Spring on the Wing
May 9 @ 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Spring on the Wing debuts May 9: A Community Celebration of Migration, Makers, and Local Conservation
The City of Houghton will host Spring on the Wing on Saturday, May 9, 2026, a community celebration of World Migratory Bird Day featuring guided bird experiences, hands‑on learning, local vendors, and a full afternoon of creative, family‑friendly activities along pier. This event also celebrates the recent designation of Houghton as a Bird City.
Morning Birding & Hands‑On Learning
The day begins with field experiences designed to welcome both new and seasoned birders:
- 7:00–9:00 AM — Early Bird Walk at the Nara Nature Boardwalk (meet in the parking lot on the canal side of the highway)
- 9:30–11:00 AM — Bird Banding Demonstration (also at Nara)
- 11:00 AM–2:00 PM — “Stopover Space” at the Houghton Pier, featuring:
- Bird City information
- Conservation partners including CCBC, KLT, KWBREC, KISMA, Keweenaw Wild Ones, and Protect the Porkies
- Binocular and spotting‑scope try‑it station
- Kids’ bird activity table
Local Makers, Food, and Creative Activities
- Nikki Makes — Free kids craft station and original artwork available
- Sol Anzorena — Handcrafted jewelry and original artwork
- Troemner Farm — Eggs, bread, seasonal produce, and details on their Planet First sustainability initiatives
- Living Proof — Small‑batch kombucha brewed in the Keweenaw
- Lahja — Nature‑inspired artwork rooted in local landscapes
These additions blend local creativity with conservation.
Live Music on the Waterfront
Live music from Finding Feathers will accompany the Stopover Space between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, with the soundtrack to the day’s educational activities.
Featured Speaker at the Carnegie
At 3:00 PM, the Carnegie Museum will host a public talk by Joseph Youngman, offering an accessible look at regional bird conservation, migration patterns, and the importance of community‑level stewardship.
Evening Bird Trivia at Beviamo
The celebration continues into the evening at 5:30PM with Bird Trivia at Beviamo, a friendly, competitive way to close out the day and test your bird knowledge.
A Community Effort
Spring on the Wing is made possible through collaboration with the Keweenaw Land Trust, Copper Country Bird Club, Keweenaw Wild Bird Rescue, Visit Keweenaw, KISMA, Michigan Tech, Keweenaw Wild Ones, Keweenaw Community Forest Company, The Nature Conservancy, and the City of Houghton.
In honor of Houghton’s recent certification as a Bird City community, the Keweenaw Wild Ones will also highlight their ongoing pollinator‑support efforts. The group is currently offering a free native garden bed giveaway for Copper Country residents, designed to support hummingbirds and other local pollinators. The giveaway runs through May 15, extending the celebration of Houghton’s new Bird City status beyond the festival itself.
We look forward to welcoming the community for a day of learning, creativity, and springtime celebration!