Generated by All in One SEO Pro v4.9.6.1, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Wings Over Water Birding Festival | Blaine ## Posts ### [Blog](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/?page_id=10) **Published:** May 22, 2014 **Author:** ClickMonster --- ## Pages ### [Home](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/) **Published:** May 22, 2014 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ![](//www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/plugins/revslider/sr6/assets/assets/dummy.png "_V8A0696") ![](//www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/plugins/revslider/sr6/assets/assets/dummy.png "_V8A0425") ![](//www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/plugins/revslider/sr6/assets/assets/dummy.png "P1120918") ![](//www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/plugins/revslider/sr6/assets/assets/dummy.png "Pintail group for WOW page BM3A3088 mod3 w text 1240×310") ![](//www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/plugins/revslider/sr6/assets/assets/dummy.png "_V8A4924") ![](//www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/plugins/revslider/sr6/assets/assets/dummy.png "_V8A5898-Edit-2") ![](//www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/plugins/revslider/sr6/assets/assets/dummy.png "_V8A7725") ![](//www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/plugins/revslider/sr6/assets/assets/dummy.png "IMG_7235") ![](//www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/plugins/revslider/sr6/assets/assets/dummy.png) ### Soar Into Adventure at the 23rd Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival! #### Get ready to spread your wings and discover the magic of birding in the Pacific Northwest’s most stunning coastal paradise! The 23rd Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival is landing in the breathtaking locations of Blaine, Birch Bay, and Semiahmoo, where pristine shorelines meet vibrant wildlife habitats. This celebration of nature promises unforgettable experiences for everyone—from curious beginners taking their first peek through binoculars to seasoned birders adding rare species to their life lists. This festival has something special waiting for you. Families will love our kid-friendly activities that make learning about local wildlife fun and interactive. Experienced birders can join expert-guided field trips to discover hidden birding gems throughout the region. The diverse programming ensures every nature lover finds their perfect adventure. #### A Setting Beyond Compare. The festival’s stunning locations along Washington’s northern coast provide the perfect backdrop for your birding adventures. From the tranquil waters of Birch Bay to the diverse ecosystems around Semiahmoo, every vista offers new discoveries and photo opportunities. #### Ready to take flight? Join us for an unforgettable weekend where nature literally comes alive! To receive emailed notices with the most current information and updates, please sign up using the email link below. Also, check our Facebook page and Instagram for sneak previews and highlights. We look forward to seeing you! #### **Experience a Bird’s Eye View of Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo as well as highlights of the Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival!** [Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival](https://youtu.be/r620aA4PRB8) – Trailer from [DLS Media.](https://vimeo.com/dlsmedia) #### [Click here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFuLr8TyCAY) for more video information about our festival and the surrounding area. 0 0 0 0 Days 0 0 Hrs 0 0 Min 0 0 Sec ## Blaine • Semiahmoo • Birch Bay Washington State [](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/schedule-2022/)[![Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival 2026 Schedule](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Indx-Feature-Eric-Ellingson.jpg)](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/schedule-2022/) ### SCHEDULE [](/about-festival/speakers/)![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Paul_Bannick.jpg "Paul_Bannick") ### KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Paul Bannick FEATURED ARTIST: Rebecca Ledger [](/about-festival/birding-stations/)![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/viewing-station-image010.jpg "viewing station image010") ### BIRD VIEWING LOCATIONS [](/about-festival/)![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/AADavid-Riffle-PaulWSemiBirdingGroup-copy.jpg "AADavid Riffle- PaulWSemiBirdingGroup copy") ### ABOUT WOW [](/birds/)![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Whimbrel-flapping-800x600px-BM3A9993-WOW-front..jpg "Whimbrel flapping 800x600px BM3A9993 WOW front.") ### ABOUT THE BIRDS [](/lodging/)![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/abou-the-area-image009.jpg "abou the area image009") ### ABOUT THE AREA ### Thanks to our 2026 festival sponsors, below, and to everyone who contributes to our success! ### [Click Here to see a list of our Supporters and Friends](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/sponsors/) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BP.jpg "BP") [![LTAC-Logo](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/LTAC-Logo-Color.png "LTAC-Logo")](https://www.whatcomcounty.us/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Parks-and-Rec-logo-2024.jpg "Parks and Rec logo 2024")](https://bbbparkandrec.org/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Team-Stauffer-logo-2024-cropped-72dpi.jpg "Team Stauffer logo 2024")](https://kathystauffer.com/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/sponsor_tnl.jpg "sponsor_tnl")](https://www.thenorthernlight.com) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/North-cascades-adubon.png "North cascades adubon")](https://www.northcascadesaudubon.org/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Blaine-Chamber-72dpi.jpg "Blaine Chamber new 72dpi")](https://www.blainechamber.com) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/66.jpeg "66") [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/city-blaine-logo-1_5in.png "city-blaine-logo 1_5in")](https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Adventures-Northwest-23.jpg "Adventures Northwest 23")](https://www.adventuresnw.com/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Semiahmoo-logo-2_25-inch.jpg "Semiahmoo logo 2_25 inch")](https://semiahmoo.com/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Baline-bt-Sea-logo-1_25in.png "Baline bt Sea logo 1_25in")](https://www.blainebythesea.com) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Bellingham-Whatcom-Country-Tourism-Logo-72dpi-CK-Cropped.jpg "Bellingham-Whatcom-Country-Tourism-Logo-72dpi CK Cropped")](https://www.bellingham.org/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Birch-Bay-Chmaber-logo-2025.jpg "Birch Bay Chmaber logo 2025")](https://birchbaychamber.com/) [![Wild Bird Chalet in Bellingham](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Wild-Bird-Chalet-Bellingham-WA.jpg "Wild-Bird-Chalet-Bellingham-WA")](https://www.wildbirdchalet.com/) ![Bird Club WWU](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/bird-club-wwu.png "bird-club-wwu") [![Gateway 1890 Taphouse & Grill in Downtown Blaine by the Sea](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Gateway-Logo-2026-600px.jpg "Gateway 1890 Taphouse & Grill in Downtown Blaine by the Sea")](https://www.gateway1890taphouse-grill.com/) --- ### [Schedule - 2025](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/schedule-2022/) **Published:** January 20, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ## 2026 Festival Schedule [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Kayaker-for-News-item-with-text-EE-320x202.jpg "Kayaker for News item with text EE")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Kayaker-for-News-item-with-text-EE.jpg) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/1933629_1111887608861988_7655882420748920883_o-320x202.jpg "1933629_1111887608861988_7655882420748920883_o")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/1933629_1111887608861988_7655882420748920883_o.jpg) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/11043450_919838584733559_3449483732164161394_o-320x202.jpg "11043450_919838584733559_3449483732164161394_o")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/11043450_919838584733559_3449483732164161394_o.jpg) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/1465969_1112009225516493_5681224459898463510_o-320x202.jpg "1465969_1112009225516493_5681224459898463510_o")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/1465969_1112009225516493_5681224459898463510_o.jpg) #### **Please continue to check back for updates or changes to our schedule.** - [#### Friday Schedule](#tab-b0e9c10ea696b9e6529) - [#### Saturday Schedule](#tab-e8ee57c0eefe27b191e) - [#### Sunday Schedule](#tab-93b9458d99a79762241) - [#### Friday Schedule](#tab-b0e9c10ea696b9e6529) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Saturday Schedule](#tab-e8ee57c0eefe27b191e) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Sunday Schedule](#tab-93b9458d99a79762241) Notice There are no upcoming events. ### See the Schedule by Event Type - [#### Field Trips](#tab-83d77e46732e5b1ec31) - [#### Workshops & Presentations](#tab-3deceaeffe088efd8ce) - [#### Birding Cruises](#tab-9e864c68fa9c4071a88) - [#### Kids Activities](#tab-d50b8191c83caa2dcee) - [#### Photography](#tab-49a1f305ecd46889429) - [#### Featured & Special Events](#tab-79696cd83194f3a8822) - [#### Field Trips](#tab-83d77e46732e5b1ec31) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Workshops & Presentations](#tab-3deceaeffe088efd8ce) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Birding Cruises](#tab-9e864c68fa9c4071a88) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Kids Activities](#tab-d50b8191c83caa2dcee) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Photography](#tab-49a1f305ecd46889429) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Featured & Special Events](#tab-79696cd83194f3a8822) Notice There are no upcoming events. ### [See a Searchable Events List](/events/) --- ### [Our Sponsors](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/sponsors/) **Published:** October 19, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ## Sponsors, Donors, and Friends of the Festival Many thanks to all our current sponsors, donors and volunteers who make this event possible. If you get the opportunity, please support them. ### 2026 Festival Sponsors ###### $500+ [Adventures Northwest Magazine](https://www.adventuresnw.com/)[BP Cherry Point](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.bp.com/en_us/united-states/home/what-we-do/production-and-operations/refineries.html&ved=2ahUKEwja3rqSvamEAxW4MjQIHYLJAXwQ_Bd6BAgrEAI&opi=89978449&usg=AOvVaw2fKwvqfEoPBvRDmiqoFTni) \*\* [Blaine Senior Center](https://www.blaineseniorcenter.org/) [Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2](https://bbbparkandrec.org/) \*\* [Blaine Chamber of Commerce](https://www.blainechamber.com/) [Blaine by the Sea](https://blainebythesea.com/) [City of Blaine](https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/) \*\* Friends of Birch Bay State Park [Kathy Stauffer, Team Stauffer](https://kathystauffer.com/meet-the-team)\*\* [North Cascades Audubon Society](https://www.northcascadesaudubon.org/) Phillips 66[ ]()Ferndale Refinery\* Port of Bellingham, Blaine Harbor [Semiahmoo Resort-Golf-Spa](https://www.semiahmoo.com/) [The Northern Light](https://www.thenorthernlight.com/)\* [Whatcom County Tourism](https://www.bellingham.org/) \*\* [Gateway 1890 Taphouse & Grill](https://www.gateway1890taphouse-grill.com/)[Birch Bay Chambe](https://birchbaychamber.com/)r of Commerce \*\* Corporate Sponsor, $1,000 + $1,500+ \* Sponsor, $1000+ [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BP.jpg "BP")](https://www.bp.com/) [![LTAC-Logo](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/LTAC-Logo-Color.png "LTAC-Logo")](https://www.whatcomcounty.us/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Parks-and-Rec-logo-2024.jpg "Parks and Rec logo 2024")](https://bbbparkandrec.org/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Team-Stauffer-3.jpg "Team-Stauffer-3")](https://kathystauffer.com/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Blaine-Chamber-72dpi.jpg "Blaine Chamber new 72dpi")](https://www.blainechamber.com/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Bellingham-Whatcom-Country-Tourism-Logo-72dpi-CK-Cropped.jpg "Bellingham-Whatcom-Country-Tourism-Logo-72dpi CK Cropped")](https://www.bellingham.org/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/sponsor_tnl.jpg "sponsor_tnl")](https://www.thenorthernlight.com) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/North-Cascade-Audubon-Logo.jpg "North Cascade Audubon Logo")](https://www.northcascadesaudubon.org/) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/66.jpeg "66") [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Baline-bt-Sea-logo-1_25in.png "Baline bt Sea logo 1_25in")](https://www.blainebythesea.com) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/city-blaine-logo-1_5in.png "city-blaine-logo 1_5in")](https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Semiahmoo-logo-2_25-inch.jpg "Semiahmoo logo 2_25 inch")](https://www.semiahmoo.com) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Adventures-Northwest-23.jpg "Adventures Northwest 23")](https://www.adventuresnw.com/) [![Wild Bird Chalet in Bellingham](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Wild-Bird-Chalet-Bellingham-WA.jpg "Wild-Bird-Chalet-Bellingham-WA")](https://www.wildbirdchalet.com/) ![Bird Club WWU](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/bird-club-wwu.png "bird-club-wwu") [![Gateway 1890 Taphouse & Grill in Downtown Blaine by the Sea](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Gateway-Logo-2026-600px.jpg "Gateway 1890 Taphouse & Grill in Downtown Blaine by the Sea")](https://www.gateway1890taphouse-grill.com/) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Birch-Bay-Chmaber-logo-2025.jpg "Birch Bay Chmaber logo 2025")](https://birchbaychamber.com/) ### 2026 Supporters & Friends ###### (Financial Contribution in Bold) $1-$199 Alex Jefferes, NCAS AMS Mailing Service Amy Brightman\* NCAS Birch Bay Chamber Blanche Burch,\* NCAS (no italics) Carroll Solomon \* Chuckanut Bay Foods Chuck Kinzer \* Chris Brewer, \*NCAS Dave Forman David Drummond, NCAS Deborah Kaye, NCAS Doug Brown, \*NCAS Eric Ellingson, NCAS Ethel Stephens \* GLM Winery Friends of Birch Bay Library Hearts of Play (HOP) Heidi Holmes Joe Meche John & Jane Aspnes, NCAS John Horner, NCAS Josiah Chase, NCAS Lynne Givler, NCAS Marj Leone, NCAS Marcia Kolinski, NCAS Matt Vann Pam Borso, NCAS Pamela Jacobs, NCAS Paul Woodcock\*, NCAS Pauline Sterin, NCAS Peace Arch City Café & Bar Phil Calise Rich Chrappa, NCAS Scott Newton, NCAS Sonia Hurt \* Stephen Chase, NCAS Subway of Blaine Terry Galvin The C Shop Wayne Diaz \* Western Washington University Birding Club Wild Whatcom *\* Planning Committee Members* ## Sponsors ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BP.jpg "BP") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/DG_LOGO_NEW_4C.jpg "DG_LOGO_NEW_4C") ![]() ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/boundary-fish_V01.jpg "boundary fish_V01") ![]() ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Shell.jpeg "Shell") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BIG-ALS.jpg "BIG AL’S") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/mike_kent-17wx11d.jpg "mike_kent 17wx11d") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Vault.jpg "The Vault") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/blaine-harbor-logo.jpg "blaine harbor logo") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Semiahmoo-logo-web.png "Semiahmoo-logo-web") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/city-blaine.jpeg "city blaine") ![]() ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Adventures-NW.jpg "Adventure’s NW") ![]() ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/kathystaufferwindermere.jpg "kathystaufferwindermere") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/sponsor_tnl.jpg "sponsor_tnl") ## 2020 – 2021 Supporters & Friends ![]() ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/GLM-wine.jpeg "GLM wine") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/TCT-LOGO_EPS-2.jpg "TC Trading") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2018-02-27-at-5.09.01-PM.png "Rockwood Realty") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Fortiphi.jpg "Fortiphi") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Fourth-Corner.jpg "Fourth Corner") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Pacific-Building-Center.jpeg "Pacific Building Center") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/AMS.jpeg "AMS") ![]() ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/ProPack_Brand_FNL_CMYK.jpg "ProPack_") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Yeagerslogo-green.png "Yeagers") ![]() [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/ed-pat.jpeg "ed & pat")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/ed-pat.jpeg) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Bob-Lois.jpeg "Bob & Lois")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Bob-Lois.jpeg) ![]() [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2018-02-27-at-5.13.52-PM.png "Lynden Christian Schools")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2018-02-27-at-5.13.52-PM.png) --- ### [Birds](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/birds/) **Published:** October 27, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ## Northwest Birds ### [Click here for a printable Birding Checklist](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/WOW-Column-Checklist-of-Birds-v2b-CK.pdf) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Erics-image-for-birds-in-our-area-300x199.jpg) ### Bird Viewing Locations #### Popular [eBird Hotspots](https://ebird.org/hotspots) (click below to see species reported in February or March March at the following, nearby locations) - [Birch Bay](https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1770999) - [Birch Bay State Park](https://ebird.org/hotspot/L207333) - [Blaine Marina](https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1476784) - [Blaine Marine Park](https://ebird.org/hotspot/L272612) - [Drayton Harbor](https://ebird.org/hotspot/L109536) - [Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve](https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1557188) - [Semiahmoo Spit](https://ebird.org/hotspot/L199273) #### [**CLICK Here for information and activities for children**](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/kids-activities/) ### Birds Seen in Our Area The following birds have been seen in our area, during the month of March, as reported on eBird. #### **Alcids** - Common Murre - Marbled Murrelet - Pigeon Guillemot #### **Blackbirds** - Brewer’s Blackbird - Red-winged Blackbird - Brown-headed Cowbird #### **Cormorants** - Double-crested Cormorant - Brandt’s Cormorant - Pelagic Cormorant #### **Falcons** - American Kestrel - Merlin - Peregrine Falcon #### **Finches** - American Goldfinch - House Finch - Purple Finch - Pine Siskin #### **Gulls and Terns** - Bonaparte’s Gull - California Gull - Glaucous-winged Gull - Herring Gull - Iceland Gull - Mew Gull - Ring-billed Gull - Western Gull - Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) #### **Herons** - Great Blue Heron #### **Hummingbirds** - Anna’s Hummingbird - Rufous Hummingbird #### **Jays, Crows, and Ravens** - American Crow - Northwestern Crow - Common Raven - Steller’s Jay #### **Kingfishers** - Belted Kingfisher #### **Kinglets** - Golden-crowned Kinglet - Ruby-crowned Kinglet #### **Loons and Grebes** - Common Loon - Pacific Loon - Red-throated Loon - Eared Grebe - Horned Grebe - Pied-billed Grebe - Red-necked Grebe - Western Grebe #### **New World Sparrows** - Dark-eyed Junco - Fox Sparrow - White-crowned Sparrow - Golden-crowned Sparrow - White-throated Sparrow - Savannah Sparrow - Song Sparrow - Spotted Towhee #### **Nuthatches** - Red-breasted Nuthatch #### **Old World Sparrows** - House Sparrow #### **Owls** - Barred Owl - Short-eared Owl #### **Pigeons and Doves** - Eurasian Collared-Dove - Mourning Dove - Rock Pigeon #### **Rails and Gallinules** - American Coot - Virginia Rail #### **Shorebirds** - Black Oystercatcher - Black-bellied Plover - Black Turnstone - Dunlin - Greater Yellowlegs - Killdeer - Marbled Godwit - Sanderling - Western Sandpiper - Whimbrel #### **Starlings** - European Starling #### **Swallows** - Tree Swallow - Violet-green Swallow #### **Thrushes** - American Robin - Mountain Bluebird - Varied Thrush #### **Tits and Chickadees** - Black-capped Chickadee - Chestnut-backed Chickadee - Bushtit #### **Treecreepers** - Brown Creeper #### **Vireos** - Hutton’s Vireo #### **Vultures, Hawks, and Allies** - American Bald Eagle - Cooper’s Hawk - Northern Harrier Hawk - Red-tailed Hawk - Rough-legged Hawk - Osprey #### **Waterfowl** - Brant - Cackling Goose - Canada Goose - Snow Goose - Trumpeter Swan - Tundra Swan - Northern Shoveler - American Wigeon - Eurasian Wigeon - Bufflehead Duck - Canvasback Duck - Harlequin Duck - Mallard Duck - Northern Pintail Duck - Redhead Duck - Ring-necked Duck - Ruddy Duck - Greater Scaup Duck - Lesser Scaup Cuck - Long-tailed Duck - Green-winged Teal - Black Scoter - Surf Scoter - White-winged Scoter - Barrow’s Goldeneye - Common Goldeneye - Common Merganser - Hooded Merganser - Red-breasted Merganser #### **Waxwings** - Cedar Waxwing #### **Woodpeckers** - Downy Woodpecker - Hairy Woodpecker - Northern Flicker - Pileated Woodpecker #### **Wood-Warblers** - Orange-crowned Warbler - Yellow-rumped Warbler #### **Wrens** - Bewick’s Wren - Marsh Wren - Pacific Wren ### Links For More Birding Information [**CLICK Here for information and activities for children**](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/kids-activities/) **[Local Audubon Society – North Cascades Audubon Society](http://www.northcascadesaudubon.org/)** For over 35 years, the North Cascades Audubon Society has represented the interests and importance of wildlife, habitat and the environment in Whatcom County. Through scientific research, environmental education, stewardship and advocacy, NCAS provides a variety of services and opportunities for members and the public to engage with the natural world. **[Washington Brant Foundation](http://www.wabrant.org/)** The Washington Brant Foundation hopes a visit to our web site will increase your understanding and appreciation of this unique wildlife species and how to protect and preserve its habitat. The Black Brant (*Branta bernicla nigricans*) is a small sea goose that is about the size of the common Mallard and stages one of the most spectacular migrations of all waterfowl. **[Bird Web – Seattle Audubon Society](http://www.birdweb.org/birdweb/birds)** BirdWeb allows you to search for a specific bird by entering its name in a search box (above left), or to look for birds according to their taxonomic grouping. Washington’s birds belong to 18 *orders*—large groupings of related families and species. To learn about an order and its Washington representatives, you will be able to select a group from a list. [**Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society**](http://www.birdsonthebay.ca/index.html) The Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society participate in the rehabilitation of the estuary, marine and watershed habitats of Semiahmoo Bay, Boundary Bay, Birch Bay and Drayton Harbor. **[eBird](https://ebird.org/home)** eBird is the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, with more than 100 million bird sightings contributed each year by eBirders around the world. A collaborative enterprise with hundreds of partner organizations, thousands of regional experts, and hundreds of thousands of users, eBird is managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. [**Cornell Lab of Ornithology**](https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/) Dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of the natural world, the Cornell Lab joins with people from all walks of life to make new scientific discoveries, share insights, and galvanize conservation action. --- ### [Vendors](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/about-festival/vendors/) **Published:** October 27, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** Arts and crafts exhibitors and vendors will be present during the day on Saturday at the Blaine Community Pavilion. Please come and enjoy the variety of items on display and for purchase. No charge for entry! **Vendor List (current as of 02/21/2025)** **Anna’s Healthy Hummingbird** (annashealthyhummingbird.com); **Al Maktoum Goods** (imported baskets & musical instruments); .**Big Year Coffee** (bird friendly coffee and cocoa; **Donna Read** (photography); **[Ruth Lauman](http://www.ruthlauman.com)** (photography / art); **Fare Thee Well Food Trailer** (faretheewellpnwfoodtrailer.com); **[Rebecca Ledger](https://ebbtideart.com/rebecca-ledger-1) (Festival Featured Artist); Laurel Mundy Illustration** (laurelmundy.com); **Michael Caroff Photography** (mikecaroffphoto.com); **[Mountain Heather Photography](https://mountainheatherphotography.com) (**mountainheatherphotography.com**)**; **Rainbow Orca Designs** (rainboworcadesigns.com—art, sculptures, jewelry), **Salish Sea Pottery** (handmade pottery); **Salish Sea School**; **Sardis Wildlife** (Live raptor demonstrations); **Swarovski Binoculars**, **Watchable Wildlife,** Department of Fish and Wildlife, **WSU- Whatcom County** (Green crab Information); **[Whatcom Humane Society](https://whatcomhumane.org/)** (Wildlife Rehab) --- ### [WOW Festival Publications](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wow-schedule-publication/) **Published:** March 8, 2018 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ### Informational, local birding brochure and on-site festival information. ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/COB-Birding-Brochure-2019-p1-scaled.jpg) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/COB-Birding-Brochure-2019-p2-scaled.jpg) ### [Click here to download the above brochure pages.](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/COB-Birding-Brochure-2019.pdf) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/sample_kids_pamphlet-1.jpg) ### [Click here](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/WOW-Festival-Kids-Pamphlet-2021_FINAL12PagesUPDATED.pdf) to download the above kids’ activities booklet ### Below, see the 2026 Festival Poster: ![Wings Over Water 2026 Poster](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/WOW-POSTER-2026.jpg)Wings Over Water 2026 Poster --- ### [The Festival](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/about-festival/) **Published:** October 2, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** # Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival ***Please note: While many festival events are free and welcome “walk-in” participants, others require [**pre-registration**](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2026-wings-over-water-festival-4815326) 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. ————————————————— 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](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/schedule-2022/)** **[Registration](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2026-wings-over-water-festival-4815326)** ### 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. #### **2026 RACK CARD** #### [Click here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFuLr8TyCAY) for video information about our festival and the surrounding area. ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/WOW-RackCard-2026-01a-1-scaled.jpg "WOW-RackCard-2026-01a") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/WOW-RackCard-2026-02a-scaled.jpg "WOW-RackCard-2026-02a") ## **Discover the Highlights of the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival.** ## Day by Day Summary March 13 – 15, 2026 **The 2026 festival begins on Friday, March 13.** New this year, you can join us on a guided field trip by charter bus to the Skagit Wildlife Area on Fir Island to visit two of the top birding sites in Skagit County! We will be spending time at Wiley Slough and Hayton Reserve to experience a wide variety of bird species. 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](https://www.blainebythesea.com) or call (360) 332-4544; for Birch Bay, visit [birchbaywa.org](https://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. ### Festival Activities #### Birding Expo **Free activities for the whole family –** Join us on Saturday for our all-day birding expo, with free activities for the whole family, including expert wildlife speakers, Sardis Raptor Center live raptor presentations, kids’ activities, food, art & craft vendors, wildlife exhibits and displays. At the venue’s headquarters table you can also purchase available tickets for field trips and activities. Tickets often sell out before the Festival. **[Pre-registration on-line is recommended due to limited space availability.](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2026-wings-over-water-festival-4815326)** #### Field Trips **Outward Bound Birding Opportunities –** Each year at WOW you can expect excellent birding opportunities on a variety of exciting field trips. Some of our most popular field trips include the Salish Express Open Water Birding Cruise, along with a variety of local guided birding and walking and tours in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo. #### Wildlife Speaker Presentations Join in speaker presentations throughout the day and our keynote presentation at 5 pm to learn more about our feathered friends. Discover the many bird species which live and migrate here to this beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest. Explore the amazing array of foraging, social and grooming behaviors of birds and learn to observe them more intimately in nature. #### Kid’s Birdtastic Activities **Get Creative – On Saturday,** kids will flock to the Blaine Pavilion to build a nest box, enjoy arts and crafts, and some wild surprises. **On Sunday**, Wild Whatcom will be providing hands-on kid’s activities and family nature walks at the BP Heron Center in Birch Bay State Park. ## Venues **Blaine Senior Center**, 763 G Street, Blaine **Semiahmoo Resort & Spa**-Discovery Theater, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine **BP Heron Center**, 7290 Birch Bay State Park, Birch Bay ## In the Media [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Kayaker-for-News-item-with-text-EE-n-Header-300x225.jpg)](https://www.scenicwa.com/story/blaines-wings-over-water-birding-festival) ### [*Scenic Washington365* Article and Photos of the 2019 Wings Over Water Festival](https://www.scenicwa.com/story/blaines-wings-over-water-birding-festival) *Scenic Washington365* Winter, 2019 by Audrey Fraggalosch [Read Article >](https://www.scenicwa.com/story/blaines-wings-over-water-birding-festival) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/mindful-birding.jpg)](http://www.mindfulbirding.org/news/42) ### [Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival honored with Mindful Birding Award](http://www.thenorthernlight.com/2016/12/21/wings-over-water-nw-birding-festival-honored-with-mindful-birding-award/) December 21, 2016 Wings Over Water honored for highlighting ethical birding standards. [View Award >](http://www.mindfulbirding.org/news/42) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/TNL-Story-re-2022-Festival.jpg)](https://www.thenorthernlight.com/stories/wings-over-water-northwest-birding-festival-2022-a-success,19463?) ### [2022 Festival story from *The Northern Light*](https://www.thenorthernlight.com/stories/wings-over-water-northwest-birding-festival-2022-a-success,19463?) *The Northern Light* March 23, 2022 Read the story and see images from the 2022 Wings Over Water NW festival. [Read Article >](https://www.thenorthernlight.com/stories/wings-over-water-northwest-birding-festival-2022-a-success,19463?) --- ### [Register](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/about-festival/register/) **Published:** November 15, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** Our 2026 Festival Schedule is now available. [**Click Here.**](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2026-wings-over-water-festival-4815326) --- ### [Lodging](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/lodging/) **Published:** October 19, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ## About the Area The coastal waters of Drayton Harbor, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo Bay at the northwest corner of Washington State is a major stopover on the Pacific Flyway between Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, B.C., and is within easy driving distance of both. The area 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 city of Blaine provides amenities and numerous festivals and activities throughout the year, and beaches at Birch Bay are safe and popular for recreational activities, including boating, clamming and crabbing. For additional information about the Wings Over Water festival, as well as lodging and area activities, please contact the Blaine Welcome Center, 546 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine, WA 98230, phone: (360) 332-4544, [****or click here**.**](https://blainebythesea.com/) Nearest Airports are: Bellingham International Airport (approx. 20-minute drive to Blaine/Birch Bay) Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (approx. 2-hour drive to Blaine/Birch Bay) Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, Canada (approx. 1-hour drive to Blaine/Birch Bay. Note: A passport or enhanced driver’s license is required to cross the U.S.A./Canada border.) ## Stay Where the Birds Are Local accommodations in Blaine, WA range from 4-star seaside resort to cozy beach cabins and are within a 5 to 10 minute drive from WOW venues. There are also several campgrounds in the area. [**Click here for local accommodation choices.**](https://blainebythesea.com/things-to-do/stay-in-blaine/) ### Semiahmoo Resort, Blaine Semiahmoo Resort Golf & Spa is close to all WOW venues. Enjoy this beautiful seaside resort where you will see bald eagles, loon, brant, and the many other bird species and waterfowl that are here for the spring migration. Experience fine dining, breathtaking views and walks along the shoreline. *****[CLICK HERE](https://be-p2.synxis.com/?adult=1&arrive=2026-03-13&chain=5136&child=0¤cy=USD&depart=2026-03-16&hotel=91887&level=hotel&locale=en-US&productcurrency=USD&promo=9991887418&rooms=1)** **to receive 20% off your stay at Semiahmoo Resort.***** ## Additional Nearby Lodging ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Holidy-Inn-Airport-800x600-1-300x225.jpg)A short 20 minutes away, in Bellingham and near the Bellingham International Airport, the Holiday Inn and Suites will provide a discounted rate. *****[Click Here](https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomrate?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99801505&icdv=99801505&qSlH=BLIHI&qCiD=12&qCiMy=022026&qCoD=16&qCoMy=022026&qGrpCd=OW3&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=HI&qDest=4260%20Mitchell%20Way,%20Bellingham,%20WA,%20US&showApp=true&adjustMonth=false&srb_u=1&qRmFltr=)***** to be taken directly to the hotel’s reservation site and choose “Group Rate” under “Rate Preference” if it’s not automatically shown. Or, call the front desk at 360-746-6844 and ask to book within the Wings Over Water group block. The city of Bellingham, WA, has many additional lodging options. [**Click here for additional information.**](https://www.bellingham.org/hotels-and-resorts) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/semiahmoo-resort-300x225.jpg "semiahmoo resort") --- ### [Newsletter](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/newsletter/) **Published:** January 6, 2023 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** # Sign up for our E-Newsletter "\*" indicates required fields Facebook This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email\* First Name Last Name CAPTCHA Δ --- ### [Speakers 2025](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/about-festival/speakers/) **Published:** December 21, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ## 2026 Keynote Speaker ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Paul_Bannick.jpg) ### 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. ### ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Entranced-Rebecca-Ledger-1-194x300.jpg) ### 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. ### **[Click here to learn more about Rebecca Ledger and to see her work.](https://ebbtideart.com/rebecca-ledger-1)** --- ### [Schedule - 2021](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/schedule-2021/) **Published:** January 18, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ## Join us for our 19th Annual Birding Festival ### Wings Over Water 2021 Northwest Birding Festival has gone virtual and will take place on March 19, 20, 21 with live webinars, video bird walks, kids’ activities and more to enhance your outdoor experience and love of birding! Check back soon for registration information and schedule updates! **Photos on our website are from past years, before current, COVID health directives. We support social distancing and use of masks!** (Please Note: While the Festival has been a vibrant event for over 17 years, many of our business sponsors are hurting this year, leading to a significant impact on our finances. While our virtual event is free please donate, if you are able, to help us continue our event in future years.) