Sunday, May 15, 2005

HOW TWEET IT IS. Budding ornithologists flock to the Mi gratory Bird Festival at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Smyrna, Del. The May 21 event addresses the problems of aerial collisions (which fell more than 700 million birds each year) and migratory hazards for bats. But it's not all academic: You can also make a bird feeder or bluebird box, drive a 12-mile auto tour route or walk five trails while guides point out shorebirds, eagles and other feathered friends. Decorative bird carvings and wildlife photography will be on display, and horseshoe crabs and crafts projects will keep non-bird-enthused tots entertained.

Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. Free. About two hours from the Beltway in Smyrna, Del. 302-653-6872,http://bombayhook.fws.gov.

-- Anne McDonough