Wings of Spring Confluence Birding Festival

A series of first-class educational programs and entertaining performers will be taking the stage at this year's Wings of Spring Festival.

Birding Cruises:

Let the "Heron" be your guide as you cruise along the Missisippi River and Ellis Bay viewing migrating birds. Boats leave every hour on the hour during the festival. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for kids, five and under are free. Advanced reservations for the cruises can be made through the Great Rivers Tour Company at http://greatriverstourboat.com/ or call (618) 786-1855.
Times: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Bird Tales - Stories and Songs from Many Cultures
Weaving his life long love for birds with traditional folktales from many cultures, storyteller Brian "Fox" Ellis takes listeners on the migratory flyways of our winged friends. Taking strands from the latest ornithological research, melodious ribbons from song birds and birds of prey, to waterfowl and cranes, along with patchwork squares from Native American, African, European and Asian folklore,

Fox creates a tapestry of Tales that is informative and inspiring.
Time: 10 a.m.

Raptor Awareness Education Program:
Located in Valley Park, Missouri, the World Bird Sanctuary is one of North America's largest facilities for the conservation of birds. It is through years of educational experience that the World Bird Sanctuary recognizes a highly successful method of education through entertainment. The Raptor Awareness program allows you to look into the eyes of an owl, feel the breeze of a hawk's wings and watch a raven recycle! The World Bird Sanctuary presents an experience of the senses with their Raptor Awareness Education Program.

Times: 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.

Get the Scoop Pelican Program:

Don't miss this chance to see an American White Pelican up close! Waddle over to the big tent for this half-hour program. Naturalists from the World Bird Sanctuary will delight you with fun facts and a live display.
Times: Noon, 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.

Story Time: The Adventures of Seymour Bluffs
Local author Phyllis Bechtold will be reading her stories of Seymour Bluffs and his encounters with the Piasa Bird and Robert Wadlow. The story time will take place in the speakers tent with pages of the book viewable on the big screen. Books will also be available for purchase at Seymour's booth during the festival. Bechtold will be on-hand to sign your copy with a personalized message.

Times: TBD

The Buckhannon Brothers:

The Buckhannon Brothers perform in St. Louis, as well as around the east central Missouri and southern Illinois for square and line dances. Their talents as old-time musicians have been preserved for posterity on recordings archived in the Library of Congress and have been used as authentic auditory complements to two historical documentaries.

Times: Performances from noon to 2 p.m.

The Lodge Brothers Band:
The Lodge Brothers play a variety of music, including old-time fiddle tunes, traditional and contemporary American folk songs, and some Irish tunes as well. They have a "brother duet" singing style of the Louvin Brothers and cover a lot of their material. Listeners will enjoy their renditions of river and historical folk songs.
Times: Performances throughout the day from 2 to 4 p.m.

Kayak Trips:

Join your instructor and guide, Kevin Dempsey, will introduce you to the equipment, skills and safe practices of kayak touring. This is a great chance to explore the basics of the sport and learn about paddling on the Mississippi River in a friendly and fun outdoor setting. The course is 90 minutes, and swimming ability is required. Plan to dress for paddling with paddling shoes, towel and complete change of clothes. Space is limited; advanced reservations are required. You must be 15 years of age. Trips last approximately two hours. The cost is $30 per person. Call 1-800-258-6645 to make your reservation.

Times: 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Live Bird Displays:

See owls and other birds on display from the Treehouse Wildlife Center in Brighton, IL.

Animals that are part of the center's permanent resident program with be available for viewing. Representatives from the center will discuss the natural histories of some of the native species.

Times: Ongoing throughout the day.

Guided Bird Hikes

View our feathered friends on one of three walking events with a one mile hike at Two Pecan Pond, a 3 mile hike at Ellis Island and a 5 mile Riverlands Exploration Walk. Hikes will be offered throughout the day. Sponsored by Trailnet.

Times: Ongoing throughout the day.

Sample a Segway

Want to know what it is like to ride on a Segway? Sample a segway at $5 for 5 minutes. Then, sign-up to be a part of future guided glides!

Times: Ongoing throughout the day.