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/12828554_1112011805516235_3288630748764010100_o-320x202.jpg "12828554_1112011805516235_3288630748764010100_o")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/12828554_1112011805516235_3288630748764010100_o.jpg) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/1933629_1111887608861988_7655882420748920883_o-320x202.jpg "1933629_1111887608861988_7655882420748920883_o")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/1933629_1111887608861988_7655882420748920883_o.jpg) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/11043450_919838584733559_3449483732164161394_o-320x202.jpg "11043450_919838584733559_3449483732164161394_o")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/11043450_919838584733559_3449483732164161394_o.jpg) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/1465969_1112009225516493_5681224459898463510_o-320x202.jpg "1465969_1112009225516493_5681224459898463510_o")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/1465969_1112009225516493_5681224459898463510_o.jpg) **[Full Schedule](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/events/)** **[Click HERE for event tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/wings-over-water-birding-festival-7839122410)** [**Past Festivals**](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/about-festival/festival-archive/) ### To see our 2020 schedule of events, [Click Here to see a printable version](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2020-Schedule-1-31-20-from-DH.pdf). **PLEASE NOTE** (posted 03/11/20): Although the 2020 event described throughout our website has been cancelled due to concerns related to the COVID-19 virus, we continue to show our planned, though now cancelled, 2020 program. We are looking forward to March 19-21, 2021, as many of our featured speakers have already agreed to participate in what promises to be a wonderful event next year! - [#### Friday Schedule](#tab-765e6141445a51a1cc8) - [#### Saturday Schedule](#tab-f5af354fb0dc62f8225) - [#### Sunday Schedule](#tab-7ffafdbedfeab59117b) - [#### Friday Schedule](#tab-765e6141445a51a1cc8) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Saturday Schedule](#tab-f5af354fb0dc62f8225) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Sunday Schedule](#tab-7ffafdbedfeab59117b) Notice There are no upcoming events. ### See the Schedule by Event Type - [#### Field Trips](#tab-7c0bcef496a01f26868) - [#### Workshops & Presentations](#tab-fd816a82116a4b2e811) - [#### Birding Cruises](#tab-bc276b6088745d51932) - [#### Kids Activities](#tab-22fbfa1bc08990801db) - [#### Photography](#tab-0eda70883c589cbaf47) - [#### Featured & Special Events](#tab-a27064e90406d5fe835) - [#### Field Trips](#tab-7c0bcef496a01f26868) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Workshops & Presentations](#tab-fd816a82116a4b2e811) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Birding Cruises](#tab-bc276b6088745d51932) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Kids Activities](#tab-22fbfa1bc08990801db) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Photography](#tab-0eda70883c589cbaf47) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Featured & Special Events](#tab-a27064e90406d5fe835) Notice There are no upcoming events. ### [See a Searchable Events List](/events/) --- ### [Become a Sponsor](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/) **Published:** November 10, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** # Donate or Sponsor WOW Thanks for your interest in donating to or sponsoring Wings Over Water. **We appreciate your support:** We are a frugal organization, and almost all planning and event work is done by unpaid volunteers. However, advertising, which we do locally, nationally, and internationally, event presentation room rentals, speaker fees, and so on, are expensive. We receive the majority of our funding through donations from local businesses and individuals, and very much need your support. Your tax deductible donation to this event will help ensure its success. If you prefer to send in a check or pay with cash, please [**click this link**](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/WOW-2020-Sponsorship-Form.pdf) to download the donation form and mail it to the address on the form. We appreciate your making a generous tax-deductible donation to the festival in one of the following categories: ($20 minimum required) - Wings Over Water Festival Corporate Sponsor: $1000 or more - Wings Over Water Festival Sponsor: $500- $999 - Wings Over Water Supporter: $200-$499 - Friends of Wings Over Water: up to $199 Click the Donate button below to make your secure donation to the Wings Over Water Festival using PayPal, Debit or Credit Card. ![](https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif) --- ### [Contact](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/contact/) **Published:** June 12, 2014 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival Blaine, WA [Find us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/WingsOverWater/) Hashtag #WOWNWBIRDS ### Contact Use this form for general inquiries about our product and services. - Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. - Name\* First Last - Business Name - Phone\* - Email\* - What can we help you with?\* Δ --- ### [Schedule](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/about-festival/schedule/) **Published:** December 21, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ## 2020 Festival Schedule (CANCELLED, see Home Page for Details) ### Join us for our 18th Annual Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival (Sadly, Cancelled) Although our 2020 Festival has been cancelled, our previously-announced, 2020 online program is shown below, and a printable program is available through the link below. Standard Reminder: Events often sell out quickly! The Festival Opening Dinner and Featured Artist Reception, the Birder’s Breakfast, and other events have limited seating. Buying tickets online, in advance, can reserve your space for dinners, bus trips, cruises, and other events. While there may be unsold tickets at the Festival Headquarters table on Saturday beginning at 8:30am, on-site ticket availability is not guaranteed. Please consider booking online, in advance! [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/12828554_1112011805516235_3288630748764010100_o-320x202.jpg "12828554_1112011805516235_3288630748764010100_o")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/12828554_1112011805516235_3288630748764010100_o.jpg) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/1933629_1111887608861988_7655882420748920883_o-320x202.jpg "1933629_1111887608861988_7655882420748920883_o")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/1933629_1111887608861988_7655882420748920883_o.jpg) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/11043450_919838584733559_3449483732164161394_o-320x202.jpg "11043450_919838584733559_3449483732164161394_o")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/11043450_919838584733559_3449483732164161394_o.jpg) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/1465969_1112009225516493_5681224459898463510_o-320x202.jpg "1465969_1112009225516493_5681224459898463510_o")](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/1465969_1112009225516493_5681224459898463510_o.jpg) **[Full Schedule](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/events/)** **[Click HERE for event tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/wings-over-water-birding-festival-7839122410)** [**Past Festivals**](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/about-festival/festival-archive/) ### To see our 2020 schedule of events, [Click Here to see a printable version](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2020-Schedule-1-31-20-from-DH.pdf). **PLEASE NOTE** (posted 03/11/20): Although the 2020 event described throughout our website has been cancelled due to concerns related to the COVID-19 virus, we continue to show our planned, though now cancelled, 2020 program. We are looking forward to March 19-21, 2021, as many of our featured speakers have already agreed to participate in what promises to be a wonderful event next year! - [#### Friday Schedule](#tab-823c27ad2b88d8c96b9) - [#### Saturday Schedule](#tab-1626bd34cdf8ec8a6f6) - [#### Sunday Schedule](#tab-fc95d36735537bfcad2) - [#### Friday Schedule](#tab-823c27ad2b88d8c96b9) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Saturday Schedule](#tab-1626bd34cdf8ec8a6f6) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Sunday Schedule](#tab-fc95d36735537bfcad2) Notice There are no upcoming events. ### See the Schedule by Event Type - [#### Field Trips](#tab-04c798957dd3c7566bc) - [#### Workshops & Presentations](#tab-a3cdec6708dd8e696fd) - [#### Birding Cruises](#tab-321b78765056cf70aa2) - [#### Kids Activities](#tab-bf5ed599a9972e5f13c) - [#### Photography](#tab-6c83d500081959b681a) - [#### Featured & Special Events](#tab-79ee2b92490b24c0e92) - [#### Field Trips](#tab-04c798957dd3c7566bc) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Workshops & Presentations](#tab-a3cdec6708dd8e696fd) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Birding Cruises](#tab-321b78765056cf70aa2) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Kids Activities](#tab-bf5ed599a9972e5f13c) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Photography](#tab-6c83d500081959b681a) Notice There are no upcoming events. - [#### Featured & Special Events](#tab-79ee2b92490b24c0e92) Notice There are no upcoming events. ### [See a Searchable Events List](/events/) --- ### [Past Festivals](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/about-festival/festival-archive/) **Published:** October 19, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ## Past Event Schedule – 2020 Thinking of attending, but not sure what to expect? Although our 2020 Festival was cancelled due to COVID, take a look to see what what we had planned and the kinds of activities we have at Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival. Please note that our 2021 festival was held virtually due to COVID, but our 2022 Festival will again be live and in-person! **FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020** **Bus Charter Guided Field Trip to Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta, B.C., Canada** **Friday, March 20 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. (Return time is approximate due to unpredictable border wait times.)** **Where: Departure is at 8:00 am from Birch Bay Square (Behind Woods Coffee) 8130 Birch Bay Square Rd, (Off I-5 Exit 270).** **Cost: $48 includes bus charter, entrance fee and bag of bird seed. Lunch: Additional fee for Subway lunch options or bring your own sack lunch. (No glass containers)** Experience a guided field trip to one of Canada’s top birding sites, George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, just a 40minute drive across the border to Delta, B.C., Canada. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Please note: A passport or an enhanced driver’s license is required for crossing the US/Canada border. Sponsored by Mike Kent, Windermere Realty. Space is limited. Tickets may be purchased ahead of time online through Eventbrite at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com or at the bus on the day of the event (if available). Hints: Bring binoculars, camera, sturdy footwear (minor muddy conditions are possible), rain gear or umbrella (think Seattle weather). Dress in layers; it can be cool and windy. Water & snacks are good, too. There are limited snacks available at the sanctuary. Bathrooms are near the entrance of the sanctuary and there is usually a portable unit on the far side of the trial system. **Two Day Advanced Photography Workshop, by Ken Salzman** **Day 1: Friday, March 20, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (classroom)** **Where: Blaine Harbor Boating Center Conference Room, 235 Marine Drive, Blaine** **Please bring camera equipment and a sack lunch.** **Day 2: Saturday, March 21, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (field experience)** **Location to be determined in class on Friday** **Please bring camera equipment** **Cost:** $125 (Includes Friday and Saturday) This is the first time at the festival Ken Salzman has offered an in-depth, day and half photography workshop to include both experience in the classroom and in the field. This is an excellent opportunity for photographers to learn advanced tips and techniques in bird photography. Ken Salzman will take you through what you need to know about camera settings, techniques, and the best ways to set up to get great shots of birds in action. The classroom time on Friday will use photographs, personal experiences and interaction with participants to communicate key ideas, including how to photograph birds from an artistic point of view. Saturday, a field trip for some “hands-on” instruction is included, location to be determined. Ken is an avid birder and photographer and teaches photography courses at Whatcom Community College. Visit his website at www.kensalzman.zenfolio.com Class size is limited to 14. Reservations must be made in advance online through Eventbrite at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. **WOW Festival Opening: Dinner and Featured Artist Reception** **Friday, March 20, 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm** **Where: Great Blue Heron Grill, 870 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine** **Cost: Buffet Dinner $30 No Host Bar \*Early Bird Special: $27 for Dinner Reservations purchased online by March 6.** Everyone is invited to the 18th annual Wings Over Water Opening Dinner and Artist Reception at the Great Blue Heron Grill, Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club. Enjoy a Pacific Northwest Dinner Buffet along with a no host bar. Meet and hear from this year’s featured artists, Rainbow Orca Designs co-founders Wendy & Megan Bloom, and view an exhibit of their original nature and wildlife inspired sculptural art and painted creative works. The evening also features a presentation by Molly Hashimoto Artist and Author, who will talk about her inspiration and the process for writing her latest book, Birds of the West, an Artist’s Guide. The reception also includes a silent auction to raise funds in support of the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival. Seating is limited. \*Tickets may be purchased ahead of time online through Eventbrite at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com or at the door (if available). ## Friday Special Events - Bus Trip to Reifel Bird Sanctuary - Event Opening Dinner/Reception - Silent Auction - Featured Artist Reception **SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020** **Blaine Community Pancake Breakfast** **Saturday, March 21, 8:00 am to 11:00 am** **Where: Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street, Blaine (Across the Street from Blaine Middle School)** **Cost: Children $4, Adults $6 (Breakfast tickets sold at the door)** Start the day at the Blaine Community Center with a hardy breakfast of pancakes, waffles, biscuits and gravy or French toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee & OJ. **Festival Headquarters: Registration, Tickets, & Information** **Where: Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, Blaine** **When: Saturday, March 21, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm** Get event information, make reservations, and purchase tickets for bus and field trips, the Opening Dinner, & Featured Artist Reception, “Birder’s Breakfast,”, and activities. **WOW All Day Birding Expo & Vendors, Festival Headquarters & Information** **Saturday, March 21, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria, 975 H Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free (Fees apply for some activities—see individual events for more information.)** From 10:00am to 5:00pm at the Blaine Middle School, enjoy many free activities for the whole family, including expert wildlife speakers, Sardis Raptor Center live raptor presentations, kids’ activities, food, art & craft vendors, wildlife exhibits, displays and more. The Festival Registration Desk will open at 8:30am to provide information and for available ticket sales for field trips, workshops, and for the Opening Dinner, & Featured Artist Reception and “Birder’s Breakfast. Note that limited-seating events can sell out, so please consider buying tickets in advance online. Expo sponsored by BP Cherry Point Refinery. **Guided Birding and Geology Bus Tour to Semiahmoo Spit** **Saturday, March 21, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm** **Where: Bus departs in front of the Blaine Middle School Cafeteria (975 H St., Blaine)** **Cost: $10 (Includes snack)** This guided field trip offers both the novice and experienced birder the best opportunity to explore the abundance of birds along Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural land spit located between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Enjoy a scenic bus ride around Drayton Harbor and while in route educator, Jim Jorgensen will highlight the local geology landmarks that make this such an intriguing area and premiere birding location. Take a leisurely. 90 minute walk, led by experienced birder, Phil Calise on both a paved walking trail and along the beach to view birds close at hand. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. If time allows, there will also be an opportunity for a brief stop at the Alaska Packers Association Museum. Sponsored by AMS, Print and Mail Specialists. Space is limited. Tickets may be purchased ahead of time online through Eventbrite at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. Available tickets can be purchased in person on Saturday, starting at 8:30 am at the WOW Headquarters, Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, Blaine. **Salish Sea Open Water Birding & Wildlife Cruise, by San Juan Cruises** **Saturday, March 21, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Arrive at the boat dock no later than 9:45 am. Boat departs promptly at 10:00 am)** **Where: Semiahmoo Resort Plover Dock on Semiahmoo Spit, 9565 Semiahmoo Dr., Blaine** **Cost: $50 per person.** Join us for a two-hour offshore cruise from Semiahmoo Spit aboard the 50-foot Salish Sea. View a diverse variety of birds in the rich waters of Boundary Bay and Semiahmoo Bay. 