This weekend Homer welcomes birders from all over to the 22nd annual Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival. The festival reminds us all of why Homer is a great place to live, work and play. Longtime shorebird speaker Buz Scher got it right when he said the festival has “gotten bigger and better and more organized.”  While birds are the focus, this weekend also is a jump start on the tourist season, with many Spit and downtown businesses reopening for the season. On Wednesday, the first cruise ship of the season also arrives. It’s a time to share our town with visitors and enjoy the beauty of nature that attracts so many — avian and human alike — to visit. Have an awesome weekend.