• Photo by Drew Hyland
• Godwits, dowitchers and sandpipers. Oh, my.

The 21st annual Godwit Days Spring Migration Bird Festival takes place April 13 through April 19, countywide. Fans of the long-beaked, long-legged, flying, black-tailed mollusk eaters will flock to fields, marshes and other habitats to see thousands of the shorebirds and others during this celebration of the myriad bird species in the area. The week-long event features hikes, kayak tours, birding trips and more. While most of the activities take place out in the trenches, there are plenty of exciting things to see and do at the Arcata Community Center, open Friday, April 15 from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (free admission). Highlights include the Opening Reception on Friday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. (free), and the Bird of the Year Award presented at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, April 16, the main hall bustles with vendor booths, an art show, live raptors from Humboldt Wildlife Care Center, kids' art and writing awards, a silent auction, food, family activities, a song circle and more. And you might learn something — keynote speaker David Allen Sibley (The Sibley Guide to Birds) is presenting "The Psychology of Bird Identification," at 7 p.m. ($10, or free with basic registration).

Godwitting and the creek don't rise, those out in the field will observe a bounty of birds this season. Don't miss your chance. Registration is required for all outdoor events and spots are going fast. Visit www.godwitdays.org for a full schedule and to register.