Birdfest and wildlife celebration
Published 4:28 pm Tuesday, March 25, 2014
The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce is presenting its 1st Annual Birds and Wildlife Festival: BirdFest 2014 on April 10-12. BirdFest offers activities sure to please all who enjoy the birds and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. The lineup of walks, talks, workshops, and activities are ideal for all ages and experience levels.
“This is our inaugural BirdFest, and we have events sure to please everyone,” said Festival Director Michell Marshall. “If you are a lifelong birder, a casual birding fan, or simply love the nature of the San Juan Islands, then this is the event for you.”
BirdFest will kick off with an opening night dinner & reception on Thursday, April 10 at Rosario Resort. The featured speaker will be noted conservation biologist Thor Hanson. Author of the highly acclaimed book “Feathers,” Hanson will share his knowledge of all things “wild” on Orcas Island. Hanson’s topic is “Touchstones: Feathers, Seeds, and the Nature of Everyday.” In an increasingly urban world, author and biologist Hanson believes the storytelling of science can help us stay connected to nature. In addition to Hanson’s talk, there will be a silent auction with lodging, dining and gifts galore.
Festival events get underway on Friday and Saturday (April 11 and 12), and will include: Bird/nature walks with local birding experts, including Kim Middleton; Kayak & boat trips to explore the coastal birding environment or the marine habitat; Workshops on birding and wildlife painting and photography; Kids’ activities, including bird mask making and storytelling and a community parade featuring bird & wildlife costumes. Friday and Saturday evening conservation lectures from prominent scientist and wildlife experts include: “Bluebird Reintroduction in the San Juan Islands” with Kathleen Foley of the San Juan Preservation Trust; “Salmon: A Keystone Species: Stories About Salmon, Eagles, Orcas and more” with Barbara Rosenkotter, San Juan County Salmon Recovery Coordinator; and “Raptor Research” with Bud Anderson of Falcon Research Group.
Tickets for opening night dinner, and select other events are on sale now. Complete Festival details can be found at www.OrcasIslandBirdFest.com.
