Zarwell to speak on birdwatching at June 28 Bonfire Program

The Ferryville Tourism Council is sponsoring the first of three summer bonfire programs Wednesday, June 28 at 8 p.m. at the south end of Sugar Creek Park in Ferryville, WI. Ric Zarwell will be the speaker for a program entitled, “Birdwatching in the U.S., from an Expert like John James Audubon to an Active, Maybe Obsessed Local Man.”

Zarwell was born and raised in New Albin. He has been a lifelong birder and has created, along with his wife, Betty, the River and Bluffs Birding Festival in the Lansing area. They have traveled to 44 nations and all seven continents to view birds native to those areas. Zarwell has a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology and a Master of Science degree in Natural Resources, both from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He leads birding trips and conducts monitoring of bird species in various habitats.

Zarwell will be sharing some of the history of birding, how to use binoculars properly to aid in birding, some of the birds that can be observed along the Mississippi Flyway, and how one can further improve their own birding skills.

Ferryville, WI is the smallest Bird City in the Wisconsin Bird City system, and this special bonfire program will enhance knowledge and enjoyment of the bird watching hobby. The opportunities for birding in the Ferryville area are extensive. Handouts will be available that include places to view birds and birding lists for those birds who live here and those who are summer visitors.

Other bonfire programs in this summer’s series will be held July 12 and August 9. More information will be shared about these programs in the future. For more information, call Joanne White at 608-734-9018.