Forwarded by request.  The pix may not have made it through the censor.  : )

Fran Saunders
MOS Web Site Director
http://www.mdbirds.org/
Silver Spring, Maryland

-----Original Message-----
From:  [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2005 3:34 PM
To: 
Subject: Spring Birding and Nature Festival on the Outer Banks





Dear fellow bird and nature aficionados,

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is gearing up to hold its first annual
spring birding and nature festival, aptly called Spring Wings.  Being that
this is our first year, we are trying to get out the word to as many
birding and nature-oriented organizations as possible.  Attached is a press
release with the details of the festival and contact info, along with a
couple pictures.

As a fellow nature enthusiast, would you consider the following:

   Advertising the festival in your organization's newsletter?
   Allowing us to send notice of the festival to your mailing list?
   Listing Spring Wings on your organization's calendar of events?
   Posting a link to www.wingsoverwater.org on your web site?

If you could help us spread the word through any of these mediums, we would
greatly appreciate it, and we would also provide a link to your
organization on our web site.

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Ann Marie Salewski
****************************************************************************
******

Ann Marie Salewski
Wildlife Interpretive Specialist
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 1969
Manteo, NC 27954
Office: 252-987-1118
Fax: 252-987-2438
Visitor Center: 252-987-2394

Register Now for Spring Wings.... May 12-15, 2005

Registration is now open for a brand new wildlife/wildlands celebration in
eastern North Carolina.  Spring Wings, is a mini-festival - a condensed
version of our Fall Wings Over Water that highlights all the natural
activities that are unavailable in the Fall. Spring Wings explores the
unique natural history diversity of eastern North Carolina. In mid-May,
participants have the opportunity to observer breeding birds and courtship
behavior, hear and identify bird song, explore swamps in search of blooming
orchids and other wildflowers, comb marshes in pursuit of butterflies, and
in many other ways, experience these diverse habitats and wild things as
they awaken from a long winter. There's nothing like spring in North
Carolina!


Nearly 400 bird species have been sighted on the Outer Banks, making the
area one of the prime birding hotspots on the Atlantic Coast. Spring Wings
birding trips will target a variety of migratory birds - focusing on bird
song and courtship/mating behavior, along with the customary observations.
Bird trip leaders have been chosen for their proficiency with bird song and
spring migrant identification.


What better way to discover a barrier island than on the water? Padding
trips offer an unique perspective of the Outer Banks and its wildlife.
Kayaks and canoes, along with local guides, will get you into the heart of
refreshing maritime forests, dynamic salt marshes, and mysterious black
water swamps. There is so much to choose from!


Padding trips are led by members of the Outer Banks Paddler's Club, guides
from Kitty Hawk Sports, Kitty Hawk Kites, and Coastal Kayak, and Refuge
staff/volunteers.


The natural beauty and diversity of the Outer Banks draws admirers from
around the globe. The natural history trips offered during Spring Wings
explore the wildlife and plants that inhabit these unique ecosystems, with
a special focus on flowering plants.


The habitat diversity of the Outer Banks gives rise to an incredible
variety of flowering plants, including Ladies Tresses Orchid, Venus'
Looking Glass, Yellow Pitcher Plant, and Blue Flag Iris. During this Spring
Wings, botanists will lead wildflower excursions through wetlands, woods,
and fields in search of rare flowering species that can be seen blooming
only at this time of year.



A "Festival at a Glance" leaflet and registration information are available
by contacting the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce at 252-441-8144 or by
visiting www.wingsoverwater.org.
(See attached file: Black skimmer.jpg)(See attached file: Prothonotary
Warbler.jpg)
Photo credit: Fish and Wildlife Service
Photo caption: Black Skimmers and Prothonotary Warblers are among the
hundreds of bird species participants will be able to see and hear during
the first annual Spring Wings birding and nature festival on the Outer
Banks of North Carolina.