Wings Over Water 2017

A Special Publication of The Northern Light

15TH ANNUAL

NORTHWEST BIRDING FESTIVAL BLAINE • BIRCH BAY • SEMIAHMOO W A S H I N G T O N

S T A T E

Photo:Eric Ellingson

MARCH 10-12, 2017

Friday, March 10

Guided Fieldtrip to Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta B.C. 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. See details on page 4.

Festival Opening & Artist Reception • 5 p.m.–7 p.m.

Semiahmoo Resort • 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway • Blaine Cost: $15

Saturday, March 11

Salish Sea Open Water Birding Cruises

By San Juan Cruises Take a 2-hour open water cruise from Semiahmoo Spit aboard the 50’ Salish Sea! See details on page 4.

ALL DAY BIRDING EXPO • 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

Blaine Middle School

Enjoy a Celebration of Drayton Harbor’s Bounty with an inspiring presentation by Joe Meche and Aneka Sweeney. Meet featured artist Kay Dee Powell and view an exhibit of her colorful paintings and hand painted silk scarves, as well as a gallery of bird images by local and professional photographers. The reception will also include a silent auction, complimentary hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and no-host bar.

Sunday, March 12 ALL DAY IN BIRCH BAY • Starting at 9 a.m.

Exploring the birds of Birch Bay and their habitat

975 H Street • Blaine

Free activities for the whole family! There will be indoor and outdoor activities to mix and match according to interests and the weather, including live raptor presentations by Sardis Raptor Center, wildlife exhibits and displays, kids’ activities with birdtastic art stations and build your own bird house.

There will be photography workshops, expert speaker presentations, field trips and more! See complete schedule on page 4.

Start the day with a delicious breakfast and presentation at the BP Heron Center,* Birch Bay State Park, followed by Birding and Photography Field Trips. Conclude the afternoon with 20 Ways to Make Your Yard a Bird Haven! Details page 3. *Discovery Pass required for Parking

Facebook.com/WingsOverWater

Saturday, March 11 • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Seeing is Believing! Outdoor Bird Viewing Stations Cost: Free • Sponsored by North Cascades Audubon Society.

You will be amazed at the number of interesting bird species you can see close at hand viewed through a spotting scope. Knowledgeable birders from North Cascades Audubon are on hand to assist and answer questions. A map of bird viewing stations will be available at the birding expo registration desk.

PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS & FRIENDS ON PAGE 3

For complete details visit www.WingsOverWaterBirdingFestival.com or call 360-332-4544 SUPPORTERS

SPONSORS CORPORATE SPONSOR

Your Semiahmoo, Birch Bay Planned Community Specialist

City of Blaine

Blaine CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & Visitor Information Center

Community Newspaper of Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo

LUMMI ISLAND WILD

Bob and Lois Franco

Northwest Birding Festival

2017

FEATURED WILDLIFE PRESENTATION:

“OWL: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls”

Saturday, March 11 “OWL: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls”by Paul Bannick WHERE: Blaine Performing Arts Center 975 H Street • Blaine TIME: 5 p.m.

COST: Free, donations welcome

This year’s keynote speaker, award winning photographer Paul Bannick, is back to celebrate WOW’s 15th anniversary with a new program featuring stunning video, engaging stories from the field and new breathtaking images from his brand-new book: “OWL: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls.” His new book introduces all 19 owl species found in Canada and the United States in their distinct habitats. You will witness the four seasons as each stage in an owl’s life is chronicled through rare images: courtship, mating, and nesting in spring; fledging and feeding of young in summer; dispersal and gaining independence in fall; and, finally, winter’s migrations and competitions for food. You will learn how owls use the unique resources available to them in each habitat to face those challenges.

Both informative and spellbinding, Paul’s presentation will inspire and delight all who attend!

This Featured Wildlife Presentation is Sponsored by Kathy Stauffer/Windermere Real Estate and Phillips 66

ART WORKSHOPS: “Birdtastic Kids Art Station” Saturday, March 11 • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. •

FREE

On Saturday, The Birding Expo at Blaine Middle School will feature lots of free, creative bird related art activities! Kids age 8 and up can join in a Bird Art Workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to create their own 3-D Owl Sculpture led by artists Wendy Bloom and Megan Bloom.

