2026 Keynote Speaker
Experience Nature Like Never Before at Wings Over Water.
Join award-winning wildlife photographer Paul Bannick at the 23rd annual birding festival that transforms how you see the natural world.
Meet Paul Bannick, one of North America’s most celebrated wildlife photographers and conservation advocates. As an award-winning author specializing in North American birds and their habitats, Paul creates stunning visual narratives that bridge the gap between human hearts and the wild spaces around us. His breathtaking photography doesn’t just capture moments—it forges lasting connections that inspire education and fuel conservation efforts. Through his lens, every feather tells a story, every habitat reveals its secrets, and every image becomes a call to protect what we might otherwise take for granted.
Paul brings decades of keynote speaking experience to audiences worldwide, sharing his passion at prestigious events and institutions across the globe. His internationally acclaimed work has graced exhibitions from coast to coast, including the remarkable “Owls of North America: Spirit of the Lands” showcase at Taiwan’s renowned Chi Mei Museum. His ability to weave together art, science, and storytelling has made him a sought-after speaker who transforms complex conservation concepts into compelling narratives that resonate with birders and nature lovers alike.
We’re thrilled to welcome Paul back to this year’s Wings Over Water Birding Festival, where his infectious passion for wildlife photography and conservation will inspire a new generation of nature enthusiasts. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a master—your perspective on birds and their habitats will never be the same.
Ready to be inspired? Plan now to attend this year’s 23rd Wings Over Water Birding Festival and discover the magic that awaits when art meets conservation.
2026 Featured Artist
Rebecca Ledger
I began drawing as a child and later explored colored pencil in college, where I also pursued hiking and studied ecology and photography. After college, I worked in gardening and plant nurseries while developing my watercolor skills, drawn to its expressive qualities. My artistic journey has continued alongside a career in accounting and bookkeeping. In 2025, I joined Ebb Tide Gallery in Gig Harbor, where I continue to grow as an artist and engage with fellow art enthusiasts.
Birds bring energy and joy to our landscapes, much as art enriches our lives. In my paintings, I aim to capture each bird’s vitality and encourage viewers to appreciate these moments of connection. For years, my husband and I have transformed our property into a thriving habitat for birds and wildlife, which continues to inspire my work. I hope to inspire others to create bird habitats that foster peaceful, uplifting experiences.
Rebecca’s artwork will be featured at two key festival events. On Friday, March 13, the Featured Artist and Opening Reception will offer attendees an early look at her watercolor interpretations of bird life. On Saturday, March 14, her work will also be displayed at the Birding Expo, providing additional opportunities to view her collection. Framed originals, prints, 5″x7″ greeting cards, and packs of five 3″x5″ mini cards will be available for purchase at both events.