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. (The cruise is subject to cancellation due to rough sea conditions. If this should happen, prepaid registration fees will be refunded.) Alcoa Intalco Works. Please note that there is a 10:00 am to noon and a 12:30 to 2:30 pm cruise. Seating is limited and may be sold out prior to the festival. Tickets may be purchased ahead of time online at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. Available tickets may be purchased in person on Saturday, March 21st, starting at 8:30 am at WOW Festival Headquarters, Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, Blaine. **Plover Passenger Ferry Nature Cruise (Departs Hourly)** **Saturday, March 21, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Departure on the Hour; last departure at 3:00 pm)** **Where: Blaine Harbor Boating Center, Visitor Dock, 235 Marine Drive, Blaine** **Cost: $6** NOTE: Tickets will not be available at the dock. Tickets are available prior to the festival online or in person at WOW Festival Headquarters, Blaine Middle School (975 H St.), and must be purchased before you before you arrive at the dock. The historic Plover Ferry will take passengers on an approximately 45 minute nature cruise along Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay. A knowledgeable birder will be on board to point out the wildlife and birds along the way. Dress appropriately for inclement weather. For details on the MV Plover Passenger Ferry, visit: www.DraytonHarborMaritime.com. (Plover Ferry trips are subject to cancellation due to rough sea conditions. If this should happen, prepaid registration fees will be refunded.) Sponsored by Blaine Harbor, Port of Bellingham. Seating is limited and may be sold out prior to the festival, but tickets may be purchased ahead of time online at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. Available tickets may be purchased in person on Saturday, March 21 starting at 8:30 am at the Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, Blaine. **Kids’ Activities** **Saturday, March 21, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free** All day kids’ activities, including arts & crafts, games, face painting and some wild surprises! Sponsored by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. **Kids’ Birdhouse Building** **Saturday, March 21, 10:00 am ’till gone** **Where: Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, Blaine** **Cost: $2 Recommended Donation** Build a bird house to invite local birds to make your back yard their home. (For children to age 14, while supplies last.) Sponsored by Pacific Building Center. **North Cascades Audubon Society Bird Viewing Stations** **Saturday, March 21, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm** **Where: Viewing Station maps will be available at the festival headquarters, Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free** Seeing is believing! You will be amazed at the number of interesting bird species you can see close at hand and viewed through a spotting scope. Knowledgeable birders from North Cascades Audubon will assist and answer questions. Sponsored by North Cascades Audubon. **Introduction to Raptors of NW Washington, by Sue Cottrell** **Saturday, March 21, 10:00 am to 11:30 am** **Where: Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free** Learn to recognize the most common species of raptors in Northwest Washington. Sue Cottrell, Raptor Researcher with Falcon Research Group will introduce you to the field characteristics, common behaviors as well as the best locations to view these magnificent birds! Sponsored by the Law Firm of Chmelik, Sitkin and Davis. **Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Fishing Museum** **Saturday, March 21, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm** **Where: 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine** **Cost: Free (donations welcome)** Experience local maritime history! Housed in an original Alaska Packers cannery building, the museum’s 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 about the museum, go to: www.DraytonHarborMaritime.com **Block Printing Demonstration, by Artist & Author Molly Hoshimoto** **Saturday, March 21, 10:00 am to 11:00 am** **Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria (Classrooom), 975 H Street, BlaineCost: Free** Learn how Molly creates the block prints that appear on Pomegranate notecards and in her book Birds of the West: An Artist’s Guide. Demonstration will show the full process from designing, drawing, carving the block, inking it and printing it, and hand-tinting with watercolor. Sponsored by ProPack Better Bird Identification , by Joe Meche **Saturday, March 21, 10:30 am – 11:30 am** **Where: Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive, Blaine** **Cost: Free** Are you new to birding or do you want to improve your bird identification skills? Learn a practical method for field identification through the Peterson Identification System. Joe Meche has been a birder for over 65 years as well is a well-known local writer and photographer. Sponsored by Freeman Real Estate. **Youth “Wildlife Art” Workshop, by Rainbow Orca Designs artist Wendy Bloom** **Saturday, March 21, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm** **Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria(Classroom), 975 H Street, Blaine** **Maximum 15 participants (Ages 8 and up)** **Cost: Free** Pacific Northwest artists Megan and Wendy Bloom, creators of Rainbow Orca Designs are this year’s featured artists. Along with exhibiting their nature and wildlife indoor sculptural art and paintings at the Wings Over Water Expo, Wendy will be leading a nature-inspired art workshop for youth. Wendy will guide workshop participants through the creation of a watercolor painting using “pen outline-and wash” technique. Students will be creating a bird inspired painting using liquid watercolors. Sponsored by Blaine-Birch Bay Parks and Rec, Dist. 2 **Presentation: Create Your Own Backyard Bird Haven by Pam Borso, North Cascades Audubon** **Saturday, March 21, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm** **Where: Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free** Pam Borso, from North Cascades Audubon Society will provide you with the information and resources to create your own backyard bird haven. Learn with some careful plant choices and by adding some natural features to your landscape how to attract and offer refuge and protection for birds and other wildlife. Sponsored by North Cascades Audubon **Presentation: What eBird Can do for You** **by Top eBirder’s Amanda Colbert, Pauline Sterin and Eric Ellingson** **Saturday, March 21, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria (Class Room) 975 H Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free** How does eBird make you a better birder? See how this user-friendly app can help you find the best places to bird, find specific birds, keep track of which birds you see at what time of year, share your sightings with others, and store your photographs, all with one elegant tool. And it’s a practical step everyone can take to help protect birds. Experienced eBird users will present the range of benefits to using this tool and give you resources to become an experienced eBirder yourself. They also will be available for a limited time after the program to help individuals get started. **Live Raptor Presentation: “Hunters of the Sky,” by Sardis Raptor Center** **Saturday, March 21, Noon to 1:30 pm** **Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria, 975 H Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free** This is an exciting opportunity to have an up-close experience with many magnificent birds of prey, including owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles. All birds shown have injuries that prevent their return to the wild and are residents of the center. Sponsored by Bob and Lois Franco. **Day to Day Dance & Nightingale Choir Performance** **Saturday, March 21, 2 pm to 3 pm** **Where: Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free** Enjoy a delightful arrangement of a dance and song performance about our feathered friends. The dance, choreographed by award-winning dance instructor, May Lou Sanelli will be performed by Day to Day dance students and will be followed by a medley of songs by the Blaine Elementary Nightingale Choir led by Blaine School Music Instructor, Brian Myrick. Birding Field Trip: Blaine Harbor & Marine Park, by Joe Meche Saturday, March 21, Noon to 2:00 pm Where: Meet at Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive, Blaine Cost: Free Take a walk along the waterfront at Blaine Harbor and Marine Park with expert birder, Joe Meche, who know this area intimately to help spot the birds and wildlife along the way of this most northerly Important Bird Area (IBA) of Washington. Dress for inclement weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. **Salish Sea Open Water Birding & Wildlife Cruise, by San Juan Cruises** **Saturday, March 21, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm (Arrive at dock by 12:15 – Boat leaves promptly at 12:30 pm).** **Where: Boat departs from Semiahmoo Resort Plover Dock, Semiahmoo Spit, 9565 Semiahmoo Dr., Blaine** **Cost: $50 per person** Join us for a two-hour offshore cruise from Semiahmoo Spit aboard the 50-foot Salish Sea. View a diverse variety of birds in the rich waters of Boundary Bay and Semiahmoo Bay. 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. (The cruise is subject to cancellation due to rough sea conditions. If this should happen, prepaid registration fees will be refunded.) Sponsored by Phillips 66 Seating is limited and may be sold out prior to the festival. Tickets may be purchased ahead of time online through Eventbrite at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. Available tickets may be purchased in person on Saturday, March 21st starting at 8:30 am at WOW Festival Headquarters, Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, Blaine. **Explore the Geology and the Birds of Birch Bay** **Saturday, March 21, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm** **Where: Bus departs in front of the Blaine Middle School Cafeteria (975 H St., Blaine)** **Cost: $10 (Includes snack)** This field trip offers both the novice and experienced birder the best opportunity to explore the abundance of birds along Birch Bay’s shoreline and wetlands. Enjoy a scenic bus ride and learn about the fascinating geology that makes this such an intriguing area and premiere birding location. Take a leisurely walk with naturalist, Paul Woodcock, along withgeologist and avid birder Mike Price, and local birder and photographer, Wayne Diaz to view birds close at hand. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Sponsored by Boundary Fish. Space is limited and may be sold out prior to the festival, but tickets may be purchased ahead of time online at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. Available tickets may be purchased in person on Saturday, March 21st, starting at 8:30 am at the WOW Festival Headquarters, Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, Blaine. **Live Raptor Presentation: “Hunters of the Sky,” by Sardis Raptor Center** **Saturday, March 21, 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria, 975 H Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free** This is an exciting opportunity to have an up-close experience with many magnificent birds of prey, including owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles. All birds shown have injuries that prevent their return to the wild and are residents of the center. Sponsored by Bob and Lois Franco. **Film Presentation: Feathers and Frontiers** **Saturday, March 21, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Middle School Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free** Learn about the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, located in our neighboring state of Idaho, this 485,000-acre area, along 81 miles of the Snake River, is home to the densest population of nesting birds of prey in North America and perhaps the world. Both the film maker and the BLM Manager of this incredible place will be on hand to answer questions! The film will last approximately 41minutes, followed by questions and comments from the audience. **“Owls and their Habitats across the Northwest”** **Featured, Keynote Presentation by Paul Bannick** **Saturday, March 21, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm** **Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free (donations welcome)** Through intimate images Paul will explore the Pacific Northwest by Owl habitats. This unique, new presentation will feature intimate new images and stories of owls and some of the birds and wildlife that share their habitats. Sponsored by Kathy Stauffer, Windermere Real Estate. ## Saturday Special Events - All Day Birding Expo - Indoor & Outdoor Activities - Guided Bird Walks ## Featured Presentation: Paul Bannick **Keynote Presentation by Paul Bannick** **SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2020** **Breakfast for Birders (includes presentation: Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink** **Sunday, March 22, 9:00 am to 11:00 am** **Where: Great Blue Heron Grill, Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, 8720 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine** **Cost: $20** Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet and presentation in the comfortable and beautiful setting of Semiahmoo Golf Club’s Great Blue Heron Grill. Breakfast is at 9:00 am, followed by a presentation by Trina Bayard, Ph.D. Director of Bird Conservation, Audubon Washington Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink. Trina’s presentation is based on Audubon Washington’s recent report, Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink which reveals that birds face unprecedented challenges from climate change. It also offers us hope on how we can help them. “Our choices today will ripple across decades and centuries to define the future of North American birds, and so much else. Only making changes now, in our lives, communities, and beyond, can we ensure their survival.” Learn what we can do to make a difference. Sponsored by Dave Hiller, Realtor serving NW Washington with Remax Realty. Please note that breakfast seating is limited and may be sold out prior to the festival, but tickets may be purchased ahead of time online through Eventbrite at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. You may also purchase tickets, if available, on Saturday, March 21st at the festival headquarters, Blaine Middle School Cafeteria, 975 H St., Blaine, or at the door at the event. **Beginning Bird Photography by photographer Paul Bannick** **Sunday, March 22, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm** **Where: Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club’s Great Blue Heron Grill, 8720 Semiahmoo Pkwy** **Cost: $15** A unique opportunity to learn from Paul Bannick, award-winning wildlife photographer, and author who specializes in the natural history of North America. Paul will use photographs, personal stories and interaction to inspire the photographer in all of us. No need to own a camera or lenses to take this class. Reservations are recommended for this workshop, and can be made online through Eventbrite at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com, or in person on Saturday, March 21st, starting at 8:30 am at the WOW Festival Headquarters, Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, Blaine. **Birding Walk at Birch Bay** **Sunday, March 22, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm** **Where: BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park\* 7878 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine** **Cost: Free** Join a guided birding walk and explore the trails and shoreline within Birch Bay State Park. . Wear comfortable walking shoes. \*A Discover Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park. A pass can be purchased at kiosks in the park. **Birding Walk at Semiahmoo Spit** **Sunday, March 22, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm** **Where: Meet at the Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Fishing Museum parking lot,** **9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine.** **Cost: Free** Come along on a guided birding walk along Semiahmoo Spit. Wear comfortable walking shoes. **Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Fishing Museum** **Saturday, March 22, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm** **Where: 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine** **Cost: Free (donations welcome)** Experience local maritime history. Housed in an original Alaska Packers cannery building, the museum’s 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 about the museum, go to: www.DraytonHarborMaritime.com ## Sunday Special Events - Birding Breakfast & Speakers - Bird and Photo Walks --- ### [Bird Viewing Locations](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/about-festival/birding-stations/) **Published:** December 21, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ## Bird Viewing Locations ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/viewing-station-image010-300x225.jpg) Virtually explore three premiere birding locations guided by expert birders, who intimately know these areas and the birds here in this beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest. #### Explore on Your Own: [Click Here to view or print a location map and bird checklist.](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/WOW-pamphlet_2021.pdf) [Click Here to view Birch Bay and Semiahmoo route maps and geology information.](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Geology-Maps-2021-Birch-Bay-n-Semiahmoo-Route.pdf) [Click Here to view a map of Whatcom County birding locations.](https://www.northcascadesaudubon.org/birding/locations) --- ### [Festival Live Stream Viewing](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/festival-live-stream-viewing/) **Published:** March 17, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ## [**WATCH THE VIRTUAL FESTIVAL** ](https://www.dlsmedia.net/live) ### **NOTE: You will need to refresh the browser after each presentation. Previously recorded presentations can also be viewed on this page.** --- ### [Exhibitor/Artist Application](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/vendor-application/) **Published:** November 21, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** # Participate as an Exhibitor/Artist ### WOW Exhibitor/Artist Application - There is no charge for registered non-profit organizations, however we do encourage bringing a craft or interactive activity to promote an educational experience for attendees. This is an indoor event, tables are provided, but please bring your own chairs, extension cord, etc. Check in & set up 7 am – 10am. Please Note: Priority is given to exhibitors who are educational, wildlife-birding-conservation related, or handmade arts & crafts and photography. Commercial and non-educational vendors will be placed on a waiting list and only be accepted if space allows. **Deadline for application is three weeks before the festival.** - Name\* First Last - Company Name - Email\* - Address\* Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands Country - Phone\* - What is your product or service?