Home is where the birds are.
5th Annual Arctic Refuge Virtual Bird Festival
May 10 -12, 2023
Day 1: Science
Day 2: Art
Day 3: Culture
Species Spotlight
Ghost Bird of the North
What happened to the Gray-headed Chickadee in Alaska? Once relatively common throughout its remote Alaskan range, no one has documented this chickadee in Alaska since 2017, when it was documented in Arctic Refuge. Learn about its history in Alaska, the threats it faces, and what scientists are doing to understand the status of this species.
We hope you enjoy this presentation & art demo by our feature artist, Francis Vallejo!
Illustrating the Arctic
Virtual Presentation and Art Demo
Hailing from Detroit, Francis Vallejo is an award-winning American artist and the 2022 Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Resident Artist. Francis’ works have been exhibited in major national publications, art galleries, and museums.
Thanks for tuning in!
A short film by Rachel Heckerman following Francis' experience in Arctic Refuge's Canning River Bird Camp.
'zine premiere
Send a message to Katrina Liebich for a chance to receive a 25 page 'zine created by Francis Vallejo that illustrates his experience in the Arctic Refuge Canning River Bird Camp.
Did You Know?
Each year, millions of birds die when they collide with windows. Reflective or transparent glass is often invisible to them.
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Create patterns on reflective glass surfaces (multiple markings 2-4 inches apart are recommended)
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Install external screens on windows
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Close blinds or curtains
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Move interior plants away from windows
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The danger zone where birds can generate enough momentum to make a window strike fatal is about three to 25 feet away from windows. Place feeders outside this zone.
Vote for your favorite design to be printed after the festival. Send a message to Katrina Liebich with one thing you've learned or been inspired by during the festival for a chance to win a sticker or 'Zine. We appreciate your feedback!
Meet the Artists
The above designs are by Illustration Majors at The College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan - a premier art college founded in 1906 with 22 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs.
River Refuge in the Arctic
Remote Porcupine River is an ancient home to migratory birds
“Che-lek,” the harsh and clipped song called back. “Che-lek.” And then a second call, across the river. Two yellow-bellied flycatchers, songbirds that winter far to the south in Central America, at home in the Arctic for their summer nesting season in the far northern boreal forest...
Thank you Panelists!
Great Migrations: Importance of the Arctic for Hemispheric Bird Migration
Birds that breed in the Alaskan Arctic disperse along five major global flyways, traveling as far as Asia, Australia, South America, and even Antarctica! Join migration expert panelists as they discuss the innovations in migration science and data visualization that allow us to study, analyze, and tell the stories of Alaska's incredible avian migrants.
A recording of the presentations is landing soon!
Voices of the Arctic
Listen online May 12th
A few summers ago, Audubon Public Lands and Climate Change intern Julia Johnston travelled to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to interview local Iñupiat and Gwich’in elders. They spoke about climate change, visions for the Refuge, and—of course—birds. Some of those interviewed live in or near the Refuge, while others told stories passed from family and friends. Listen as Robert Thompson, Sarah James, Nutaaq Simmonds, and Victoria Hykes-Steere share incredible stories and insights from one of America’s most wild and remote landscapes.
Host: Julia Johnson, former Audubon Alaska Public Lands and Climate Change Fellow and 2022 University of Michigan graduate.