Ah, but in only a few other places do shorebirds visit in flocks of 100,000. Here in Kachemak Bay we get wave after wave of species, from dunlins to red knots to godwits. A good 45-power scope can show the finer details, sure, though you don't need fancy optics to appreciate the shorebirds. The Betster loves nothing more than to sit by Mud Bay and watch the birds soar about in curtains of avian auroras as they flip over in flashes of white bellies or dark backs. On a quiet day you can even close your eyes and listen to the birds chitter and cheep. This weekend's absolute Best Bet? Listen to and watch the shorebirds and appreciate the consistency of nature as we once again host the first visitors of the season on their way west and north. If that's not enough, try these other bets:

BEST FESTIVAL BET: The Shorebird Festival includes more than birding. From guided viewing this morning to the Arts and Education Fair Saturday to Sunrise Sjoberg's "On the Wing Concert" Sunday evening, there are about as many things to do as birds to see. Check out last week's program for all the events. My goodness, you might not have time to do anything else.

BEST THEY STILL MAKE aEM LIKE THEY USED TO BET: Last summer while hiking the beach near Diamond Creek, the Betster found a little wooden boat washed up among the driftwood that some kid made at the Wooden Boat Festival. What a marvelous sound: under the big tent out on the Spit dozens of kids hammer away making boats out of scrap wood. Check out the big boats, too, and celebrate the continuing tradition of building wooden boats. The festival runs today-Sunday and ends with the Pedersen Classic boat races at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

BEST GALLERY CRAWL BET: If you ever wanted to see every art gallery in town without driving hither and yon, meet at the Pratt Museum at 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. and catch a shuttle bus. Tickets are $25 and include beverages, treats and a concert at the Pratt by Sunrise Sjoberg's brother, Atz Kilcher (he's related to Jewel, too).

BEST RUN LIKE THE WILLETS BET: Does that mean skipping around and dipping your nose in mud? Whatever. Sunday morning from 9-10:30 a.m. the Shorebird Migration zips along for five klicks from the Fishing Lagoon to Lighthouse Village. There's a $5 registration fee.

BEST REMEMBER YOUR MA BET: One of the intrepid reporters here at the Homer News was born on Mother's Day (Happy Birthday, Chris!), "the best Mother's Day present ever," his Ma said. You can't plan things like that, but you can send roses, take your mother to brunch or call home and wish well the woman who brought you into the world. If your mother has passed on, think of her fondly.

BEST DON'T BURN DOWN THE HOUSE BET: We all hope not to burn down our homes, but it happens. Learn how to minimize fire danger and what to do if the worst happens at "Homer Fire Safety," a Community School class presented by the Homer Volunteer Fire Department from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday. Call 235-6090 to register.

BEST GO POSTAL BET: Saturday the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service hold their annual food drive, "Stamp Out Hunger." You can drop off nonperishable food now through Saturday at the Homer Post Office.