\* - Please enter your name below as a signature to show that you agree to the following: I, the undersigned and any other persons helping in my booth/concession, hereby agree to hold harmless the Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival, the Blaine Chamber of Commerce, the City of Blaine, their agents, or any other person, place or thing, fictitious or real, against any breakage, damage to goods, the weather, acts of God, illness, accident, theft, fire or any other claim I may make against any or all of the heretofore mentioned persons, places or things involved when participating in the Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival. It is agreed I will collect and pay my own Washington State Sales Tax, if applicable, and I assume all liabilities while marketing my wares. If a food vendor, I will comply with Whatcom County health regulations. - Enter your name to agree to the above\* - Date\* MM slash DD slash YYYY Δ --- ### [Photos](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/birds/photos/) **Published:** November 13, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ## Photos and Videos of Local Birds [## Birds of Whatcom County, WA](https://flic.kr/s/aHskKxabpz) Viewed through the lens of Eric Ellingson, 2011 to Current [## Whatcom County Bird Photos](http://www.ckimageart.com/) by Chuck Kinzer ### More than 80 species of birds to see in Blaine Slide show of about 85 different species of birds that can be seen in the Blaine area. ### The Dunlins at Blaine, WA Thousands of Dunlin take flight at Drayton Harbor Boat Launch in Blaine Washington --- ### [Bird Watching Ethics](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/birds/ethics/) **Published:** October 19, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ## Guidelines for Ethical, Safe, & Informed Birding ### Put the Birds First—You’re Just an Observer - The welfare of birds must come first. Bird-watchers / photographers should have no impact on birds. Respect birds’ territories…keep a reasonable distance - Do not flush birds or try to make them fly - Using recorded calls to attract birds stops them from important activities like feeding. Playback to attract a species during its breeding season is especially harmful - Just use your eyes and binoculars/spotting scopes. Laser pointers, flashlights and spotlights are stressful to birds, as is flash photography - Sit or crouch so that you appear smaller, and keep movements slow and steady - Only handle birds, nests, and eggs for recognized, sanctioned research purposes - Keep dogs on a leash, unless in off-leash areas. Clean up dog waste and keep dogs from chasing birds ### Be Safe and Respect Private and Public Property - It’s unsafe to stop your vehicle in a traffic lane. Always pull completely onto the road shoulder to view birds smf if there’s no shoulder, move on - Wear appropriate clothes, including footwear, and remember sun protection gear such as sunscreen and sunglasses. Wear visible, bright clothing if birding during hunting season - Stay hydrated on long birding hikes - Tell others of your plans in case you fail to return. Carry a cell phone if possible, but turn off its ringer - Respect private property; Ask permission before entering private property - Follow rules and regulations of public areas, including leash rules for dogs. Stay on marked trails and be aware of restricted areas - Practice common courtesy when interacting with others. Avoid behavior that may distract other birders. Hold conversations in low tones ### Enjoy Your Birding Experience: Have Fun and Support Conservation - Be patient—take the time to observe - Learn about birds through publications, websites, and local and national societies, and educate others - Support the protection of bird habitat - Observe in the natural habitat. Don’t move dead branches, brush or tree limbs to see birds more clearly - Use trails to avoid tramping vegetation - Leave nothing behind but footprints. Dispose of litter and waste properly The above guidelines are based on those published by and are also summarized from the publications and organizations noted on that site on the dates shown, specifically: American Birding Association, accessed 2014; Birding ethics article on about.com by Melissa Mayntz, accessed 2014 and updated December 2015; BirdLife Australia, accessed 2014; British Bird Lovers, accessed 2014; Florida Birding Trail, accessed 2014; Lake Region Audubon Society, accessed 2014; Malaysian Nature Society Bird Conservation Council, accessed 2014; Mangalajodi Eco Tourism, accessed 2014; Mecklenburg Audubon, accessed 2014; Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, accessed 2014; Mountain Bird Festival, accessed 2014 and updated December 2015; Ontario Field Ornithologists, accessed 2014; Portland Audubon, accessed 2014; Sibley’s Birding Basics, accessed 2014; Yosemite National Park, accessed 2014. ### More information about birds and ethical birding practices can be found using the link below: - [American Birding Association](http://listing.aba.org/ethics/) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/AADavid-Riffle-PaulWSemiBirdingGroup-copy.jpg "AADavid Riffle- PaulWSemiBirdingGroup copy") --- ### [Activities for Kids](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/kids-activities/) **Published:** January 23, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** # Welcome Young Birders **Birds are all around us!** Everywhere you look, you can find birds. Whether you are taking a car trip, at the beach or just out in a local park, there are birds in the sky in the water and in the trees. The cool thing is that wherever you go, you can see new birds that you saw in another area. **Birding! It is an excuse to get outside!** When you are outside, you can find new places wherever you look. Therefore, there are practically infinite places to go. After you have been outside birding for a while, whether it is just for a walk or for a serious bird study, you will start to notice things you have never seen before. **Once you look at birds for a while, you start to see details in the birds you are looking at.** Noticing detail is important in all aspects of life. In bird watching, this skill helps you see small field-marks are hard to see. You can also draw birds better if you can pay attention to detail. Learn more at **[birdwatchersdigest.com.](https://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwdsite/connect/youngbirders/top-ten-reasons-to-become-birder.php)** This FeederWatch cam is located in the Treman Bird Feeding Garden at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York. Perched on the edge of both Sapsucker Woods and its 10-acre pond, these feeders attract both forest species like chickadees and woodpeckers as well as some species that prefer open environments near water like Red-winged Blackbirds. *(from the Cornell Lab YouTube page)* ## **FURTHER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS** **Click the links below for more family fun and birding** [**Audubon for Kids**](https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/activities/audubon-for-kids?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_9iBgduy7gIVg3wrCh3bug84EAAYASAAEgJ3VPD_BwE#week1) [**Bird-Watching Activities for Kids**](https://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/family/activities/bird-watching-activities-for-kids.htm) [**Lessons & Activities from The Cornell Lab**](https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/get-started/) [**More Bird Cams from The Cornell Lab**](https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/cornell-lab-feederwatch/) [**Ornitherapy Challenge** ](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/WOW-Ornitherapy-ChallengeBooklet.pdf) **[Bird Count Cards](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Bird-Count-CardsWeb.pdf)** [**Make A Pine Cone Bird Feeder**](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/pine-cone-feeder.pdf) **[Great Backyard Bird Count Word Search](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/WordSearch_PDF.pdf)** [**BirdSleuth Explorer’s Guidebook by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology**](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BirdSleuth-Explorer-Guidebook_Teachers-and-Families-1.pdf) [**What Bird Am I? Online Quiz**](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/?page_id=1666&preview=true) **[Learn My Song](https://indd.adobe.com/view/1938b878-3b3f-4ef0-8b4b-20a83087275f)** [**Bird Scavenger Hunt**](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Bird-Scavenger-Hunt.pdf) **[Bird Puppet for Races](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Bird-Puppets-for-Races.pdf)** [**Kids Northwest Birding Pamphlet**](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/WOW-Festival-Kids-Pamphlet-No-Year.pdf) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/bird-songs-2-320x202.jpg) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/flowers-320x202.jpg) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/wow-5-320x202.jpg) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/1933635_1111919445525471_1210750217110979843_o-320x202.jpg) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/20140315_114059-320x202.jpg) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_0912-320x202.jpg) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_0894-320x202.jpg) --- ### [Speakers - copy from 2021 virtual](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/speakers-copy-from-2021-virtual/) **Published:** March 2, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** ## Keynote Speaker ### ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Mel-Waters-800x600-mod1-300x225.jpg)Mel Walters **Mel Walters** is a dedicated wildlife biologist who is known for his many contributions to bird conservation, most notably through his long and successful career with Puget Sound Energy (PSE). Widely known at the company as ”The Bird Guy,” Mel has been instrumental in the development of environmental and wildlife programs at PSE, particularly its nationally recognized Avian Protection Program, which is the first and most successful Avian Protection Program in the Northwest. Through his keynote presentation *Bird on a Wire*, Mel will share the steps PSE has taken to fly high in being bird friendly and a leader in its field in making our communities better and safer for birds. Find out why birds are vulnerable to powerline hazards, such as electrocution and wire strikes, and what is being done through the Avian Protection Program to prevent them from injury and death. Learn about what you should do if you come across an injured bird due to an electrical wire contact and what other organizations are working to rehabilitate and protect birds in our communities. ## Featured Artist ### **![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Laurel-Mundy-800x600-mod1-300x225.jpg)** ### Laurel Mundy Laurel Mundy is a natural science illustrator and birder based out of her tiny home in the woods of rural Snohomish County. She became a birder after studying ecology in undergrad and working with spotted owls for the first few years after graduating—introducing her to a life of field work and intimately getting to know an imperiled species Her work, mostly featuring birds of the western United States, is inspired by her trips around her home state and the west—and a desire to capture the unique personality of each species and place. She hopes folks will enjoy the whimsical nature of her artwork, while also learning a thing or two about what we can do to help protect our native wildlife and ecosystems. Since studying Science Illustration in graduate school, she has continued to mix creating artwork with time spent outdoors, working with biologists to create illustrations highlighting ecology and conservation issues. She has worked with organizations and institutions such as the National Park Service, Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, Seattle Audubon Society, The Wildlife Society, and many others. **[Click here to learn more about Laurel and to see her work.](http://www.laurelmundy.com/)** ## Live Webinar Speakers (in 2021) While we anticipate our 2022 Festival will be in-person and on-the-ground, we provide the following to give you an idea of what to expect in our 2022 in-person event. ### **![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Richard-Headshot-800x600-1-300x225.jpg)Richard Crossley** Richard Crossley is an internationally acclaimed birder, photographer and award-winning author of *The Crossley ID Guide* series and co-author of *The Shorebird Guide*. His stunningly illustrated guides provide a wealth of visual information of birds and their various behavior as seen in their natural habitat providing a revolutionary real-life approach to bird identification. His latest book, *The Crossley ID Guide: Western Birds,* is expected in print March 2021, along with the co-authored *Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul*. Crossley has contributed to most major birding publications, is frequently heard on radio, and is a highly sought-after public speaker. Join in a live webinar with Richard as he shares his background and perspective on birding worldwide, as well as learn how to vastly improve your ability to identify birds whether a beginner or an expert! Learn more about Richard at [crossleybooks.com](https://crossleybooks.com/)., [thecrossleyidbootcamp.com](https://www.thecrossleyidbootcamp.com/) ### **![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Holly-Merker-headshot-image-800x600-1-300x225.jpg)Holly Merker** Holly Merker is an 18-year cancer survivor who credits ornitherapy as a powerful tool in her arsenal of weapons in fighting cancer and restoring health of mind and body. An environmental educator, she employs birds and nature to achieve mental, physical, and emotional wellness for the people she works with. Holly has co-authored the book *Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul* (Crossley Books, 2021) Holly has been a birding instructor for National Audubon, Red Knot Outfitters Birding Guides, and the American Birding Association. She serves as the Pennsylvania State Coordinator for Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird.org. Holly will be offering two live webinars during the festival: Ornitherapy: Learn about the benefits and how to incorporate Ornitherapy into your daily life and Opportunities in Making Impacts in Understanding Bird Populations and Migration using eBird. Learn more about Holly at: [ornitherapy.com](https://ornitherapy.com/) ### **![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Sue-Cottrell-bio-pic-800x600-1-300x225.jpg)** ### **Sue Cottrell** Sue Cottrell has studied birds of prey and guided outdoor trips for more than 30 years including trapping and banding raptors. She is the founder of Raptor Studies Northwest, a 501(c)3 organization devoted to the education of the public, and conservation of raptors in the Pacific Northwest. She will be providing a live webinar: Introduction to Raptors of NW Washington. Her presentation will introduce you to the field characteristics and behaviors of the most common species of raptors found in Northwest Washington in order to learn to identify them as well as find the best locations to get outside and view these amazing birds! Learn more at [https://raptorresearchnw.org/](https://raptorresearchnw.org) ### **![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Amy-Eberling-Headshot-800x600-1-300x225.jpg)** ### Amy Eberling Amy is the founding Director of a nonprofit called The Salish Sea School and is fiercely passionate about cultivating student leaders in marine conservation through unique and purposefully tailored programs on or near the water. These programs are designed to bring marine science and research alive in ways that inspire personal conservation. Marine birds and seabirds were “love at first flight” for Amy as she began to experience the multitude of incredible marine birds that rely on the Salish Sea. Her goal is to teach students about these amazing marine birds and bring students into the bird conservation conversation. This includes an intense focus on and development of a student research project on the endangered Tufted Puffin population at Smith Island. ### **![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Amanda-Colbert-Headshot-800x600-1-300x225.jpg)** ### Amanda Colbert Amanda Colbert works as the Education Assistant for the nonprofit Orca Network, connecting people to the whales of the Pacific Northwest. She is also a co-educator with The Salish Sea School. In both capacities, Amanda strives to educate people of all ages about the diverse marine wildlife in the Salish Sea and the importance of providing them safe and healthy habitats. Through obtaining her marine naturalist certification, Amanda was also introduced to this region’s avian world, and she found a fast love for birds! In the last four years she’s become an avid birder and is learning to identify birds not just by sight but by sound, as well. Amanda has led boat-based tours for school groups in Puget Sound as well as aboard Snow Goose for North Cascade Institutes’ pelagic trip that generally takes place in the fall. Amanda is assisting The Salish Sea School in gathering survey and behavioral data on the endangered Tufted Puffins that breed at Smith Island. ### **![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Joe-Meche-bio-Photo-300x225.jpg)** ### **Joe Meche** Joe Meche is an avid birder, wildlife photographer and writer. A founder of the festival and a favorite speaker at Wings Over Water for the last 17 years, He will be providing a live webinar presentation: A Bird’s Eye View of Their Nests. Through his intimate observation and photography of nesting birds, Joe will discuss and illustrate a variety of nests and elaborate on the concept of man made nesting boxes. In addition, you can take a recorded virtual walk with Joe along a 2 mile loop along the waterfront of Blaine Harbor to learn about the variety of birds of this most northerly Important Bird Area (IBA) of Washington State. See the festival schedule for more details. --- ### [What Bird Am I?](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/what-bird-am-i/) **Published:** January 23, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** Loading… --- ### [In The News](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/in-the-news/) **Published:** October 19, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** # In the Media [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Paul-Bannick-and-Cover.png)](/wp-content/uploads/Natural-history-of-owl-by-Paul-Bannick-a-great-coffee-table-book-for-2017-_-Bellingham-Herald.pdf) ### [The Bookmonger: Bannick is back with great owl photography](/wp-content/uploads/Natural-history-of-owl-by-Paul-Bannick-a-great-coffee-table-book-for-2017-_-Bellingham-Herald.pdf) *The Bellingham Herald* December 22, 2016 by Barbra Lloyd McMichael [Read Article >](/wp-content/uploads/Natural-history-of-owl-by-Paul-Bannick-a-great-coffee-table-book-for-2017-_-Bellingham-Herald.pdf) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/mindful-birding.jpg)](http://www.thenorthernlight.com/2016/12/21/wings-over-water-nw-birding-festival-honored-with-mindful-birding-award/) ### [Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival honored with Mindful Birding Award](http://www.thenorthernlight.com/2016/12/21/wings-over-water-nw-birding-festival-honored-with-mindful-birding-award/) December 21, 2016 by **Stefanie Donahue** Listen to what is being said about this year’s festival… [View Award >](http://www.mindfulbirding.org/news/42) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/LTDU0329.jpg)](http://www.thenorthernlight.com/2016/02/24/blaine-a-bird-watching-paradise/) ### [Blaine a Bird-Watching Paradise](http://www.thenorthernlight.com/2016/02/24/blaine-a-bird-watching-paradise/) *The Northern Light* February 24, 2016 by **Joe Meche** Despite rainy weather, dozens of people turned out for the annual Wings Over Water event. [Read Article >](http://www.thenorthernlight.com/2016/02/24/blaine-a-bird-watching-paradise/) --- ## Venues ### [Blaine Marine Park](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/blaine-marine-park/) **Published:** February 23, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman --- ### [Blaine Community Center](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/blaine-senior-center/) **Published:** February 14, 2023 **Author:** Wings Over Water --- ### [WTA Ferndale Park & Ride](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/wta-ferndale-park-ride/) **Published:** February 6, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman --- ### [O’Reilly Auto Parts Store](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/oreilly-auto-parts-store/) **Published:** March 11, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Ben’s Market #17 & Truck Stop](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/bens-market-17-truck-stop/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Semiahmoo Marina Café](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/semiahmoo-marina-cafe/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Birch Bay