The Aleutian Goose Festival: A Celebration of Wildness March 22-25, 2002.

Come join us in celebrating the return of spring and the annual gathering of the world's entire population of Aleutian Canada Geese. Watch at dawn, when the birds rise from their offshore island's night rest and fill the sky with voice and wing as they move to feed in nearby mainland pastures. Down to less than 800 in the early 1970's and now numbering close to 40,000, the Aleutian Goose is an Endangered Species Act success story.

Don't miss our variety of speakers, seminars, workshops, field trips, kayak excursions and activities designed for everyone, from the most avid birder to the budding naturalist. We've expanded our festival this year into Friday, allowing for early arrivals, and to showcase some of more popular ocean and river trips. At this time of year our coastal waters abound as well with marine mammals and migrating gray whales. Sign up and travel aboard a 36-ft charter boat for an unforgettable offshore marine adventure. Drift to the estuary of California's pristine Smith River, for a water's eyed view of ducks, swans, herons, egrets and waterfowl. Join expert and credentialed guides and meet some of our area's other, more than 400 recorded, bird species: Tundra Swan, Eurasian Widgeon, Harlequin Duck, Ancient and Marbled Murrelet, Rock Sandpiper, Red-shouldered Hawk, White-tailed kite, Black Phoebe, Gray Jay, Black-capped Chickadee and Allen's Hummingbird.

Call 707-465-0888 or 800-343-8300, fax 707-465-1388, email soar2@northcoast.com or visit the festival at www.redwoodlink.com/soar for more information.