13TH ANNUAL
NORTHWEST BIRDING FESTIVAL MARCH 13, 14 &15
BLAINE • BIRCH BAY • SEMIAHMOO
Friday, March 13 Wings Over Water Festival Opening and Artist Reception 5 p.m.– 7 p.m. Semiahmoo Resort-Golf-Spa 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine Cost: Wine Tasting $10 Everyone is invited for the Opening and Artist Reception at beautiful Semiahmoo Resort. David Hancock of Hancock Wildlife presents “Historical Context to Wildlife of Drayton Harbor.” Our featured artist Lorna Libert will exhibit her art as well as a gallery of artistic bird images by local and professional photographers. Sip wine and sample light appetizers for $10. Enjoy live music by “The Celtic Roots.” WOW commemorative wine glasses will be available for an additional $2, while supplies last.
Saturday, March 14 ALL DAY BIRDING EXPO 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Blaine Middle School 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 including build your own bird house, workshops, expert speaker presentations, field trips and more!
Saturday, March 14
KEYNOTE FEATURED PRESENTATION: “Woodpeckers of North America” by Paul Bannick 5 p.m. • Cost: Free Blaine Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street, Blaine
Through vivid new images, intimate video, compelling sound and personal narratives, Paul will explore four seasons in the lives of North American woodpeckers. Sponsored by Kathy Stauffer/Windermere Real Estate
For complete details visit WingsOverWaterBirdingFestival.com CORPORATE SPONSOR
Blaine
ALL DAY IN BIRCH BAY Starting at 9 a.m. Exploring the birds of Birch Bay and their habitat Starting 9 a.m. with a Birding Breakfast Buffet & Presentation at CJ’s Restaurant, 7878 Birch Bay Drive. Followed by Birding & Photography Field Trips and a Workshop Presentation by Whatcom Conservation District at BP Heron Center* in Birch Bay State Park. For complete details, see page 3. *Discovery Pass required for Parking
Facebook.com/WingsOverWater
EVENT SPONSORS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & Visitor Information Center
Sunday, March 15
Hill’s Chevron
PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS ON PAGE 4
Northwest Birding Festival
ABOUT OU
2015
FEATURED WILDLIFE PRESENTATION:
Photo: Andrew Redding
BLACK
“Welcome to Subirdia” sharing our neighborhood with birds “Fortunately, there is a rich diversity of bird species and wildlife that are thriving in our urban environment.” This is the good news from Professor John Marzluff’s latest book,Welcome to Subirdia. At his featured presentation Saturday, he will tell us how we can value nature and enhance bird and wildlife habitat in our communities while creating attractive and exciting places to live and work. He will also share with us important steps we need to take to secure the future of birds and wildlife among us. Copies of Welcome to Subirdia will be on sale after the presentation. John Marzluff is James W. Ridgeway Professor of Wildlife Science at the University of Washington, where he teaches classesinornithology,urbanecology,conservation and field research.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
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FEATURED PRESENTATION:
Saturday, March 14 “Welcome to Subirdia”
Photo: Eric Ellingson
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3 p.m. Cost: Free Blaine Performing Arts Center 975 H Street Blaine
Photo: Ken Salzman
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Photo: Ken Salzman
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DAVID HANCOCK: A well known wildlife biologist and
photographer from Surrey, B.C. will be the featured speaker at our Friday night opening reception. On Friday night he will be presenting a “Historical Context to Wildlife of our Northwest and particularly Drayton Harbor.” The talk will immediately follow our reception at Semiahmoo Resort. He will also be speaking on Saturday. For details, see schedule on page 4.
Photo: Joe Meche
JOE MECHE: Wildlifephotographerandavidbirder,
Joe can be seen taking a break to enjoy the calm waters of Drayton Harbor while photographing birds.“Encountering birds in flight and close up at eye level from my kayak is a spectacular sight.” A favorite speaker at the festival for 13 years, Joe will be offering a digiscoping class on Saturday from 10 a.m. - noon at the Blaine Boating Center as well as a presentation on Baja Birding on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the performing arts center. For complete details, see schedule on page 4.