Parks and Rec. Gym](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/birch-bay-parks-and-rec-gym/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Semiahmoo Resort](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/semiahmoo-resort-2/) **Published:** February 19, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Northwood Chapel](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/northwood-chapel/) **Published:** March 12, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Blaine Welcome Center](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/blaine-welcome-center/) **Published:** March 12, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Across the Street from CJ’s Beach House Restaurant](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/across-the-street-from-cjs-beach-house-restaurant/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Semiahmoo County Park](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/semiahmoo-county-park/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Blaine Community Pavilion](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/blaine-community-pavilion/) **Published:** February 15, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Webinar](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/webinar/) **Published:** February 23, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water --- ### [Blaine/BIrch Bay Birding Stations](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/blaine-birch-bay-birding-stations/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water --- ### [Wings Over Water Live Stream Link](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/wings-over-water-live-stream-link/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water --- ### [](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/1059/) **Published:** February 5, 2019 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Great Blue Heron Grill at Semiahmoo Gold & Country Club](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/great-blue-heron-grill-at-semiahmoo-gold-country-club/) **Published:** February 2, 2019 **Author:** Wings Over Water --- ### [Semiahmoo Resort Plover Ferry Dock](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/semiahmoo-resort/) **Published:** November 30, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster --- ### [Blaine Harbor Boating Center Visitor Dock](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/blaine-harbor-boating-center-visitor-dock/) **Published:** February 17, 2018 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Blaine Harbor Boating Center](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/blaine-harbor-boating-center-dock/) **Published:** February 16, 2018 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Blaine Performing Arts Center](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/blaine-performing-arts-center/) **Published:** February 17, 2018 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Alaska Packers Assoc. Cannery & Fishing Museum](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/alaska-packers-assoc-cannery-fishing-museum/) **Published:** February 16, 2018 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Blaine Community Center](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/blaine-community-center/) **Published:** November 30, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** Across the Street from Blaine Middle School --- ### [Birch Bay Square (off I-5 exit 270)](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/birch-bay-square-off-i-5-exit-270/) **Published:** February 16, 2018 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** Meet Behind Woods Coffee --- ### [The Vault Wine Bar](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/the-vault-wine-bar/) **Published:** February 16, 2018 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK --- ### [Reifel Bird Sanctuary](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/reifel-bird-sanctuary/) **Published:** November 30, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster --- ### [BP Heron Center](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/bp-heron-center/) **Published:** November 30, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster --- ### [Blaine Middle School](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/venue/blaine-middle-school/) **Published:** November 30, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster --- ## Organizers ### [Wings Over Water Birding Festival](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/organizer/wings-over-water-birding-festival-3/) **Published:** February 24, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water --- ### [Wings Over Water Birding Festival](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/organizer/wings-over-water-birding-festival-2/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water --- ### [Wings Over Water Birding Festival](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/organizer/wings-over-water-birding-festival/) **Published:** February 19, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water --- ## Events ### [NEW! Explore Coast Salish Culture with Artist Jason LaClair](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/new-explore-coast-salish-culture-with-artist-jason-laclair/) **Published:** February 6, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman **Content:** ### NEW THIS YEAR! ## Announcing a Special Presentation: Birds and Wildlife in the Coast Salish Native Culture You are invited to a special presentation exploring the profound connection between nature and Indigenous heritage. Join renowned Coast Salish muralist and visual artist Jason LaClair (Sienum) for an insightful session on the sacred role of birds and wildlife within Lummi and Nooksack traditions. Through the powerful lens of traditional Coast Salish design, storytelling, and symbolism, LaClair will share the cultural significance of the natural world. An artist of Lummi and Nooksack heritage, he is celebrated for his major community murals and public art that honor the Salish Sea, salmon, and local Indigenous history. Following the presentation, attendees can view his artwork, which will be on display at his Birding Expo booth in the Blaine Pavilion. ****Event Details:**** - ****Date & Time:**** Saturday, March 14, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am - ****Location:**** Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street, Blaine - ****Cost:**** Free and open to the public. No registration is required. **Event Categories:** Photography, Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Birding Breakfast And Presentation: "Treats & Tweets"](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/breakfast-for-birders-2019/) **Published:** February 2, 2019 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ### WAKE UP TO TREATS AND TWEETS! **Sunday, March 15, 9:00 am to 11:00 am** **Where: Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street, Blaine** **Cost: $18,\* Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended. Any unsold tickets will be available at the breakfast.** **LIMIT: 50** Join us for a light and nourishing continental breakfast featuring fresh fruit, yogurt, breads and pastries including whole grain and gluten free options, along with freshly brewed coffee, tea, and fruit juice. As we undergo the annual springtime transformation, one of the most conspicuous changes is the incredible abundance of bird song. These vocalizations fill the air with music-like sounds that are a delight to our ears! Biologist Chris Templeton will take us to “Songster School” to explore avian bioacoustics, offering a fresh way to listen to the songs of spring. His presentation will highlight bioacoustics research by his group on song sparrows known for their beautiful songs. You may just leave here whistling a tune! [**Click Here to Pre-Register and Buy Tickets**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982154366067?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Featured & Special Events, Presentation, Sunday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Featured, Keynote Presentation by Paul Bannick](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/washingtons-bird-habitats-through-the-eyes-of-owls/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **FEATURED, KEYNOTE PRESENTATION, BY PAUL BANNICK** **Saturday, March 14, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm** **A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers.** **Where: Blaine Community, Center, 763 G Street, Blaine** **Cost: FREE, REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED, BUT RECOMMENDED** **LIMIT: 100** Paul Bannick is an award-winning author, photographer, and highly sought-after national speaker. His most recent book, Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers, brings together breathtaking photography, compelling video and audio, and the latest science to reveal the extraordinary lives of woodpeckers—one of North America’s most essential bird families, which Bannick calls the “heart of the forest.” In this spellbinding presentation, Paul explores the often-secret lives of woodpeckers, capturing their charismatic behavior, vibrant displays, and sensitive habitats. Featuring more than 200 never-before-published images, he follows woodpeckers through every season—from courtship and nest selection in spring, to life in the nest during summer, fledgling in autumn, and the challenges of surviving winter. As an ardent conservationist, Paul also highlights the critical habitats woodpeckers depend on and what can be done to protect them. Paul’s photography appears in numerous popular bird guides and has earned top honors from prestigious competitions, including Audubon Magazine and the International Conservation Photography Awards. He is also the author of two best-selling books: Owl: A Year in the Life of North American Owls, a Gold Medal winner at the 2017 Independent Publisher Book Awards, and The Owl and the Woodpecker: Encounters with North America’s Most Iconic Birds, which inspired traveling photography exhibits at Washington State’s Burke Museum. [**CLICK HERE to register**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982151511529?aff=oddtdtcreator "Paul Bannick Presentation") **Sponsored by: [Team Stauffer—Windermere Real Estate](https://kathystauffer.com/)** Following the presentation, Paul’s latest book will be available for purchase and signing. **Event Categories:** Featured & Special Events, Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Discover Fascinating Facts about Owls of the Northwest](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/discover-fascinating-facts-about-owls-of-the-northwest/) **Published:** February 8, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman **Content:** **DISCOVER FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT OWLS OF THE NORTHWEST** **Saturday, March 14, 3:00 to 4:30 pm Where: Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street, Blaine Cost: Free, No registration required.** ***Step into the wild with David Drummond,*** a seasoned wildlife biologist and naturalist whose passion for raptors spans a lifetime of field adventures with Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, hawks, and owls. Embark on a journey into the remarkable world of owls, uncovering the secrets behind their extraordinary adaptations for both day and night hunting. Discover the fascinating diversity of Northwest owls, from the ghostly Barn Owl to the mighty Great Horned Owl, the mysterious Barred Owl, and the tiny Northern Pygmy Owl. Explore how these masters of stealth hunt, communicate, and thrive in habitats ranging from the shadowy forests of the Olympic Peninsula to the sweeping grasslands of Eastern Washington. **Event Categories:** Featured & Special Events, Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Birding the Fourth Corner, Wildlife Presentation by Joe Meche](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/birding-the-fourth-corner-wildlife-presentation-by-joe-meche/) **Published:** February 1, 2023 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Birding the Fourth Corner Presentation with Joe Meche** **Saturday, March 14, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm** **Where: Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free, No registration required.** If you look at a map of the United States, you’ll see the geographical four corners of the country. The first corner to be colonized/settled was the Northeast, followed by the Southeast and Southwest. The last of the four corners is the Northwest…the place we call home. It was almost a case of saving the best until last! The Fourth Corner boasts some of the country’s most scenic areas as well as an amazing variety of wildlife. Under the broad umbrella of wildlife is the phenomenal number of birds that are either resident species or migrants stopping by on their seasonal movements. Perfectly tucked away in the Fourth Corner is this beautiful area where we live, snug against the Canadian border with riches beyond compare. Included in those riches are our birds. Joe will show, through his stunning photography, the many bird species that are here on full display during the fall and winter months leading up to spring and the Wings Over Water celebration. *Joe Meche is an avid birder, photographer, and writer and has been birding the 4th Corner since 1977 and continues to be awed by the many birds that are here!* **Event Categories:** Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [NEW! What's Hiding in the Cattails Presentation](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/whats-hiding-in-the-cattails-presentation/) **Published:** February 7, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman **Content:** ### NEW THIS YEAR! ## **What’s Hiding in the Cattails Presentation Presented by Cindy Easterson, Puget Sound Bird Observatory** **Saturday, March 14, 11:00 to 12:30 pm** **Where: Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street, Blaine Cost: Free, No registration required.** Join Cindy Easterson of the Puget Sound Bird Observatory (PSBO) for a behind-the-scenes look at efforts to uncover the secret lives of wetland birds. Learn how PSBO’s Wetland Secretive Birds survey, launched in 2016, has grown to monitor more than 200 wetlands across 11 counties and is revealing new insights into elusive species like the American Bittern, Sora, and Virginia Rail. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just marsh-curious, explore how volunteer-powered science is filling critical data gaps and informing conservation of these iconic marsh birds. *Presenter Cindy Easterson has served on the PSBO board since 2010 and manages PSBO’s Regional Wetland Secretive Bird Monitoring project and Port Susan Bay estuary avian monitoring, in addition to providing oversight for a wide variety of other avian monitoring projects* **Event Categories:** Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Live Raptor Presentation: Sardis Raptor Center “Hunters Of The Sky”*](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/live-raptor-presentation-hunters-of-the-sky-2/) **Published:** March 6, 2019 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **SARDIS RAPTOR CENTER “HUNTERS OF THE SKY” LIVE PRESENTATION\*** **Saturday, March 14, 30 min presentation: 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm\*** **Where: Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free, No registration required.** ***\*There will also be one more presentations during the Expo at 2:30 to 3:00 pm.*** This is an exciting opportunity at the Expo to have an up-close experience with several magnificent live birds of prey. All birds shown have injuries that prevent their return to the wild and are residents of the center. *You can also get outside to view live birds in the wild\* up close through a viewing scope by visiting the viewing stations on site at nearby Blaine Marine Park, Blaine Jorgensen Pier, Semiahmoo Park and Semiahmoo Parkway birding shelter on Saturday during the festival. Maps are available at the Birding Expo. \*The birds most seen at the viewing stations are waterfowl, however it isn’t unusual to see an eagle or other raptor species!* **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Live Raptor Presentation: Sardis Raptor Center “Hunters Of The Sky”*](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/live-raptor-presentation-hunters-of-the-sky-by-sardis-raptor-center-4/) **Published:** February 6, 2024 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **SARDIS RAPTOR CENTER “HUNTERS OF THE SKY” LIVE PRESENTATION\*** **Saturday, March 14, 30 min presentation: 10:30 am to 11:00 am\*** **Where: Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free, No registration required.** ***\*There will also be two more presentations during the Expo: 12:30- 1:00 & 2:30 to 3:00 pm.*** This is an exciting opportunity at the Expo to have an up-close experience with several magnificent live birds of prey. All birds shown have injuries that prevent their return to the wild and are residents of the center. *You can also get outside to view live birds in the wild\* up close through a viewing scope by visiting the viewing stations on site at nearby Blaine Marine Park, Blaine Jorgensen Pier, Semiahmoo Park and Semiahmoo Parkway birding shelter on Saturday during the festival. Maps are available at the Birding Expo. \*The birds most seen at the viewing stations are waterfowl, however it isn’t unusual to see an eagle or other raptor species!* **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [NEW! Macro Madness: Discover the Hidden World Through Your Lens](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/new-macro-madness-discover-the-hidden-world-through-your-lens/) **Published:** February 6, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman **Content:** ### NEW THIS YEAR! ## **Through the Macro Lens: A Close-Up Adventure into Nature** **Saturday, March 14, 9:00 am to 10:am** **Where: Semiahmoo Resort Discovery Theater, 9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine** **Cost: Free, No registration required.\*** 📸 **Join us for an unforgettable journey into the fascinating world of macro photography!** Explore the intricate beauty of local wildlife and uncover the secrets of the “Lilliputian world” with renowned wildlife biologist and photography instructor, Gregory Green. #### **About the Presentation** Gregory Green will take you on a captivating visual journey, showcasing the hidden wonders of local wildlife through the lens of macro photography. From the delicate patterns of butterfly wings to the intricate details of tiny insects, Gregory will reveal the beauty of organisms often overlooked in our everyday lives. This presentation is perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone curious about the miniature marvels of the natural world. **\*Note:** If you’re interested in also attending Gregory’s Photography Workshop which starts at 10:30, please check the schedule for details and registration. *Greg is a career wildlife biologist, writer, photographer, and ecology instructor at Western Washington University. He is also teaching the photography workshop following at 10:30 a.m.