This time each year, birding revelers flock to fields and wildlife habitats throughout Humboldt for Godwit Days, the annual celebration of the Marbled Godwit. The week-long festival from Wednesday, April 15 to Wednesday, April 22 celebrates its 20th year this year and features field trips, lectures, workshops, art exhibits, boat excursions and more during the peak of migration season.

With events at the Arcata Community Center and the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as throughout Humboldt County, the festival is a chance to learn about, photograph and otherwise obsess over the tens of thousands of shorebirds. And let's not forget the snowy plover and spotted owl — two other area stars. As for the human element, you can listen to speakers and acclaimed authors, do some crafting and view Godwit-inspired artwork by children. Hop aboard kayak trips, take a marsh night hike, or go birding from Trinidad to Ferndale and beyond.

On Friday, April 17 at 5 p.m., stop by the free opening reception at the Arcata Community Center. Stay for the Humboldt County Bird of the Year award and lectures by Friends of the Arcata Marsh and Green Diamond Resource Company. Catch this year's keynote speaker Andy Mack on Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arcata Community Center ($10 or free with registration). On Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center, a kid favorite — live hawks and owls, courtesy of the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center.

— Kali Cozyris