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
LORNA LIBERT: Strong and whim-
sical, like an old man of the sea with a tall tale to tell, sea birds have become a prominent subject of Lorna’s. After spending over a decade inspired by worn, weathered fishing boats, Lorna developed a fondness for the sea birds that adorn them. Meet Lorna on Friday, March 13 during ourFestivalOpeningandArtistReception at Semiahmoo Resort. View an exhibit of her larger than life paintings.
COMMON GOLDENEYE: A sea
duck that hunts for its food underwater. The males can be identified by their white belly, dark back, green head and golden-yellow eyes with white patches underneath. The females’ bodies are mostly grey with brown heads.
Welcome
Birders & Bird Watchers!
Valeri Wade
FREE advice We’ve Moved! Mon.-Fri. 10-5:30
Sat. 10-4
from friendly experts!
108 Ohio St. • Bellingham • 360-734-0969
WildBirdChalet.com
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
RogeR ellingson & Rajeev MajuMdaR A law office serving bird watchers and birders alike, and always impressed by dunlins in flight.
289 H Street, downtown Blaine • 360-332-7000 www.NorthWhatcomLaw.com
& GIFTS
Home of Dawn's
"Made in Birch Bay"
Unique Birdhouses. Handmade with beach materials. Plus Mac's Critters bird puzzles!
Hours: Mon-Sat 11-5, Sun 11-4
371-0332
7620 Birch Bay Drive
A Special Publication of The Northern Light
UR LOCAL BIRDS
2015
K OYSTERCATCHER: Acommonyear-roundresidentonSemiah-
it that has a bright orange-red bill with adult bird possessing red and eye, both of which contrast with their black bodies. It uses its strong ry bivalves, such as mussels, off the rocks and then to open them. n be found along the water’s edge searching for food and, at times, quite vocal, especially in flight.
-TAILED DUCK: A sea duck that is a winter resident of Drayton
The original name for this bird was Long-tailed Duck, but for some was called an Oldsquaw. The name was recently changed back to the designation. This bird breeds in northern Canada and Alaska and ocks are often seen far out at sea. Long-tailed Ducks fly low over the with its stiff-winged flight, tilting from side to side.
HERN PINTAIL: This bird is an elegant looking duck that is com-
een at both Blaine and Semiahmoo Spit during the winter. It is easily ed by its long tail, chocolate colored head, blue and black bill and reast and neck with a thin white line extending up the back of the rge numbers of Pintail are often seen at both of the locations men-
EXPLORING
BIRCH BAY
BIRDS AND THEIR HABITAT Sunday, March 15
Enjoy a day in Birch Bay exploring birds, birds, birds! 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Breakfast for Birders
Where: CJ’s Beach House Restaurant • 7878 Birch Bay Drive Cost: $15 Seating is limited. Reservations can be made at 360332-4544 or day of the festival at Blaine Middle School during the festival. Enjoy a fabulous breakfast buffet and presentation by featured speakers Craig and Joy Johnson. “Birds, Backyard Habitat and Beyond”, a film by Craig & Joy Johnson, Puget Sound area watercolor artist and photographer, Craig Johnson with his Craig & wife, writer Joy Johnson, have created a remarkable DVD that Joy Johnson beautifully illustrates what can happen when native habitat is allowed to flourish, even in as small a space as a suburban backyard. The Johnsons illustrate the delights possible by recording the birds and other creatures that visit their backyard. This engaging film provides a window to wildlife behaviors many people have never seen before. Watch and wonder as this panoply of creatures forage for food, create nests, raise young, maintain their plumage and much more. Using Craig’s animations, graphics and photographs, the Johnsons offer some simple suggestions to increase the variety of birds visiting your yard. You can learn more by visiting their inspiring website at http://www.pugetsoundbackyardbirds.com.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Bird Watching Stations Around the Bay
LIN: A small sandpiper that winters in our area and is often found in
on Semiahmoo Spit and at Birch Bay. It is usually seen in flocks, someonsisting of more than 100 birds. The flight of these flocks is amazing ock can turn in unison as if was one bird. These shorebirds are often obing mudflats or performing their aerial maneuvers.
Where: 4 locations along Birch Bay Drive and the Heron Center* in Birch Bay State Park Cost: Free Seeing is believing! See a variety of birds with scopes and binoculars at manned birdwatching stations at locations around the bay. Stop by the Birch Bay Visitor Center at 7900 Birch Bay Dr., to receive a map and list of bird species you may see. *Discover Pass or Single Day paid parking required in Birch Bay State Park. (Handicap exceptions).