* **Event Categories:** Photography, Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Self-Guided Family Story Walk, Birds Near My Home](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/self-guided-family-story-walk-birds-near-my-home/) **Published:** February 23, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman **Content:** **Self-Guided Family Story Walk, Birds Near My Home** **Saturday, March 14, 10:00 am to 5:00** **Where: Blaine Marine Park.** **Access the starting point across from the Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive or the park children’s playground.** Go on an exciting scavenger hunt to find nine favorite Washington state birds at stations located along the Blaine Marine Park Trail. Each station has a bird photo plus information about them from Lori Kothe’s new book, Birds Near My Home and the City by the Sea. A Bird Bingo card can be found at the starting/end places across from the Blaine Harbor Office Boating Center and the children’s Playground. View the Story Walk Map below. Kids will enjoy the discovery of the bird stations and the interesting trivia provided with the bingo card. [![Family Story Walk Bird Map at Wings Over Water Birding Festival](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BirdWalk_Blaine_Marine_Park_proposed_install_map_2026.jpg)](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BirdWalk_Blaine_Marine_Park_proposed_install_map_2026.jpg) **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [Birds and Beaks, Family Bird Investigation](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/looking-for-loons-2/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **BIRDS AND BEAKS: FAMILY BIRD INVESTIGATION** **Saturday, March 14, 10:30 am to 12 pm** **Where: Blaine Marine Park, 235 Marine Drive, Picnic Area** **Space is limited. Adult must accompany children.** **Cost: Free, No registration required. (Best for families with children 5 & up)** Have you ever wondered what makes a bird…a bird? Join experienced naturalists from Wild Whatcom for a family-oriented introduction to birding which includes fun, kid-friendly activities, and a bird walk to explore Blaine Marine Park **Sponsored by: Wild Whatcom & Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Rec Dist. 2.** **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [Live Raptor Presentation: Sardis Raptor Center “Hunters Of The Sky”](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/live-raptor-presentation-hunters-of-the-sky/) **Published:** February 17, 2018 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **SARDIS RAPTOR CENTER “HUNTERS OF THE SKY” LIVE PRESENTATION** **Saturday, March 14, 30 min presentation: 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free, No registration required.** This is an exciting opportunity at the Expo to have an up-close experience with several magnificent live birds of prey. All birds shown have injuries that prevent their return to the wild and are residents of the center. *You can also get outside to view live birds in the wild\* up close through a viewing scope by visiting the viewing stations on site at nearby Blaine Marine Park, Blaine Jorgensen Pier, Semiahmoo Park and Semiahmoo Parkway birding shelter on Saturday during the festival. Maps are available at the Birding Expo. \*The birds most seen at the viewing stations are waterfowl, however it isn’t unusual to see an eagle or other raptor species!* **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Presentation, Saturday Event --- ### [Kids' Nest Box Building](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/kids-nest-box-building/) **Published:** February 6, 2024 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **KIDS’ NEST BOX BUILDING** **Saturday, March 14, 10:00 am ’till gone** **Where: Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine** **Cost: Donations Accepted, No registration required** Build a nest box to invite local birds to make your backyard their home! (This activity requires adult supervision For kid’s up to age 14 while supplies last!). **Sponsored by: Blaine Pacific Building Center** **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [Bird Story Squawk & Draw in the Storytime Room](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/bird-story-squawk-draw-in-the-storytime-room/) **Published:** March 2, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman **Content:** ## **Bird Story Squawk & Draw in the Storytime room** **Saturday, March 14, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street** Come visit the story room to share your favorite bird stories, draw, play, and explore bird sounds at your leisure. Picture book readings of Birds Near My Home in the City by the Sea by author Lori Kothe at 11:30am and 1:30pm. **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [Kid’s Storytime! By Friends of Birch Bay Library](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/enjoy-hot-beverages-kids-storytime/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **KID’S STORYTIME by Friends of Birch Bay Library!** **Saturday, March 14, Storytime & Craft 12 pm to 2 pm Cost: Free, No registration required.** **Where: Blaine Harbor Boating Center** *Provided by Friends of the Birch Bay Library; BP Heron Center provided by Friends of Birch Bay State Park* Kids’ will enjoy a story time, along with a craft and snacks provided by Friends of Birch Bay Library! **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [BIRDTASTIC STORYTIME with author Lori Kothe at 1:30 PM](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/birdtastic-storytime-with-author-lori-kothe-at-130/) **Published:** February 23, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman **Content:** **BIRDTASTIC STORYTIME with author Lori Kothe** **Saturday, March 14, Storytime & Craft • 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm** **Cost: Free, no registration required.** **Where: Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street** Kids will enjoy learning about local Washington birds through activities and storytime with Lori Kothe, author of Birds Near My Home and the City by the Sea. Held in the workshop room of the Center next to the festival Expo, this offers a quiet space for kids to hear about our birds, share a bird story of their own or make a drawing of their favorite bird. **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [BIRDTASTIC STORYTIME with author Lori Kothe @ 11:30 AM](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/birdtastic-storytime-with-author-lori-kothe-1130-am/) **Published:** February 23, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman **Content:** **BIRDTASTIC STORYTIME with author Lori Kothe** **Saturday, March 14, Storytime & Craft 11:30 am and 12:15 pm** **Cost: Free, no registration required.** **Where: Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street** Kids will enjoy learning about local Washington birds through activities and storytime with Lori Kothe, author of Birds Near My Home and the City by the Sea. Held in the workshop room of the Center next to the festival Expo, this offers a quiet space for kids to hear about our birds, share a bird story of their own or make a drawing of their favorite bird. **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [Birdtastic Kids' Activities](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/birdtastic-kids-activities/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **BIRDTASTIC KIDS’ ACTIVITIES** **Saturday, March 14, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free, No registration required** - Kids can get creative with hands-on crafts by Blaine Birch Bay Park & Rec and Birdtastic Art at the WOW festival Expo! Lori Kothe, author of Birds Near My Home and the City by the Sea will help them make a suncatcher featuring a bird of their choice. **Sponsored by: Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2** **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [Heart of Play - Create a Nest!](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/build-a-bird-nest-by-heart-of-play-hop/) **Published:** February 7, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman **Content:** ## **Heart of Play – Make a Nest!** **Saturday, March 14, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive** **Cost: Free, no registration required.** Heart of Play (HOP) is an emerging large-scale children’s museum in Whatcom County. Our mission is “To provide an accessible, interactive space where children, youth, and families build belonging and community through play.” Come play with us at Wings over Water! We’re set up inside the Blaine Harbor Boating Center. Explore real bird nests and make your own. And then be inspired to build your own creation with life-sized “Big Green Blocks.” This play experience is open to all ages, and ideal for families with children. *Find out more about Heart of Play and our progress towards a children’s museum at our website: www.playwhatcom.org* **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [Guided Story Walk with Lori Kothe](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/guided-story-walk-with-lori-kothe/) **Published:** February 23, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman **Content:** **Guided Story Walk with Lori Kothe** **Saturday, March 14, 3:00 pm** **Cost: Free, no registration required.** **Where: Blaine Marine Park, meet at the Blaine Harbor Office, 235 Marine Drive** Enjoy a walk with Lori Kothe to discover favorite Washington state birds at story walk stations in Blaine Marine Park. Kids can help find the birds and learn some fun bird trivia, then check off their bird discoveries on their ‘Bird Bingo’ card. See the Story Walk Map below. [![Family Story Walk Bird Map at Wings Over Water Birding Festival](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BirdWalk_Blaine_Marine_Park_proposed_install_map_2026.jpg)](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BirdWalk_Blaine_Marine_Park_proposed_install_map_2026.jpg) **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [Family Activities and Crafts](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/family-activities-and-crafts/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND CRAFTS** **Saturday, March 14, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine. Adult must accompany children.** **Cost: Free, No registration required. (Best for families with children 5 & up)** Kid’s will enjoy some wild surprises, crafts and activities provided by Blaine Birch Bay Parks and Rec District 2 . Kids of all ages will enjoy creating a suncatcher with author and illustrator -Lori Kothe! Lori will also be providing a story time of her quirky new picture book called “Birds Near My Home in the City by the Sea” as well as kids and adults alike can experience a Story Walk of her book at Blaine Marine Park. **Sponsored by** **Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Rec Dist. 2.** **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [NEW! Skagit County Birding Adventure! Bus Charter Guided Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/new-skagit-county-birding-adventure-bus-charter-guided-field-trip/) **Published:** February 4, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman **Content:** ### NEW THIS YEAR! ### Experience a guided field trip to Skagit County to visit some of the best birding sites to view birds along the way! As Reifel Bird Sanctuary is currently closed indefinitely due to structural damage to the Westham Island Bridge, we’re taking the opportunity to explore somewhere new! Join us for a Charter Bus Guided Field Trip to two outstanding birding hotspots in Skagit County. Enjoy a guided field trip by charter bus to the Skagit Wildlife Area on Fir Island to visit two of the top birding sites in Skagit County! We will be spending time at Wiley Slough and Hayton Reserve to experience a wide variety of bird species. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Please bring your own lunch (no glass). We also invite you to join us at 6 pm for our Opening Dinner and Featured Artist Reception at 6 pm. **WHERE:** Departure at 8:00 am from the WTA Ferndale Park and Ride: 1675 Main Street, Ferndale **COST:** **$50 per person**, Adults Only– 16 and up. **HINTS:** Bring binoculars, a camera, sturdy footwear (minor muddy conditions are possible), rain gear or umbrella (think Seattle weather). Dress in layers; it can be cool and windy. Water & snacks are good, too. **Space is limited. Preregistration ticket purchase is required.** **This event usually sells out online**. ### [PURCHASE TICKETS!](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skagit-county-birding-adventure-tickets-1982586646028?aff=oddtdtcreator "Skagit County Adventure Bus Charter") **Sponsored by Phillips 66 – Ferndale Refinery** **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Friday Event --- ### [NEW! Three Bays of Birds • Guided Van Tour Birding Expedition](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/three-bays-of-birds-guided-van-tour-birding-expedition/) **Published:** February 6, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman **Content:** ### NEW THIS YEAR! ## Wings Over Washington: A Guided Birding Expedition **Where:** Meet in front of the Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive, Blaine **Time:** 9:00 am to Noon **Cost:** **$25,** Space is limited. Preregistration required. **Limit: 11** Discover the rich avian life of the Pacific Northwest on a unique guided tour through Washington’s northernmost Important Bird Area (IBA). Join expert birder, wildlife photographer, and writer Joe Meche for an unforgettable journey exploring coastal habitats teeming with diverse bird species. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or new to the hobby, this tour offers a chance to see incredible wildlife and learn from a local expert. This excursion is designed to maximize your birding opportunities, with all transportation provided so you can focus on the views. #### Your Adventure Includes: - ****Expert Guidance:**** Learn identification tips and interesting facts from Joe Meche, whose passion and knowledge will bring the landscape to life. - ****Prime Locations:**** We will visit several key birding hotspots to observe a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors in their natural environment. - ****Comfort and Convenience:**** Travel comfortably between locations in our tour van, allowing for easy access and a relaxed pace. #### Itinerary Highlights: Our journey begins at Blaine Harbor. From there, we will travel by van to explore: - The beautiful shores of ****Birch Bay State Park****. - The unique ecosystem of ****Semiahmoo Spit****. The tour will conclude at the ****Blaine Boating Center****, followed by a short, scenic walk along the ****Jorgensen Public Pier**** for final observations. #### Important Details: To ensure you have the best experience, please come prepared. - ****Dress for the weather:**** Layering is recommended. - ****Wear comfortable walking shoes:**** We will be walking on varied terrain. ### [**Register & Purchase Tickets**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982147292911?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Saturday Event --- ### [WOW Festival Opening Dinner and Featured Artist Reception](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/wow-festival-opening-and-featured-artist-reception/) **Published:** February 15, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **WOW FESTIVAL OPENING DINNER AND FEATURED ARTIST RECEPTION** **Friday, March 13, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street, Blaine** **Cost: $40, Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended. Unsold tickets will be available at the dinner. LIMIT: 50** Join us for the 23rd annual Wings Over Water Opening Dinner and Featured Artist Reception. Enjoy a catered dinner and no-host wine from local GLM Winery. Meet this year’s featured artist, Rebecca Ledger, whose expressive watercolor paintings bring avian behavior vividly to life. “Birds bring energy and joy to our landscapes, much like art adds depth to our lives.” In my paintings, I aim to capture each creature’s life spark, helping viewers appreciate moments of connection with birds.” Rebecca’s artwork will be on display and available for sale at the Opening Reception and at the Birding Expo on Saturday. The evening will also feature a silent auction and an engaging presentation by Peter Cavanaugh, How Birds Fly. Through captivating stories, stunning images, and short videos drawn from his books 100 Flying Birds and How Birds Fly, Peter explores the wonder of avian flight. From why birds fly to how it all works, he blends science, photography, and personal experience into a presentation that will delight and inspire anyone who loves the natural world. *Peter Cavanagh is a scientist, author, and bird photographer who lives in the San Juan Islands. He is drawn to the study of bird flight by his experiences as an instrument-rated private pilot, his professional training in anatomy and biomechanics, and his passion for nature and the outdoors.* ### [Click here for tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982146018098?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Featured & Special Events, Friday Event, Presentation --- ### [Birch Bay Birds and Brew Guided Nature Walk](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/birch-bay-birds-and-brew-guided-nature-walk/) **Published:** February 1, 2023 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **BIRCH BAY, BIRDS AND BREW GUIDED NATURE WALK** **Sunday, March 15, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm\*** **Where: Meet at BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park, 7290 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay State Park, Birch Bay.\*** **Cost: Free Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended. LIMIT: 15** \*A Discover Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park. A pass can be purchased at kiosks in the park. Join in a guided nature walk in Birch Bay State Park by Pam Borso of North Cascades Audubon Society to learn about the natural history of this unique area and the birds and native plants that thrive here. After the walk, come and socialize over beer (no host) at nearby [Beach Cat Brewery](https://www.beachcatbrewing.com/), 7876 Birch Bay Drive. [**Click Here to Preregister**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982158308860?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Sunday Event --- ### [Blaine Harbor and Marine Park, Guided Birding Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/birding-field-trip-blaine-harbor-marine-park/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **BLAINE HARBOR AND MARINE PARK, GUIDED BIRDING FIELD TRIP** **Sunday, March 15, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm** **Where: Meet in front of the Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive, Blaine** **Cost: Free – Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended. LIMIT: 20** Join a guided field trip by North Cascades Audubon on a leisurely walk along the waterfront of Blaine Harbor and Marine Park to experience the birds along the way of this most northerly Important Bird Area (IBA) of Washington. The entire walk is on level ground and will be a low-key meander along the shorelines, starting and ending at the Blaine Harbor Boating Center. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. #### [**Click Here to Preregister**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982157956807?