The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival marks 16 years of existence this year. Wow, congrats to all who work on this educational event.

Educational is the proper word as the organizers intent is to provide information about the cranes, the formation of the Channeled Scablands and area farmland for all who wish to listen.

This year's festival is taking place as you read this. It will continue through Sunday, April 7. General admission is $7, seniors $5, with children under 12 free. Festival headquarters is the Othello High School.

Tours offered include: Sandhill viewing, biking for cranes, burrowing owl/ground squirrel (oops this one is listed as full), geology and ice age flood tour (oops again, this one if full also), wildlife photography and ice age landslide tour.

I listed the tours in this manner to illustrate the importance of signing up early if being on one of the tours is desired. Be sure to plan early for next year.

In the past, the crane tours also had a farmer along to explain the importance of farming to the area and which crops were grown.

Lectures include: Mysteries of migration, living with wolves in Washington, birds in your own backyard, the beauty of butterflies, exploring the ice age floods, the wealth of wetlands and many more.

The attending youth will have an opportunity to learn origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. Lorraine Seymour will share some of her insect displays to inspire an interest and curiosity about insects and how they interact with the environment.

These are only two of many programs for youth at the event. There are usually dozens of hands-on learning experiences for the youngsters.

Folks, this is a wonderful family-oriented celebration of the Sandhill crane migration. Youth of all ages, 3 to 93, will learn some aspect of our wildlife, environment, geological history or one of several other prospects.

Hunting

The first turkey hunting season of the year will take place this weekend. This hunt is only for hunters 15 years old and younger.

A total of three turkeys may be tagged in the spring season with following restrictions: Only two turkeys may be taken in eastern Washington and only one of those may be taken in Chelan, Kittitas, and Yakima counties (combined); only one turkey may be taken in western Washington per year outside of Klickitat County. Two turkeys may be taken in Klickitat County.

Only gobblers and turkeys with a visible beard may be taken. Good luck to all.

The spring turkey season for all hunters will begin on April 15 and continue through May 31 with the same bag limit as above.