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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Out & About: Migratory Bird Day family activities set

Christine Clayon, 17, of Sidney, Ohio, won the 2012 National Junior Duck Stamp Contest in April with her beautiful rendering of a northern pintail. The 2012-2013 Junior Duck Stamp features the image. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

OUTDO – National Migratory Bird week events organized by area Audubon Society chapters are for the birds – and people who want to learn more about them.

A three-day Learn-to-Bird Workshop starts Monday and continues Wednesday and Friday, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. at Spokane Falls Community College Science Building, Room 28/119.  A field trip will follow on Saturday.

Info: Gary Blevins, 533-3661, email GaryB@spokanefalls.edu or Kim Thorburn 465-3025, email kthorburn@msn.com.

Events set for Saturday include:

• Turnbull Wildlife Refuge tree and native plant restoration work party, 9 a.m.-noon, followed by group potluck. Meet at refuge headquarters south of Cheney.

Info: (509) 235-4723.

• Lake Coeur d’Alene family birding fair at Blackwell Island Boat Launch, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., includes adult and family activities such as migration obstacle course, scavenger hunt, bird-feeder projects, feather painting, “bird friendly” coffee, guided bird walks, Bird Bingo and live owls.

From Coeur d’Alene, drive south on Highway 95. Cross the Spokane River and turn right to Blackwell Island.

Info: Coeur d’Alene Audubon, (208) 769-5048.

State wildlife managers to present wolf update

OUTPACK – An update on gray wolf status in Washington will be presented by the state Fish and Wildlife Department’s top wildlife managers in Spokane this week.

Nate Pamplin, the state’s assistant wildlife director, will be joined by Dave Ware, wildlife program manager, and Richard Harris, special species specialist in a presentation on Tuesday, 7 p.m., at the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council auditorium, 6116 N. Market.

Apparently in reference to rudeness at two agency wolf presentations in Colville this year, the council posted this notice in its May newsletter:

“Please be respectful with your questions. … Anyone who is disruptive, badgering or making rude or un-tasteful comments will be asked to leave, period.”

Bluegill fishing clinic planned for Idaho kids

OUTJIG – Kids ages 5-15 can sign up for 60 spots on boats driven by volunteers taking part in a youth bluegill fishing clinic, June 2 at Hauser Lake.

Idaho Fish and Game is teaming with the Panhandle Bass Anglers to give each student (plus a parent or guardian) a four-hour introduction to the sport.

Anglers are volunteering their boats, time, and expertise. Lunch will be served.

Preregister by calling IFG, (208) 769-1414.