(Class size is limited to 15.) New this year at the Birdtastic Art Station kids can drop by to make clay bird sculptures with artist Jacquie Silk art painting Bresadola (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and outrageous bird masks (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) with artist Christian Anne Smith. There will be lots of bird-related fun and educational activities all day sponsored by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation.

Anyone of any age can join in by painting a part of a long silk scarf of joyous birds guided by artist Janet Lehwalder. For a $1 donation, you can enter a drawing for the opportunity to win this unique artistic creation! Learn more about the Birdtastic activities and artists at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

A special thank you to

Artist Janet Lehwalder

Jim and Carolyn Calhoon

Experience Authentic Thai Cuisine with Waterfront Dining u 360-332-3267

• 825 Peace Portal Dr. • Downtown Blaine u Just minutes from I-5 Exit 276 • www.ChadaThaiUSA.com

for your many years helping kids build bird nest boxes at the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival.

Welcome

Birders & Bird Watchers!

The Blaine/Birch Bay communities truly appreciate the amazing variety of birds found in our local bays and harbors. We invite you to join us in our celebration of their survival and beauty. Bring your friends, too!

L AW O F F I C E S O F

Valeri Wade

RogeR ellingson & Rajeev MajuMdaR jennifeR slatteRy, associate

FREE advice

A law office serving bird watchers and birders alike, and always impressed by dunlins in flight.

Mon.-Fri. 10-5:30 Sat. 10-4 289 H Street, downtown Blaine • 360-332-7000 www.NorthWhatcomLaw.com

from friendly experts!

108 Ohio St. • Bellingham • 360-734-0969

WildBirdChalet.com

WINGS OVER WA Ace Hardware AMS Mailing Service Banner Bank Bay Café Bellingham West Marine Big Al’s Diner Birch Bay Waterslides Blaine School District Bob & Lois Franco John & Carol Choulochas Cathy White Chmelick,Sitkin & Davis Chris Brewer Chuck Kinzer Connie Taylor Cost Cutter David Riffle Dick McNeely Drayton Harbor Maritime Ed & Pat Kingshott

A Special Publication of The Northern Light

FEATURED ARTIST

EXPLORING

Photo: Wayne Diaz

BIRCH BAY

Come Play at Birch Bay!

BIRDS AND THEIR HABITAT Sunday, March 12

A Birding Paradise!

Enjoy a day in Birch Bay exploring birds, birds, birds!

Visit us again for these fun events!

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Breakfast for Birders and Wildlife Presentation Where: BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park* 7290 Birch Bay Dr. Cost: $15 for Adults, $10 for children (under 12) *A Discovery Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park.

KAY DEE POWELL A classroom teacher in California for thirty years, Kay Dee taught multiple subjects including art. Retirement and a move to Blaine, found her awestruck by the pristine beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Finally there was time to satisfy her desire to paint. She began with watercolor, then acrylics, studying under local and national artists. Powell’s colorful canvas and silk paintings reflect her spirited enthusiasm and love of creation. Powell has been a presenter in art shows for several years.

You can see her work displayed at establishments in Blaine, at her booth in the Whatcom Art Market in Bellingham, or at Kay Dee’s Artistry on Facebook.

Meet Kay Dee and enjoy an exhibit of her artwork at the Wings Over Water Opening Festival and Artist Reception on Friday night, March 10 from 5-7 p.m.

Semiahmoo Resort and on Saturday, March 11 at the all-day Birding Expo at Blaine Middle School from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

May 27 & 28 Kite Festival

Seating is limited. Reservations available online at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com or on Saturday at the festival headquarters Blaine Middle School Cafeteria, 975 H St.

BP Heron Center

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and presentation by Chuck Kinzer and Wayne Diaz, local photographers, who will be speaking about local birds and photography at the breakfast. They are members of the Wings Over Water Committee and photograph birds and Wayne Diaz Chuck Kinzer wildlife with an emphasis on resident and migrating birds in Blaine, Semiahmoo and Birch Bay. Each has won multiple awards and their presentation will include their photographs and provide insights into the birds of the area and where and how to watch and capture images of our feathered friends. Wayne and Chuck are well known in the community, and lead photo walks in and around Whatcom County. Contact Wayne at dzwdz@hotmail.com and Chuck at chuck@ckimageart.com or through his website: www.ckimageart.com Sponsored by Birch Bay Chamber and Dave & Deb Hiller, Rockwood Realty

11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Walk to Explore the Birds of Birch Bay Where: BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park* • 7290 Birch Bay Drive Cost: Free - *A Discovery Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park.

