Middleville’s sixth annual Thornapple Woodpecker Festival on April 30  will feature birding walks and golf cart shuttle of the woodpecker's nesting area along the Thornapple River and Paul Henry Thornapple Trail. Since woodpeckers nest in trees along the river, canoe and kayak touring also give a good chance to see the nesting birds.

Middleville has an established population of the rare red-headed woodpecker, the other five Eastern State woodpeckers and ducks, geese, swans, herons and other species of water birds along the river.

Nature photographer Michael B DeBoer will share the joys of photographing the abundant nature that surrounds us and Keith Kintigh, MDNR, will speak on the Kirkland Warbler and North American raptors.

The event is headquartered at the Middleville Village Hall, 100 East Main Street where there will be crafts and bird related exhibits from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Activities are also planned for the new pavilion.

Parking, public restrooms and a drinking fountain are available at the hall. The event is all free, except a donation is expected for the golf cart tour.

For more and a full schedule, visit http://woodpeckerfest.webs.com/