Dr. Lauren McGough spent the previous winter on Midway Atoll counting over half a million active albatross nests. Nearly 70% of the world's Laysan albatross and one third of black-footed albatross nest on Midway, not to mention over a million bonin petrels and endangered species such as short-tailed albatross, monk seals and the Hawaiian green sea turtle. Humans and albatross live in close quarters on this 2.4 square mile Atoll, giving visitors insights into avian behavior that one might never see up close and in person. With its pivotal WWII history, and currently serving as an important emergency runway for airplanes crossing the Atlantic, this little island remains of outsized importance to the world.

Workshop with Timothy Joe: Painting Nature in Handmade Mini Watercolor Journals

Hosted by: Carnegie Visual Arts Center – as part of the Festival of the Cranes 2026

Join artist and instructor Timothy Joe for an inspiring watercolor workshop focused on capturing the beauty of nature in your own handmade mini zig zag watercolor journal. Participants will explore painting techniques suitable for plein air studies and intimate nature sketches, guided by Timothy’s expertise in watercolor and storytelling through art.

Date: January 11th, 1:30-3:30

Location: Carnegie Visual Arts Center

Registration Fee: $75

Supplies: Students should bring their own painting materials.

Spaces are limited. Reserve your spot today and experience the joy of painting the natural world in a unique, personal format.

For registration and additional information, please contact the Carnegie Visual Arts Center or visit www.carnegiearts.org/events

Join herpetologist Raymond Corey for his up-close and interactive presentation of Alabama’s venomous snakes and other native reptiles!

Raymond Corey is a renowned herpetologist and conservation educator whose lifelong dedication to reptiles and amphibians has significantly impacted Alabama's wildlife community. Born in upstate New York and raised in Pennsylvania, Corey's passion ignited during childhood, where he studied herpetofauna extensively and learned safe handling of venomous snakes at a young age.

Upon relocating to Alabama, he founded and presides over the Alabama Herpetological Society, a key organization promoting research, conservation, and public outreach for native species. Corey also administers the thriving Alabama Reptile & Amphibians ID and Education Facebook group, with nearly 50,000 members relying on it for accurate identifications, educational resources, and efforts to combat common myths.

In 2018, Corey co-developed the Venomous Improved Preparedness for Emergency Responders (VIPER) class with Jimmy Stiles from Auburn University. This specialized training teaches first responders essential skills in snake identification, safe handling, and bite protocols, uniquely offering Continuing Education Credits. In 2025, VIPER earned the Best Environmental Education Community Project Award from the Environmental Education Association of Alabama.

Through hands-on presentations, community events, and steadfast advocacy, Corey continues to inspire responsible wildlife stewardship and protect Alabama's diverse herpetofauna.

Conservation photographer Michael Forsberg will share insights from his 30-year career documenting the Great Plains and beyond. In this workshop, he’ll offer tips on crafting compelling photographic compositions and teach fundamental techniques to help you feel more confident and prepared in the field.

There will be a book signing opportunity immediately following Michael’s presentations for his acclaimed book Into Whooperland - A Photographer's Journey with Whooping Cranes . You can find him in the ACA Performing Arts Building Lobby after both presentations. Don’t miss the chance to meet the author and take home a signed copy!

Join herpetologist Raymond Corey for his up-close and interactive presentation of Alabama’s venomous snakes and other native reptiles!

Raymond Corey is a renowned herpetologist and conservation educator whose lifelong dedication to reptiles and amphibians has significantly impacted Alabama's wildlife community. Born in upstate New York and raised in Pennsylvania, Corey's passion ignited during childhood, where he studied herpetofauna extensively and learned safe handling of venomous snakes at a young age.

Upon relocating to Alabama, he founded and presides over the Alabama Herpetological Society, a key organization promoting research, conservation, and public outreach for native species. Corey also administers the thriving Alabama Reptile & Amphibians ID and Education Facebook group, with nearly 50,000 members relying on it for accurate identifications, educational resources, and efforts to combat common myths.

In 2018, Corey co-developed the Venomous Improved Preparedness for Emergency Responders (VIPER) class with Jimmy Stiles from Auburn University. This specialized training teaches first responders essential skills in snake identification, safe handling, and bite protocols, uniquely offering Continuing Education Credits. In 2025, VIPER earned the Best Environmental Education Community Project Award from the Environmental Education Association of Alabama.