After breakfast from the BP Heron Center, naturalist Paul Woodcock will lead a birding walk along the beaches of Birch Bay State Park and Terrell Creek Marsh, one of the few saltwater/fresh water estuaries still left in Northern Puget Sound.

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Wildlife Photo Shoot Where: BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park* • 7290 Birch Bay Drive Cost: Free - *A Discovery Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park.

As a follow up to their presentation, Wayne Diaz and Chuck Kinzer will lead a photo walk in Birch Bay State Park to photograph a diversity of local bird species including eagles, kingfishers, songbirds, hawks, ducks and shorebirds. Bring your own camera equipment, a minimum of a 200 millimeter lens or a scope for use with digiscoping will result in the best images. Class size is limited to 12.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Workshop: 20 Ideas for Making Your Yard a Bird Haven! By Chris Brewer

More information about Wings Over Water Birding NW Festival Birch Bay Activities call 360-371-5004.

Event Sponsored by Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce

ATER 2017 SUPPORTERS & FRIENDS (Financial Supporters in Bold) Eric Ellingson Freeman Real Estate Heidi Holmes Horseshoe Coins & Antiques Jana Turner Pastime Bar & Eatery Patricia & Jim Jorgensen Joe Meche Joyce Dippold Joyce Vanderpol Realty Ken Salzman LFS Marine & Outdoor Lynden Christian School North Bellingham Golf Club Phil Calise NWcascades.com Paso Del Norte Paul Woodcock Peace Arch City Café

Roger Ellingson Law Offices Setsuko Toliver Stafholt Good Samaritan Sunny Brown Blaine Subway Terry Galvin The C Shop Totally Chocolate Umpqua Bank Wayne Diaz WECU Bank

For complete details on festival activities visit: www.WingsOverWaterBirdingFestival.com

Blaine Harbor

Visitor and permanent moorage available

Photo: Eric Ellingson

Sand Sculpture Competition

August 12-13

Roll Back Weekend

September 2-4 Discover Birch Bay Days

Birch Bay Visitor Information Center 7900 Birch Bay Dr. • 360-371-5004

BirchBayChamber.com

Visit us often!

May-Oct: Peace Arch International Sculpture Exhibition May-Labor Day: Alaska Packers Cannery Museum May 20 & 21: Springfest Art Show Weekends Memorial Day-Labor Day: Historic Plover Passenger Ferry Rides Saturdays, June-Oct: Blaine Gardeners Market June 11: Hands Across the Border July 4: Old Fashioned 4th of July July 9-15: Drayton Harbor Music Festival July 15: Art-2-Jazz Street Fair August 5 & 6: Drayton Harbor Days

raft race, steam boats, arts & crafts, kids events

Sundays, August 6-27: Peace Arch Park International Concert Series Sept. 1-4: Families Pulling Together in Blaine & Birch Bay Oct. 7 & 8: Oktoberfest Dec. 2: Holiday Harbor Lights Blaine Visitor Information Center 728 Peace Portal Dr., downtown Blaine 360-332-4544

www.BlaineChamber.com

FAJITAS FOR TWO $ 50

25

(Chicken or Beef) Dine in only.

Exp. 3/16/17. Not valid with any other offers.

www.portofbellingham.com (360) 647-6176 blaineharbor@portofbellingham.com

Full service marina to the San Juan & Gulf Islands Just 2 minutes from Interstate 5 & the U.S./Canada border

Great Blue Heron

July 22-23

parade, street fair and fireworks

Where: BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park* • 7290 Birch Bay Drive Cost: Free - *A Discovery Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park.

Come and learn simple ways to make an inviting and safe yard for birds. See samples of different feeders (including homemade ones), learn which birds like what food and tricks for “serving” it, find creative ways to provide water using household items, and discover easy-growing plants birds love. Plenty of take-home handouts. Your birds will be glad you’ve come!

