival fresh and staying in touch with trends. Birding by Smartphone and Digiscoping – two workshops being offered by one of the festivals four keynote speakers – is yet another way to expand birding’s appeal. “Smartphones have made everything easier and Sharon (Bird- Chick) Stiteler has done a lot of work in the field,” Mixon said. “We also think smartphone workshops may appeal to a younger birding community.” Crowd favorites, however, are the cornerstone of the Shorebird Festival, and Birding Hotspots, a three-hour luxury bus tour, is among those programs that are already filling up, Mixon said. Also popular is the Junior Birder Program and Live Bird Presentations. “Over 30 species of migratory birds stop in Homer on their way to the fertile breeding grounds of the Arctic,” Mixon said. “Along with those species, another 130-plus nonmigratory birds make their home in Homer. It’s a fantastic spot for spotting many species on your Life List.” Not to mention, Homer is a great getaway for good food, fine fish- ing, art, hiking, nightlife and more. Reservations can be made at www.kachemakshorebird.org. COURTESY CARLA STANLEY Sandpipers take flight in Kachemak Bay. This year’s Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival is set for May 12-15 in Homer. trailmix Kayak Stand Up Paddleboard Guided Trips, Rentals, Water Taxi, Cabins, Yurts 907-235-0708 truenorthkayak@gmail.com truenorthkayak.com SUP on a glacer lake! WATER TAXI 18-Passenger USCG Certified Hiking • Freight Kayak • SUP • Wildlife Tours • Cabins • Yurts 907-235-0708 truenorthkayak@gmail.com truenorthkayak.com