Bird-watching, biking-to-work events on tap this month

Migratory Bird Day inspires state events

There are several bird-watching events and activities around Washington this month in celebration of International Migratory Bird Day.

Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, east of Colville in Stevens County, will host a 2.5-mile bird walk Saturday along the ridge overlooking McDowell Lake, with an optional two-mile walk to some beaver ponds. Details: 509-684-8384.

The Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest is May 16-18 and includes professionally guided field trips for all ages and abilities. Other activities include programs on geology, wildflowers and the arts. Details: www.leavenworthspringbirdfest.com.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) staff in Spokane is hosting a bird-watching field trip May 17 at the BLM office, 1103 N. Fancher Road in Spokane. Groups will car pool to several locations in Spokane and Lincoln counties to get a close-up view of Brewer's and vesper sparrows, sage thrashers, rails, waterfowl and more. Preregistration required. Details: 509-536-1281 or e-mail nwilliam@blm.gov.

For more information about International Migratory Bird Day, see www.birdday.org.

Rock-climbing guru at REI this evening

Royal Robbins, the so-called "Godfather of Rock Climbing," will host a discussion at 7 p.m. today at the Seattle REI store to raise awareness for the Continental Divide Trail Alliance. Robbins will share his stories of incredible climbs in Washington and how they affected his career as a climber and will show a 1960s film, "The West Face," featuring one of his climbs. The event is free. Details: www.rei.com/seattle.

Backyard Wildlife Fest Saturday in Tukwila

The Backyard Wildlife Festival is 9 a.m. Saturday at the Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S. The event focuses on activities and educational opportunities to attract and support wildlife through gardening and landscaping.

There will be craft vendors and education workshops 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; a procession of the species costume parade is noon; a certified wildlife-garden tour is 1-5 p.m.; and a kids zone operates 1-4 p.m.

Guest speaker is Russell Link, a state Fish and Wildlife Department biologist and author of "Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest" and "Living with Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest." Details: www.backyardwildlifefair.org/index.htm.

Bike-to-Work Month includes special days

May is Bike-to-Work Month, sponsored by Cascade Bicycle Club to promote cycling as a healthy, economical, practical and eco-friendly form of transportation.

Bike-to-Work Day is May 16, when morning bicycle commuters may stop at one of 42 commuting stations located throughout King, Snohomish and Kitsap counties to receive a free water bottle, maps, snacks, commuting information and have bikes checked by bike-shop sponsors. From 7:30-8:30 a.m. the Starbucks Bike-to-Work Day Rally will be held at Seattle City Hall with music, speakers and free Starbucks coffee.

Bike-to-School Day is also May 16. Elementary-school students will record trips on a paper-tracking sheet, and high-school students will participate in an online-commute challenge.

For details on these events and more, see www.cbcef.org/btw/cc.html or www.cascade.org or call 206-522-3222.