Painting by Kay Dee Powell

2017

Happy Hour Mon-Thur 4-7 Fri & Sat 3-6 All Day Sunday

Open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner!

BLAINE HARBOR

758 Peace Portal Drive Blaine • 332-4045 www.pasodelnorte.net

A Special Publication of The Northern Light

Northwest Birding Festival

2017

MARCH 10th, 11th & 12th - EVENTS SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, MARCH 10TH

FESTIVALEvent EVENT MAP Festival Map

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Bus Charter Guided Field Trip to Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta, BC Where: Departure 8 a.m., Birch Bay Square (Behind Woods Coffee) 8130 Birch Bay Square Rd. Return time is approximate due to unpredictable border wait times.

Cost: $42 includes entrance fee and bag of bird seed.

Experience a guided field trip to one of Canada’s top birding sites just 40 minutes across the border in Delta, BC: www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Passports or an enhanced driver’s license required for crossing the US/ Canada border. For online reservations and more information go online to wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. Sponsored by Propack Inc and Chemelick, Sitkin & Davis.

Semiahmoo Resort Semiahmoo Golf - Spa Resort

12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Salish Sea Open Water Birding & Wildlife Cruise - by San Juan Cruises See information and description at 10 a.m. Cruise.

APA Museum

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: WOW Festival Opening and Artist Reception Where: Semiahmoo Resort • 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway • Blaine Cost: $15 Enjoy a Celebration of Drayton Harbor’s Bounty with an inspiring presentation by Joe Meche and Aneka Sweeney. Meet featured artist Kay Dee Powell and view an exhibit of her colorful artwork as well as a gallery of bird images by local photographers. The reception will also include a silent auction, complimentary hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and no-host bar.

Loomis Trail Golf Club

Sponsored by Semiahmoo Resort, Golf & Spa.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11TH

8 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Blaine Community Pancake Breakfast Where: Blaine Senior Center • 763 G Street (across the street from Blaine Middle School /WOW Festival Headquarters) Cost: Adults $6, Children $4.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast of pancakes, waffles, biscuits & gravy or french toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee & OJ. 10 a.m*. to 5 p.m.: All Day Birding Expo, Festival Headquarters & Information Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria • 975 H Street Cost: Free Enjoy lots of free activities for the whole family. Kids’ fun includes arts & crafts, games, face painting, Birdtastic Art activities and some wild surprises! Sponsored by Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2. Other activities include expert wildlife speakers, Sardis Raptor Center live raptor presentations, food, art & craft vendors, wildlife exhibits and displays. *Make reservations, purchase tickets for Plover Ferry and Semiahmoo field trips starting at 8:30 a.m. Expo Sponsored by BP Cherry Point Refinery

& Darigold.

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Guided Field Trip to Semiahmoo Spit Where: Ticket Sales/Bus Departure from Blaine Middle School • 975 H St. Cost: $5 (includes snack)

Pre-registration is available on Saturday, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street.

Enjoy a scenic bus ride around Drayton Harbor and a leisurely two hour walk led by naturalist, Paul Woodcock to explore the abundance of birds along Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural land spit located between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Learn from Jim Jorgensen, with a background in geology and ornithology, what makes this such an intriguing area and premier birding location. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Alaska Packers Association Museum. Sponsored by AMS (Automated Mailing Services).

10 a.m. to Noon; and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Salish Sea Birding & Wildlife Cruise by San Juan Cruises & North Cascades Audubon Departure: Boat departs from Semiahmoo Resort Plover Dock at 9565 Semiahmoo Dr. Cost: $50/pp. Pre-register online at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com* Join us again this year for a two hour open water cruise from Semiahmoo Spit aboard the 50’ Salish Sea. View a diverse variety of seabirds in the rich waters of Boundary Bay and the Strait of Georgia. Professional naturalists will be aboard to help spot the birds and wildlife you’ll see along the way. Dress for inclement weather, bring binoculars, and camera. The Salish Sea has indoor seating, as well as ample outdoor viewing areas on two levels of the boat. Seating is limited. Cruise may be sold out prior to festival.

