The festival is a celebration of the natural and cultural resources of Yakutat, Alaska. Yakutat hosts one of the largest and southernmost known nesting colonies of Aleutian Terns, as well as Arctic Terns and up to 200 other bird species that nest in or migrate through the area. The festival is family friendly and offers activities for birders as well as non-birders, including field trips, seminars, kid’s activities, evening banquets, bird banding demonstration, and other programs.  

This year’s keynote speaker is award-winning author and photographer, Paul Bannick. His photography appears in major bird guides and outlets and has earned top honors from Audubon Magazine and the International Conservation Photography awards. Besides his keynote, Paul will be leading a field trip and a photography workshop.

This year’s featured artist is the founder of The Net Loft, Dotty Widmann, who is from Cordova, Alaska. Her specialty in fiber arts, illustration, and traditional handwork and skills as an artistic educator fosters a welcoming atmosphere for students to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the natural world.