11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Birch Bay Bird Walk - Guided by Paul Woodcock Where: Meet at CJ’s Beach House Restaurant • 7878 Birch Bay Drive Cost: Free
GREAT BLUE HERONPhoto:EricEllingson
Paul Woodcock of the North Cascade Audubon Society will lead a guided bird walk location to be determined by weather and other factors. There is a good possibility of seeing as many as 50 bird species in the area.
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Wildlife Photo Shoot
Where: Meet at Birch Bay Visitor Center • 7900 Birch Bay Drive Cost: Free • Limit: 25 participants Local photographers, Wayne Diaz and Eric Ellingson will lead a wildlife photo shoot in the uplands behind the Birch Bay Visitors Center and along the bay. Wayne and Eric both live in Birch Bay and take the majority of their beautiful bird photographs in the local area. Birds commonly seen at this time of day are eagles, brant, king fishers, song birds, dunlins, hawks, crows, various duck species and blue heron. Bring your own camera.
1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.: Workshop - Invite Nature Into Your Backyard Where: BP Heron Interpretive Center*- Birch Bay State Park Cost: Free *Discovery Pass required for parking at Birch Bay State Park
Whatcom Conservation District has participated in the festival for many years, but this is the first time they have had the opportunity to provide a workshop! This family friendly workshop will focus on what we can all do to improve bird, pollinator and fish habitat in our own backyards, whether we live in an apartment or a 20 acre farm, we can all make a difference. There may be more surprises in store! There could also be a field trip to nearby Terrell Creek Marsh one of the few saltwater/fresh water estuaries still left in Northern Puget Sound. For more information call 360-371-5004.
Blaine Harbor
Visitor and permanent moorage available
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
BP Heron Interpretive Center
Welcome Birders! Try Our Delicious:
Homemade Soups • Salad Bar & Specialty Salads Pasta • Pizza • Sandwiches • Calzones
$2 OFFChicken Alfredo Pasta Valid only in Blaine. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per visit. Coupon code JMS. Expires 3/15/15.
Kids Menu - just
$499
We Deliver! 360.332.3636 BLAINE HARBOR
738 Peace Portal Drive, Downtown Blaine www.Pizza Factory.com/blaine
SERVING BEER & WINE
A Special Publication of The Northern Light
Northwest Birding Festival
2015
Saturday, March 15th - All Day Events Schedule
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Blaine Community Pancake Breakfast Where: Blaine Senior Center • 763 G Street Cost: Adults $6, Children $4. The Blaine Senior Center, just across the street from the Middle School, will be serving pancakes, waffles, biscuits & gravy or french toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee & OJ. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.: All Day Birding Expo, Festival Headquarters & Information Where: Blaine Middle School • 975 H Street Enjoy lots of free activities for the whole family including talks by expert wildlife speakers, kids activities and more. You can even make a bird house. *Pre-registration ticket sales available starting at 8:30 a.m.
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Early Bird Field Trip to Semiahmoo Spitled by Paul Woodcock & Jim Jorgensen Cost: $5 (includes snack) Reservations are recommended - call 360/332-4544 or vic@cityofblaine.com. This field trip allows birders to explore the abundance of birds along Semiahmoo Spit, located between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Enjoy a scenic bus ride around Drayton Harbor and learn about the fascinating geology of the area from speaker Jim Jorgensen. Take a leisurely two-hour walk with naturalist Paul Woodcock to view the birds close at hand. Visit the Alaska Packers Association Museum to learn the history of the area.
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Wildlife Presentation: “The History of Bald Eagles, Salmon & Wildlife in the Fraser Valley Region” by David Hancock Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street Cost: Free Biologist, filmmaker, writer and publisher David Hancock will discuss bald eagles, salmon and wildlife in the Blaine and Fraser Valley region. Why does this region host the world’s largest collection of bald eagles? Why are urban eagles nearly twice as productive as the wilderness eagles? Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Live Raptor Presentation, “Hunters of the Sky” by Sardis Raptor Center Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria • 975 H Street Cost: Free This is an exciting opportunity for up-close encounters with owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles. Noon to 2 p.m.: Painting is for the Birds - Uptown Art Where: Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive Cost: $25 Preregistration online at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. Discover your inner artist and come away with your own hand painted work of art! A Bellingham Uptown Art instructor will guide you in creating your own painting of local birds. No experience required. All supplies included.