Sponsored by Wise Enterprises and Mike Kent, Windermere Real Estate. *Cruise may be subject to cancellation due to rough sea conditions.

If this should happen, prepaid registration fees will be refunded.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Plover Passenger Ferry Nature Cruises* Where: Departure on the hour from Blaine Harbor- Boating Center Dock, 235 Marine Drive Last departure is at 3 p.m.

Cost: $5 *There are no ticket sales from the dock.

Pre-registration is available on-line for $6 (includes processing fee) at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival. com or on Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Blaine Middle School - 975 H Street. Shuttle bus service will not be available. NOTE: Cruise may be sold out prior to Festival. The historic Plover Ferry will be taking passengers on a guided nature cruise of Drayton Harbor & Semiahmoo Bay. Dress appropriately for inclement weather. For details on MV Plover Passenger Ferry, visit: www.draytonharbormaritime.org. Sponsored by the Blaine Harbor, Port of Bellingham.

10 a.m. ‘til gone: Kids Birdhouse Building Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria • 975 H Street, Blaine Cost: Recommended Donation $1 Build a bird house to invite the local birds to make your backyard their home. (For kids up to age 14, while supplies last.)

Sponsored by Pacific Building Center and T.C. Trading Company.

Noon to 2:00 p.m.: Birding Field Trip, Blaine Harbor Loop– by Joe Meche Where: Meet at Blaine Harbor Boating Center • 235 Marine Drive Cost: Free Drive a short distance to join a birding field trip led by Joe Meche. Joe, a birder for over 60 years, knows this area intimately as a premiere birding destination. See a diversity of bird species including raptors, dabblers, divers, shore birds, and song birds along this leisurely 2 mile loop along the waterfront. Sponsored by Banner Bank & Sound Pacific Seafood.

Blaine Birch Bay Park & Rec BP Heron Center

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Outdoor Bird Viewing Stations Where: Viewing station maps will be available at the Blaine Middle School.

Cost: Free Seeing is believing! You will be amazed at the number of interesting bird species you can see close at hand viewed through a spotting scope. Knowledgeable birders from North Cascades Audubon are on hand to assist and answer questions. A map of bird viewing stations will be available at the registration desk.

Sponsored by North Cascades Audubon Society.

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Swans of Winter - by Martha Jordan Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street Cost: Free Trumpeter swans, the largest waterfowl in the world, have been brought back from the brink of extinction and once again grace our skies and waterways. Discover ways in which you can contribute to our understanding of swans in Washington. Martha Jordan is currently the Executive Director of Northwest Swan Conservation Association, a regional non-profit.

Sponsored by WECU (Whatcom Educational Credit Union).

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Museum Where: 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway (Semiahmoo Spit) Cost: Free - Donations welcome Experience local maritime history, housed in an original Alaska Packers cannery building. The museum exhibits tell the story of days gone by and include a scale model fish trap, antique machinery, a gallery of historic photos, and an original 28 foot Bristol Bay fishing boat. Sunny Brown, APA Museum Coordinator will be available to provide a presentation about this rich time in Blaine’s history. For more information: www.draytonharbormaritime.org.

Sponsored by Drayton Harbor Maritime.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Youth “Bird Art” Workshop (ages 8 & up): Create a Unique 3-D Owl Sculpture!

Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria • 975 H Street Cost: Free - Donations welcome Using recycled paper material, pen & paint, kids will be guided to create their own unique 3-D Owl sculpture by focusing on a variety of shapes & colors for owl features. Students will be instructed on care & effective use of paint & brush. (Bring your own paint shirt/smock to protect clothing from possible paint stain.) Class is taught by local artists Wendy and Megan Bloom. Maximum 15 participants.

Wendy and Megan each have extensive backgrounds in the performing art & fine art arenas. As professional artists, they share their artwork throughout the Northwest and beyond at art shows & art galleries.

Sponsored by Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2.

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Wildlife Presentation: “Eagles in Our Midst”

by David Hancock Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street Cost: Free Biologist, filmmaker, writer and publisher David Hancock will discuss the once endangered eagles that are a conservation success story with over 70,000 of these majestic birds thriving in North America today. We are fortunate to live close to these majestic birds which thrive in our region.

