By Lauren Burton
Do you lose your breath watching a sunrise over a lake? Marvel at birdsong as it drifts across the wind? Or feel your heart swell at the sight of a loon carrying her chick on her back?
The Friends of Seney National Wildlife Refuge welcome all nature-lovers to join them in supporting the Seney National Wildlife Refuge through a unique celebration and learning opportunity: Loonapalooza.
Now in its second year, Loonapalooza will take place this Friday, August 9 in Curtis. The event is divided into two segments: the Loonapalooza Lecture Series and the Loonapalooza Celebration.
The Loonapalooza Lecture Series will take place at the Pine Performance Center and is free and open to the public. This is part of the Wild Wonders Series: A Lifelong Learning Initiative of the Friends of SNWR. Four speakers will take to the stage between 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.:
- “Stories from a quarter century of taking students across the UP from Houghton to Whitefish Point, Seney included” by David Flaspohler, PhD – Dean, College of Forest Resources & Environmental Science, Michigan Tech. This talk will review 25 years of Flaspohler teaching a 1-credit weekend field ornithology class which involved driving from Houghton to Seney and Whitefish Point, stopping at various birding sites and camping along the way.
- “Patterns of Migration & Dispersal of Loons in the Seney Metropolitan Area” by Alec R. Lindsay, PhD – Professor of Biology, Northern Michigan University. Dr. Lindsay will share research on the genetic evidence for sex-bias in the dispersal of Seney chicks, the genetic evidence of the importance of the Great Lakes continental loon migration, and changing patterns of loon migration at Whitefish Point.
- “Navigating the Impact of Light Pollution on Migratory Songbirds” by Jared Wolfe, PhD – Assistant Professor and Ornithologist, College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Tech. Dr. Wolfe will explore the complex interplay between migratory birds’ navigation mechanisms and the challenges posed by human-induced light pollution.
- “Sharing the Commons: A Natural History of Loons in Michigan” by Joe Kaplan – Director, Common Coast Research and Conservation. This talk will explore the iconic Common Loon from the perspective of a color-marked population in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where loons have been monitored for over 25 years. This research has provided some of the most detailed life histories for the species.
The Loonapalooza Celebration will follow the lecture series. Scheduled for 6:30-8:30 p.m., this free event is open to Friends of SNWR members and their guests.
The evening’s program includes a speakers panel of Flaspohler, Lindsay, Wolfe, Kaplan, and Kris Spaeth, Wildlife Biologist, Migratory Bird/Refuges, Region 3, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
A live and silent auction will take place, and dozens of artists have contributed their works to the event! Though many items are loon-centric, other wildlife and natural beauty will be well represented! Pieces of art include pottery, wood carvings, photos, prints, paintings, textile work, stained glass and jewelry, among others. The line up also includes four watercolor pieces by Tahquamenon Area Schools students.
With pieces as unique as their creators, there is bound to be something to amaze everyone!
The evening will be wrapped up with a loon calling contest. Get practicing!
Throughout the evening, photo entries from the Seney NWR Photo Contest will be on display. Local and U.P. created beer, wine and spirits will be available, as well as appetizers and desserts from Upper Crust Deli.