Through hands-on presentations, community events, and steadfast advocacy, Corey continues to inspire responsible wildlife stewardship and protect Alabama's diverse herpetofauna.

Jessie Taylor has been a Farm Bill Biologist II with Quail Forever since 2023. Quail Forever is a nonprofit organization that works with private landowners to improve wildlife habitat on their properties. She oversees the North 14 counties of Alabama, provides technical assistance to landowners seeking habitat management recommendations, and assists governmental agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) with wildlife and forestry-related projects.

Jessie will be discussing the similarities in habitat between cranes and quail. As a former Whooping Crane Outreach Assistant with the International Crane Foundation, she has a unique perspective on how managing for quail can impact migrating cranes in North Alabama.

Cranes have been a part of human culture around the world for thousands of years. These majestic birds have captivated the hearts and minds of the inhabitants on all 5 continents in which they are found. During this engaging and entertaining presentation, guests will learn all about the natural history of cranes around the world, discover their importance in culture and folklore, and hear the poignant story of Whooping Crane conservation.

Join ICF’s crane behavior workshop for families, where Anne Lacy and other staff from the International Crane Foundation lead an engaging exploration of crane biology and conservation

Once you see your first crane, watching their behavior raises many questions. These might range from how they interact with each other and with other species, to why and when they are territorial, to how they respond to changes in their environment. Cranes are ideal subjects for behavior studies because of their large size and their social nature within a bonded pair, family group, and subadult cohorts. While scientific studies often customize the various categories, one can begin with the basic five: foraging, alert, social, comfort, and locomotion. 

In this workshop, International Crane Foundation staff will begin with an introduction of the behavior terms, crane morphology, and life history stages. Following the presentation, they will lead an interactive activity where participants will have the opportunity to collect data on crane behavior from a family of cranes.  You will emerge from this experience ready to make your own observations, understanding when a crane is performing behaviors essential to their well-being, and knowledge of how to safely view cranes without disturbing them. This interactive activity is limited to 20 people (first come first served). Participation in the interactive program is not required to attend the presentation portion of this event.

Conservation photographer Michael Forsberg spent the last five years camera-in-hand exploring the natural history of whooping cranes across the continent, meeting people that love them, and discovering how these tall, magnificent and rarest of cranes are navigating our 21st-century world. In this multimedia presentation, Mike will take you on a wild, wonderful, and sometimes heartbreaking journey from whooping crane wintering grounds along the Texas Gulf Coast to their remote nesting grounds in northern Canada, and on migration through the heart of the Great Plains.

There will be a book signing opportunity immediately following Michael’s presentations for his acclaimed book Into Whooperland - A Photographer's Journey with Whooping Cranes . You can find him in the ACA Performing Arts Building Lobby after both presentations. Don’t miss the chance to meet the author and take home a signed copy!

Come and meet Hope, get your picture made with her, or even practice your crane dance moves with her!

Join ICF’s crane behavior workshop for families, where Anne Lacy and other staff from the International Crane Foundation lead an engaging exploration of crane biology and conservation

Once you see your first crane, watching their behavior raises many questions. These might range from how they interact with each other and with other species, to why and when they are territorial, to how they respond to changes in their environment. Cranes are ideal subjects for behavior studies because of their large size and their social nature within a bonded pair, family group, and subadult cohorts. While scientific studies often customize the various categories, one can begin with the basic five: foraging, alert, social, comfort, and locomotion. 

In this workshop, International Crane Foundation staff will begin with an introduction of the behavior terms, crane morphology, and life history stages. Following the presentation, they will lead an interactive activity where participants will have the opportunity to collect data on crane behavior from a family of cranes.  You will emerge from this experience ready to make your own observations, understanding when a crane is performing behaviors essential to their well-being, and knowledge of how to safely view cranes without disturbing them. This interactive activity is limited to 20 people (first come first served). Participation in the interactive program is not required to attend the presentation portion of this event.

Art Demonstration: Art in Nature Conservation with Timothy Joe

Presented at the 2026 Festival of Cranes

Join artist and instructor Timothy Joe for an engaging soft pastels demonstration inspired by the natural beauty of the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Known for his expressive landscapes and dedication to capturing the Southern environment, Timothy will guide attendees through his process—from storytelling, value, composition and color selection to layering techniques that bring light and texture to life.

