Please note: While many festival events are free and welcome “walk-in” participants, others require pre-registration and fees may apply. See the detailed schedule for all activities and registration information.

The 2026 Wings Over Water Northwest Birding will take place on March 13, 14, 15 with field trips, birding and wildlife cruises; an all-day birding expo on Saturday with expert speakers, wildlife presentations, live raptor presentations, kids’ activities and more to enhance your outdoor experience and love of birding.

The Festival has been a vibrant event for over 23 years thanks to our financial sponsors and donors which are vital to the festival taking place. We appreciate your donations to ensure the festival’s future success.

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Since 2003, the Wings Over Water Birding Festival has taken place each spring in Blaine, Washington to celebrate the incredible variety of migratory birds that flock to the coastal waters of Drayton Harbor, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo Bay at the northwest corner of Washington State. This major stopover on the Pacific Flyway between Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, BC is designated as an Important Birding Area (IBA) and is the anchor for the North Cascades Loop of the Great Washington State Birding Trail.

*The Festival was cancelled in 2020 and in 2021 took place virtually due to Covid-19.

“The rich tapestry of birdlife in this area attracts birdwatchers from all over the country to experience a variety of birds close at hand.”
-Joe Meche, Avid Birder, Writer and Photographer

Festival Location

The festival will take place at various locations in the Blaine, Semiahmoo Spit and Birch Bay areas, all within a short 10-20 minute driving distance from the Festival headquarters located this year at the Blaine Community Center Pavilion, as noted in the festival map and schedule. Check back to see the event schedule for details about all of the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday events and their locations.

Schedule

Registration

Our Mission

Wings Over Water Northwest is an all volunteer, non profit, tax-exempt organization. Our mission is to promote conservation, education and stewardship of the birds and their habitat in the Pacific Northwest as well as encourage ecotourism to support the economy. Wings Over Water, Northwest Birding Festival is one of the ways we provide education, while also providing the opportunity to bring significant economic benefits to this rich and pristine area. Donations to help support our missions and Festival are most welcome!

History

The Washington Brant Foundation, along with North Cascades Audubon and the City of Blaine, held the first Washington Brant Festival in Blaine and Birch Bay in 2003 because of concerns about the continuous decline in waterfowl populations due to habitat loss. The festival changed its name in 2005 to Wings Over Water Northwest to include the large number of marine bird species that migrate here during spring migration. Due to the festival’s success, we became a 501c3 tax exempt organization in 2008 and continue to celebrate our annual festival every March.

Who Attends?

People who want to experience a wide variety of waterfowl close at hand. Hundreds attend the festival from the Puget Sound region, Lower Mainland, British Columbia. as well as from around the country.

The Future

Our vision for the festival is to continue to provide opportunities for education and enjoyment of birds in their natural habitat, preserving this valuable asset for future generations.

Day by Day Summary March 13 – 15, 2026

The 2026 festival begins on Friday, March 13. You may join a charter bus guided birding trip to the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island, B.C., or explore birding sites in Bellingham or Skagit County independently. A guided birding field trip at Semiahmoo is also available at 1:30 p.m. In the evening, please join us for the Featured Artist and Opening Reception, which includes a catered dinner and the opportunity to meet this year’s featured artist, Rebecca Ledger. The event will also feature an inspiring presentation by Jason LaClair, a local Coast Salish art instructor and muralist. His work includes The Story of Salmon Woman on Bellingham’s Forest Street, Honoring the Salish Sea on the Board Mill Building at the Bellingham Downtown Waterfront, and a mural at the Deming Library.

In his presentation, Jason will discuss the importance and sacredness of birds and other wildlife to his Lummi and Nooksack tribal communities. He will share stories about their significance, present examples of his art, and highlight the unique features of Coast Salish art.

On Saturday, March 14, enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages and birding interests. Start the day with an offshore birding trip in Boundary Bay and Semiahmoo Bay aboard the Salish Express. A second trip will be available in the afternoon. The all-day birding expo at the Blaine Community Center Pavilion will feature live raptor presentations, wildlife exhibits, art and craft vendors, children’s activities, and expert wildlife speakers. Guided field trips will offer opportunities to explore the area’s bird species. The day will conclude with a keynote presentation by Paul Bannick, a leading wildlife photographer and conservation advocate. Paul’s internationally recognized work has been exhibited across North America, including the “Owls of North America: Spirit of the Lands” showcase at Taiwan’s Chi Mei Museum. His presentations combine art, science, and storytelling to make conservation concepts accessible and engaging. We encourage attendees to visit local cafes and restaurants in Blaine and Birch Bay for dinner on Saturday evening.

For additional information about local restaurants, lodging, and area activities in Blaine, please visit blainebythesea.com or call (360) 332-4544; for Birch Bay, visit birchbaywa.org or call (360) 371-5004.

Sunday, March 15, begins with a delicious Birding Breakfast and an engaging presentation. Chris Templeton will unravel the secrets of chickadee communication in Chickadee Chatter: From the ABC’s to the Dee-Dee-Dees, sharing discoveries from his research into how these spirited little birds use their famous chick-a-dee call to share complex messages with each other and with other species. Afterward, join guided field trips in both the morning and afternoon. Warm up with hot drinks and story times provided by Blaine Birch Bay Parks and Rec District 2 and Friends of Birch Bay Library. Wild Whatcom will spark curiosity with hands-on kids’ activities and family nature walks at the BP Heron Center in Birch Bay State Park from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

Please continue to check our website for 2026 Festival schedule updates.