Learn how we can be good neighbors with these fascinating wild friends.

Sponsored by Ed & Pat Kingshott.

Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Live Raptor Presentation, “Hunters of the Sky”

by Sardis Raptor Center Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street Cost: Free This is an exciting opportunity for up-close encounters with owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles. Sponsored by Bob & Lois Franco.

1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Photography Workshop: The Basics of Photographing Birds- by Photographer Ken Salzman Where: Blaine Middle School Classroom • 975 H Street Cost: FREE Designed for beginner and novice photographers, this workshop will present the basics photographers need to know about capturing images of our feathered friends. Ken will share some of the tips and techniques that he has practiced for over 35 years of photographing birds. The workshop will be in the classroom. Your camera might come in handy in reference to your camera’s functions and settings. Instructor Ken Salzman, an avid birder and photographer since 1981, also currently serves on the board of the North Cascade Audubon Society. Visit his website at www.kensalzman.zenfolio.com. Sponsored by Boundary Fish Company, Inc. 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.: Blaine Elementary School Choir- led by Blaine School Music Instructor, Brian Myrik Where: Blaine School Performing Art Center • 975 H Street Cost: Free The Blaine Elementary School Choir “Nightingales” will perform a delightful arrangement of songs about our feathered friends!

2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Wildlife & Geology Field trip to Semiahmoo Spit Where: Ticket Sales/Bus Departure from Blaine Middle School • 975 H St. Cost: $5/pp includes snack

Pre-registration is available on Saturday, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street.

Take a scenic bus ride around Drayton Harbor to Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural spit, to take a guided walk led by Phil Calise to view the birds and enjoy the natural beauty of the spit. Learn from Jim Jorgensen, with a background in geology and ornithology, what makes this such an intriguing area and premier birding location. This trip also includes a visit to the Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum. Dress appropriately for inclement weather. Sponsored by Lummi Island Wild & Hagen’s of Blaine Shipping & Receiving.

2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Photography Workshop: Advanced Bird Photography by Paul Bannick Where: Blaine Harbor Boating Center • 235 Marine Drive Cost: $25 - Registration at the Festival: Blaine Middle School This is a unique opportunity for photographers to learn from Paul Bannick, award-winning wildlife photographer, how he creates images that foster the intimacy between viewer and subject. Paul explores how to get photographs with the lowest cost and the least technical variables using your digital camera with a lens. Bannick’s workshops use photographs, personal stories and interaction with students to communicate key ideas. You do not need to own a camera or lenses to take this class. Sponsored by Yeager’s Sporting Goods & Fortiphi Insurance.

2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Live Raptor Presentation: “Hunters of the Sky”

by Sardis Raptor Center Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria • 975 H Street Cost: Free An exciting opportunity to have up-close encounters with many magnificent birds of prey including owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles. All birds are residents of the center and have injuries that prevent their return to the wild. Sponsored by Bob & Lois Franco.

3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Diving Ducks of the Salish Sea by David Drummond Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street Cost: Free David will share key field marks of the species, genders, foraging strategies, and migration routes between their breeding and wintering areas, and a little about behavioral ecology of the diving ducks we see in winter.

David Drummond is a Wildlife Biologist & Naturalist who enjoys learning and teaching about life forms and their bio-synergies around the region and the world. Sponsored by Roger Ellingson Law Offices.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Featured Presentation: “OWL: A Year in the Lives of American Owls” by Paul Bannick Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street Cost: FREE (donations welcome) You won’t want to miss conservation photographer Paul Bannick, who will speak about how owls survive each day and progress through life in the context of his new book Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls.” Topics include “courtship, mating, and nesting in spring; fledging and feeding of young in summer; learning independence in fall; and, finally, winter’s migration.”

Sponsored by Kathy Stauffer, Windermere Real Estate and Phillips 66.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12TH

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Breakfast for Birders Where: BP Heron Center • 7290 Birch Bay Dr. • Birch Bay State Park Cost: FREE (donations welcome) Start with a Birders Breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by a birding walk, a birding photo shoot, and finally how to make your yard a safe haven for birds. Sponsored by Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and Dave & Deb Hiller of Rockwood Realty.

Find complete schedule of events at www.WingsOverWaterBirdingFestival.com