This demonstration is ideal for artists, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about the pastel medium. Witness the transformation of a blank surface into a vivid, atmospheric scene celebrating the cranes and wetland landscapes that make this refuge so extraordinary.

Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes

All levels welcome. Observation only; no supplies required

Author Heather C. Morris will read her book Trunk Goes Thunk! A Woodland Tale of Opposites and talk with kids about opposites, forests, and using all five senses to explore our wide and wonderful world. All ages are welcome to this free program. For more information, click the link below!

A leader in Alabama birding and ecotourism, Christopher offers insights into connecting people with nature through guided birding and nature tours in Alabama’s Black Belt. https://www.connectingwithbirdsandnaturetours.com/

“Paper Plate Birds” and "Thumb Print Cranes" – Make & Take Art Activities with ACA Art Faculty

Come and make some colorful feathered friends with the ACA Art Instructors. Let your imaginations take flight with paper plates and colors!

Wild About Whoopers with FREE Admission

Saturday, January 10 from 10 am – 5 pm
FREE General Admission

The Cook Museum is wild about whoopers!  Enjoy complimentary Admission to the Museum’s Exhibits during this event and take part in special presentations and hands-on activities. Find out why whooping cranes are so amazing at the Cool Cranes Science on the Spot presentations. There will be a take-home craft, a photo station, and a Crane Dance Party, where you can learn how to dance like a crane. As you explore the Exhibits, collect a complete set of 6 Migratory Birds Collectible Cards, including an egret and a heron.

Local author, Phoebe Goodwin, will host a special story time where she will read her children’s book “The White Feather” at10:30 am & 11:30 am with a book signing to follow each reading. The book will be available for purchase in the Museum Store.

Learn about the joys of taking an easy approach to bird watching. Drawing inspiration from Joan Strassman’s “Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying Birds in Your Own Backyard”, Land Trust of North Alabama Educators, Tim Gels and Elizabeth Moats, will cover the basics of birding that you can do from your own home during the presentations at 11 am and 1 pm.

Become a nature sleuth and join Laura Grace Clark Art as she walks children through how easy it is to start a nature journal of their own. Using objects from the Museum and their own take-home journal packet, participants will practice how to observe and document the wonders of nature all around us. There will be two 30-minute sessions at Noon and 2 pm. Though primarily designed for children, all are welcome!

During the month of January, try a Cool Crane Smoothie, a version of Nature’s Table Cocolada Smoothie, with whipped cream, toasted coconut, and a strawberry wedge. Available for purchase for a limited time!

All Activities Sponsored by Decatur Morgan Hospital

WILD ABOUT WHOOPERS SCHEDULE:

• “The White Feather” Story Time & Book Signing with Phoebe Goodwin: 10:30 am & 11:30 am

• Slow Birding Presentation with the Land Trust of North Alabama: 11 am & 1 pm

• Nature Journaling with Laura Grace Clark Art: Noon & 2 pm

• Cool Cranes Science on the Spot: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, & 1:30 pm

• Hands-On Activities & Photo Station: 10 am – 4 pm

• The Whoopers At Wheeler Video: All Day

• Crane Dance Party: All Day

• Migratory Birds Collectible Cards: All Day

• Cool Crane Smoothie (available for purchase at Nature’s Table)

Early arrival is strongly recommended because Exhibit entry will be based on a timed-entry system with a limited number of entrants allowed at a time. The Museum opens at 9 am. 

For more Cook Museum Activites: check this link for more details.

Did you know that cranes can dance? They are also incredibly fierce protectors as well! Families are welcome to join us for a morning of learning all about crane dancing and fighting. Participants will get to practice their crane dance moves and learn all about the tough nature of these fancy-footed birds. This interactive program is geared toward families with elementary and middle school aged children and has limited space.

One of the most fascinating human-animal partnerships is the millennia-old tradition of hunting with golden eagles in Mongolia. Dr. Lauren McGough spent two years in the Altai Mountains, living with nomadic families, learning and documenting this incredible relationship between nomadic Kazakh people and wild eagles. Here she takes you on a whirlwind adventure of what it is like to learn to be an eagle hunter, how to earn an eagles' respect, and how to thrive in one of the world's harshest environments with horses, camels, goats, sheep, dogs and birds of prey. She now uses what she learned in Mongolia to rehabilitate young eagles that never learned to hunt in the wild, bringing these traditions to the USA for a species in need.