Join us for the Mono Basin Phalarope Festival on Sunday, June 18 from 11:30am to 4:00pm in Hess Park in Lee Vining to celebrate the tiny shorebird that connects the saline lakes of the Americas: Mono Lake, Great Salt Lake, and Laguna Mar Chiquita!
The phalarope is a tiny shorebird that migrates between the saline lakes of the Americas. Mono Lake and Great Salt Lake are two major stopovers for the phalaropes, where the birds molt and fatten up on alkali flies before undertaking the long trip to Argentina for the winter.
The Phalarop Festival is a free event following the Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua, adding an exciting continuation to the birding festivities. Witness the unveiling and dedication of Lee Vining’s new phalarope murals showcasing the migratory connections between Mono Lake, Great Salt Lake, and Laguna Mar Chiquita in Argentina. A team of visiting researchers, park rangers, educators, and conservationists from Laguna Mar Chiquita and Great Salt Lake will share their valuable insights and experiences regarding saline lake conservation. Learn about their work in Argentina and Utah and discover the similarities and challenges faced by these globally connected habitats.
Participate in a lively bird calling contest and showcase your creativity with a phalarope costume contest. Prizes will be awarded to the most authentic bird calls and the most imaginative and well-crafted phalarope costumes. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music, dancing, and an array of delicious food.
We hope to see you there! If you’d like to participate from afar, we are still collecting donations toward the murals and would appreciate your support.
Top photo: art courtesy of L. Wren Walraven.