NEW
FESTIVAL Event EVENT Map MAP Festival
10 a.m. to Noon: Eye on Wildlife Workshop for Kids Where: Blaine Middle School • 975 H St. Cost: Free Ages: 8 & up Maximum of 15 participants. Participants will view a slide presentation and short videos of amazing birds and animals. Participate in a watercolor art project celebrating wildlife and appreciation of the wonders of nature. The class is taught by local artists Wendy & Megan Bloom.
NEW
Semiahmoo Resort Semiahmoo Golf - Spa Resort
APA Museum
*Pre-registration available 8:30 a.m. at Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street or call 360/332-4544.
1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.: Photography Workshop: The Basics of Photographing Birdsby Photographer Ken Salzman Where: Blaine Middle School Cost: FREE, Registration at the Festival. This workshop will show novice photographers how to capture bird images. Instructor Ken Salzman has been an avid birder and bird photographer since 1981 and teaches birding and bird photography classes at Whatcom Community College.
NEW
10 a.m. to Noon; 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Salish Sea Birding & Wildlife Cruise by San Juan Cruises & North Cascade Audubon Departure: Semiahmoo Resort, Plover Dock 9565 Semiahmoo Drive. Cost: $47.50. Preregister online at www. wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com* Take a two-hour open water cruise from Semiahmoo Spit to Point Roberts aboard the 50-foot Salish Sea. *Note: cruise may be sold out prior to festival.
NEW
*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: Blaine Harbor Boating Center Dock 235 Marine Drive Cost: $5 Take the historic Plover Ferry on a guided nature cruise of Drayton Harbor & SemiahmooBay.DetailsonMVPloverPassengerFerry,visit:www.draytonharbormaritime.org. Departure on the hour from Blaine Boating Center Dock. (Last departure is at 3 p.m.) A shuttle bus will run to and from Blaine Middle School to Blaine Boating Center. *Pre-registration, ticket sales available, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street. (Sorry, no ticket sales at the dock). 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Kid’s Activities Where: Blaine Middle School • 975 H Street, Blaine Cost: Free All day kids’ activities including arts & crafts, games, face painting and some wild surprises! 10 a.m. ‘til gone: Kids’ Birdhouse Building Where: Blaine Middle School • 975 H Street, Blaine Suggested donation: $1 Build a bird house to invite the local birds to make your back yard their home. (For kids up to age 14, while supplies last.)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: North Cascades Audubon Society 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 through a spotting scope. Knowledgeable birders from North Cascade Audubon will be on hand to assist and answer questions. 10 a.m. to Noon: Digiscoping 101 - with Joe Meche Where: Blaine Boating Center • 235 Marine Drive Cost: Free Digiscoping is a relatively new technique that allows you to use a point and shoot camera and a spotting scope to capture sharp images of birds. Joe Meche will demonstrate this technique in a hands-on class/workshop. Participants are encouraged to bring their own cameras, scopes, and tripods. Includes a short field trip to practice the how-to methods in a natural setting. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Museum Where: 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway (Semiahmoo Spit) Cost: Free - Donations welcome Experience the history of Blaine’s fish cannery days, housed in an original Alaska Packers cannery building. The 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. For more information: draytonharbormaritime.org.
1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Wildlife & Geology Field trip to Semiahmoo Spit & Birch Bay with Jim Jorgensen* Ticket Sales/Bus Departure: Blaine Middle School • 975 H Street Cost: $5 includes snack Guided by Jim Jorgensen, take a scenic bus ride around Drayton Harbor to Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural spit, rich in history, geology and opportunities to view wildlife. There will also be an opportunity to visit the AlaskaPackersAssociationCanneryandFishing Museum.
Blaine Birch Bay Park & Rec
NEW
1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Baja Birds by Joe Meche Where: Blaine Middle School 975 H Street Cost: Free If winter is too cold or wet and too dark to enjoy getting out to do a little bird watching, consider following the birds to a more suitable winter climate, take a trip down the Pacific Flyway to Baja Sur, Mexico. Some of the same birds that we see here in spring and summer spend their winters south of the border. Join writer/photographer Joe Meche as we take a virtual trip down the coast to sample some of the sights that are just a short flight away. BP Heron Center
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 This is 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. 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Photography Workshop: Advanced Bird Photography by Paul Bannick Where: Blaine Harbor Boating Center • 235 Marine Drive Cost: $25 Registration at Blaine Middle School A unique opportunity for photographers to learn from Paul Bannick who is an awardwinningwildlifephotographerspecializinginthenaturalhistoryofNorthAmerica.Paul exploreshowtogetthebestbirdphotographs.Bannick’sworkshopsusephotographs, personalstoriesandinteractionwithstudentstocommunicatethekeyideas.Noneed to own a camera or lenses to take this class. 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Featured Wildlife Presentation: “Welcome to Subirdia” by John Marzluff Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street Cost: Free John will talk about his latest book, “Welcome to Subirdia” and will reveal how our suburbs and city parks are remarkably rich in bird diversity. Learn how suburbs may play a key role in preventing loss of species in the face of the dramatic disruptions of climate change and other human impacts. Learn what steps we can take to secure the future of birds and wildlife living alongside us. 5 p.m.: Keynote and Featured Presentation: “Woodpeckers of North America” by Paul Bannick Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center • 975 H Street Cost: Free As co-author and photographer for the new book,“Woodpeckers of North America, ANaturalist’sGuide,”PaulwillexamineNorthAmericanwoodpeckerspeciesthrough award winning images, intimate sounds and stories and observations from the field.
Visit us often! April 25 & 26: Semiahmoo Bay International Sailing Regatta May - Oct: Peace Arch International Sculpture Exhibition May - Labor Day: Alaska Packers Cannery Museum May 9 & 10: Springfest Art Tour of Blaine Weekends Memorial Day - Labor Day: Historic Plover Passenger Ferry Rides Saturdays, May 23 - Oct 31: Blaine Gardners Market June 26, 27 & 28: International Art Festival July 4: Blaine Old Fashioned 4th of July parade, street fair, car show & fireworks July 6-11: Drayton Harbor Music Festival July 11: Art-2-Jazz Street Fair July 24 & 25: G'ana'k'w Canoe Family Festival Aug 1 & 2: Drayton Harbor Days raft race, steam boats, arts and crafts, kids events Sundays, Aug 2-23: Peace Arch Park International Concert Series Blaine Visitor Information Center 728 Peace Portal Dr., downtown Blaine
360-332-4544
www.BlaineChamber.com
Come Play at Birch Bay!
A Birding Paradise! Visit us again for these fun events!
March 28 Birch Bay Road Race June 20 & 21 Birch Bay Kite Festival July 18 & 19 Sandcastle Competition August 1 & 2 Roll Back Weekend August 15 & 16 Birch Bay Music Festival August 29 & 30 Birch Bay Discovery Days
VIC - 7900 Birch Bay Dr. • 360-371-5004
BirchBayChamber.com WINGS OVER WATER 2015 SUPPORTERS (Financial Supporters in Bold)
Ace Hardware AMS Mailing Service Banner Bank Bellingham West Marine Big Al’s Birch Bay Waterslides Blaine Insurance Blaine Pizza Factory Blaine School District Blaine West Marine Bob & Lois Franco Bobbie Brown/Windermere The C Shop Charlie Hawkins Chmelick,Sitkin & Davis CJ’s Beach House Restaurant Cost Cutter David Riffle Ed & Pat Kingshot Edaleen Dairy Eric Ellingson Freeman Real Estate GLM Winery Hagen’s of Blaine Mailing Service Heidi Holmes Horseshoe Antiques Jim & Carolyn Calhoon Joe Meche Ken Salzman LFS Marine & Outdoor Lynden Christian School Mike Kent/Windermere Natures Path Foods North Bellingham Golf Course NWcascades.com Pacific Building Center Paso Del Norte Peace Arch City Café Pleasant Valley Dairy Propack Inc. Roger Ellingson Seascape Condos Seaside Bakery Café Stafholt Good Samaritan Center Sunny Brown, APA Cannery Museum Subway TC Trading Totally Chocolate The Northern Light Umpqua Bank Van Wingerden Garden Center Whatcom Conservation District Washington Brant Foundation Wayne Diaz WECU Bank