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Sunday Event --- ### [Semiahmoo Spit, Guided Birding Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/semiahmoo-spit-guided-birding-field-trip-pm-tour/) **Published:** March 16, 2023 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** **Sunday, March 15, 9:00 am to 11:00 am** **Where: Meet at Semiahmoo County Park, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine** **Cost: Free, Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended. LIMIT 20** This guided field trip offers the novice and experienced birder the opportunity to explore the abundance of birds along Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural land spit located between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Take a leisurely walk, led by Alex Jeffers and Helen Dolejsi from North Cascade Audubon Society, on both a paved walking trail and along the beach to view birds close at hand. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Allow time on your own for an opportunity to stop at the Alaska Packers Association Museum, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine. (Open 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm). [**Click Here to Preregister**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982157413181?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Sponsored by North Cascades Audubon Society** **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Sunday Event --- ### [Semiahmoo Spit, Guided Birding Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/semiahmoo-spit-guided-birding-field-trip-2/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **SEMIAHMOO SPIT, GUIDED BIRDING FIELD TRIP** **Sunday, March 15, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm** **Where: Meet at Semiahmoo County Park, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine** **Cost: Free, Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended. LIMIT: 20** This guided field trip by North Cascade Audubon offers the novice and experienced birder the opportunity to explore the abundance of birds along Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural land spit located between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Take a leisurely walk on both a paved walking trail and along the beach to view birds close at hand. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Allow time on your own for an opportunity to stop at the Alaska Packers Association Museum, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine. (Open 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm). ### [**Click Here to Preregister**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982159427205?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Sponsored by: North Cascades Audubon Society** **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Sunday Event --- ### [Explore the Birds of Birch Bay, Guided Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/explore-the-birds-of-birch-bay/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Explore the Birds of Birch Bay, Guided Field Trip** **Saturday, March 14, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm** **Where: Meet at the BP Heron Center, 7290 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay State Park, Birch Bay\*** **Cost: Free, Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended. LIMIT: 20** *\*A Discover Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park. A pass can be purchased at kiosks in the park.* North Cascades Audubon Society will team up for this field trip along the shoreline and forested trails of Birch Bay State Park to view an abundance of birds in one of the few remaining saltwater and freshwater estuaries in north Puget Sound. **Sponsored by: North Cascades Audubon Society** [**CLICK HERE to register**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982149682057?aff=oddtdtcreator "Explore the Birds of Birch Bay") **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Saturday Event --- ### [Salish Sea Open Water Birding and Wildlife Cruise, by San Juan Cruises](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/salish-sea-open-water-birding-wildlife-cruise/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Salish Sea Open Water Birding and Wildlife Cruise, by San Juan Cruises** **Saturday, March 14, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm\* Arrive at the boat dock no later than 12:15 pm. Boat departs promptly at 12:30 pm** **Where: Semiahmoo Resort Plover Dock on Semiahmoo Spit, 9565 Semiahmoo Dr., Blaine** **Cost: $65 per person. Ages limited to 12 & up. Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended**. **LIMIT: 60** Join us for a two-hour off-shore cruise from Semiahmoo Spit aboard the 50-foot Salish Sea. View a diverse variety of birds in the rich waters of Boundary Bay and Semiahmoo Bay. A professional naturalist will be aboard to help spot the birds and wildlife you’ll see along the way. Dress for the weather, bring binoculars and camera. The Salish Sea has indoor seating, as well as ample outdoor viewing areas on two levels of the boat. (The cruise is subject to cancellation due to rough sea conditions. If this should happen, prepaid registration fees will be refunded.) **\*Please note that there is a 10 am to noon and a 12:30 to 2:30 pm cruise.** #### [**CLICK Here to purchase tickets**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982148832516?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Birding Cruises, Saturday Event --- ### [Finding The Rhythm In Nature Photography Workshop](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/finding-the-rhythm-in-nature-photography-workshop/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **FINDING THE RHYTHM IN NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP** **Saturday, March 14, 10:30 am- 3:30 pm Where: Semiahmoo Resort Theater, 9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine** **Please allow additional time for parking and walking through the hotel to the theater.** **Cost: $50 – Space is limited; Pre-Registration Recommended** **\*Includes a 1-hour lunch break – 12:30-1:30 pm – on your own,** **Field portion-Semiahmoo Spit – 1:30-3:30 pm** **LIMIT: 30** ***Back by popular demand!*** In this workshop, Greg blends his biology expertise and photography creativity to inspire attendees to expand their own photographic vision and better “see” the wonderful photo opportunities that surround us. Attendees will learn how to find patterns and rhythms in nature, leading to unique photography opportunities regardless of the setting and location. You’ll learn to capture images that tell the story of the natural world in a fresh and compelling way. Attendees should have at least a basic understanding of their photography gear. The workshop will primarily focus on using DSLR cameras with various lens sizes, rather than smartphone photography. Following lunch, attendees will be freed to wander Semiahmoo Spit to seek their own opportunities in this photography-rich landscape. Greg will be on hand to answer questions and point out photo opportunities. ***Gregory A. Green** is a career wildlife biologist and ecology instructor at Western Washington University. He is also a nature photographer and writer. His photography has been featured in Birdwatching Magazine, Popular Photography, Adventures Northwest Magazine, Audubon calendars and most recently one of his photos was awarded an Honorable Mention in the National Wildlife Federation’s 2025 photo contest. He has also taught photography workshops as part of the Kenmore Camera event series and recently published the book Wild Lives with Art Wolfe highlighting the state of the world’s wildlife through photography and essays.* [**Click Here Pre-Register & Purchase Tickets**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982150245743?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Photography, Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Explore the Flora and Fauna of Birch Bay, Guided Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/explore-the-flora-and-fauna-of-birch-bay/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **EXPLORE THE FLORA AND FAUNA OF BIRCH BAY, GUIDED FIELD TRIP** **Saturday, March 14, 10:00 am to Noon** **Where: Meet at the BP Heron Center’s Covered Picnic Area, 7290 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay State Park, Birch Bay\*** **Cost: Free, Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended. LIMIT: 15** \*A Discover Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park. A pass can be purchased at kiosks in the park. Join Pam Borso of North Cascades Audubon Society for a nature walk in the Birch Bay State Park from the Heron Center to the Nature Trail. She will cover the natural history and use of native plants. We will listen to birds along the way. [**CLICK Here to register**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982149900711?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Saturday Event --- ### [Salish Sea Open Water Birding and Wildlife Cruise, by San Juan Cruises](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/salish-sea-open-water-birding-wildlife-cruise-3/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **SALISH SEA OPEN WATER BIRDING AND WILDLIFE CRUISE, by San Juan Cruises** **Saturday, March 14, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Arrive at the boat dock no later than 9:45 am. Boat departs promptly at 10:00 am** **Where: Semiahmoo Resort Plover Dock on Semiahmoo Spit, 9565 Semiahmoo Dr., Blaine** **Cost: $65 per person (ages limited to 12 & up) Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended. LIMIT: 60** *Please note that there is a 10:00 am to noon and a 12:30 to 2:30 pm cruise.* Join us for a two-hour offshore cruise from Semiahmoo Spit aboard the 100’ Salish Express. View a diverse variety of birds in the rich waters of Boundary Bay and Semiahmoo Bay. A professional naturalist will be aboard to help spot the birds and wildlife you’ll see along the way. Dress for the weather, bring binoculars and a camera. The Salish Express is a larger vessel with more capacity for indoor seating, as well as ample outdoor viewing areas on two levels of the boat. (The cruise is subject to cancellation due to rough sea conditions. If this should happen, prepaid registration fees will be refunded.) Seating is limited and may be sold out prior to the festival. Purchasing tickets online ahead of time online is recommended through Eventbrite at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. Any unsold tickets may be purchased in person on Saturday, March 14, starting at 8:30 am at WOW Headquarters, Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine. [**CLICK Here to purchase tickets**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982148107347?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Birding Cruises, Saturday Event --- ### [Semiahmoo Spit, Guided Birding Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/semiahmoo-spit-birding-behavior-ecology-guided-birding-field-trip/) **Published:** February 11, 2024 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **SEMIAHMOO SPIT, GUIDED BIRDING FIELD TRIP** **Saturday, March 14, 9:00 am to 11:00 am** **Where: Meet at Semiahmoo County Park, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine** **Cost: Free. Preregistration is recommended. LIMIT: 20** This guided field trip by North Cascades Audubon Society offers both novice and experienced birders an excellent opportunity to explore the abundance of birdlife along Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25-mile natural landform located between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. This trip includes a leisurely walk on both a paved trail and along the beach, allowing for close-up views of birds. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. There will also be time for a self-guided visit to the Alaska Packers Association Museum, where you can learn about the area’s history. [**CLICK Here to preregister**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982147623901?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Saturday Event --- ### [Semiahmoo Spit, Guided Birding Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/semiahmoo-spit-guided-birding-field-trip-pm-tour-2/) **Published:** February 4, 2024 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** **SEMIAHMOO SPIT, GUIDED BIRDING FIELD TRIP** **Friday, March 13, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm** **Where: Meet at Semiahmoo County Park, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine** **Cost: Free, Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended. LIMIT: 20** Take a leisurely walk on a paved walking trail and along the beach to view birds close at hand. Led by Paul Woodcock and Pam Borso from North Cascades Audubon Society. This guided field trip offers both the novice and experienced birder the best opportunity to explore the abundance of birds along Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural land spit located between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Make sure to stop by the Alaska Packer’s Museum to experience the area’s maritime history. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Join us afterward for our Festival Opening and Featured Artist Reception at the Blaine Community, Center, 763 G Street, Blaine. [**CLICK HERE to register**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982144646997?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Friday Event --- ### [Jorgensen Pier Birdwatch* Guided Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/jorgensen-pier-birdwatch/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **JORGENSEN PIER BIRDWATCH\*** **Saturday, March 14, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm** **Where: Meet at the parking lot at the end of Blaine Marine Drive.** **Cost: Free, Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended. LIMIT: 12** \*This includes a short 1-block walk to the pier- accessible for users of walkers and wheelchairs. Join Joe Meche, avid birder, wildlife photographer and writer, on a leisurely walk to Jorgensen Pier. The pier, named after the beloved Blaine icon Jim Jorgensen, offers exceptional bird-watching opportunities. Accessible from the parking lot at the end of Marine Drive by a short one-block walk, this prominent overwater pier, is located on the channel between Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo Spit. It’s the perfect spot to view a wide variety of birds up close, whether feeding nearby or flying overhead. We’ll spend an hour and a half here to see how many species we can check off our lists. The pier is equipped with benches and picnic tables for your use and comfort while watching the birds. This is also an ideal location for using a scope to spot birds farther out in the channel. Dress for inclement weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. [**Click Here to preregister**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982151058173?aff=oddtdtcreator "Jorgensen Pier Bird Watch") **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Saturday Event --- ### [Sardis Raptor Center Presentation](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/live-raptor-presentation-hunters-of-the-sky-4/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **SARDIS RAPTOR CENTER LIVE PRESENTATION** **Saturday, March 14, 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free, No registration required.** This is an exciting opportunity at the Expo to have an up-close experience with several magnificent live birds of prey! All birds shown have injuries that prevent their return to the wild and are residents of the center. **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Presentation, Saturday Event --- ### [Sardis Raptor Center Presentation](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/live-raptor-presentation-hunters-of-the-sky-by-sardis-raptor-center-3/) **Published:** February 6, 2024 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **SARDIS RAPTOR CENTER LIVE PRESENTATION** **Saturday, March 14, 12:30-to 1:00 pm\*** **Where: Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free, No registration required *\*There will also be one more presentation during the Expo at 2:30 to 3:00 pm.*** This is an exciting opportunity at the Expo to have an up-close experience with several magnificent live birds of prey, including owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles. All birds shown have injuries that prevent their return to the wild and are residents of the center. **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Presentation, Saturday Event --- ### [North Cascades Audubon Society Bird Viewing Stations](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/north-cascades-audubon-society-bird-viewing-stations/) **Published:** February 16, 2018 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **NORTH CASCADES AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRD VIEWING STATIONS** **Saturday, March 14, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm** **Where: Viewing Station maps will be available at the festival headquarters, Blaine Community Pavilion, Blaine.** **Cost: Free. No registration required.** Seeing is Believing! You will be amazed at the number of interesting bird species you can see close at hand and viewed through a spotting scope. Knowledgeable birders from North Cascade Audubon Society will assist and answer questions. Pick up viewing location maps at the Festival Headquarters table, Blaine Pavilion, 635 8th St. Blaine, WA beginning at 8:30 am on Saturday. **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [WOW All Day Birding Expo, Festival Headquarters and Information](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/festival-headquarters-registration-tickets-information-2/) **Published:** February 15, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **WOW ALL DAY BIRDING EXPO, FESTIVAL HEADQUARTERS AND INFORMATION** **Saturday, March 14, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine** **Cost: Donations welcome, fees may apply for some activities.** From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Blaine Community Pavilion, enjoy free activities for the whole family: Sardis Raptor Center live raptor presentations, kids’ activities, art & craft vendors, wildlife exhibits, displays and more. **Expo sponsored by: BP Cherry Point Refinery** **Event Categories:** Saturday Event --- ### [Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Fishing Museum](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/alaska-packers-association-cannery-and-fishing-museum-5/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Fishing Museum** **Saturday, March 14, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm\*** **Where: 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine** **Cost: Free (donations welcome), No registration required** **\* Join us for coffee, tea & snacks until they run out!** Experience local maritime history! Housed in an original Alaska Packers cannery building, the museum’s 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. [**About the Alaska Packers Association Cannery & Fishing Museum**](https://blainebythesea.com/apa-museum/) **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Fishing Museum](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/alaska-packers-association-cannery-and-fishing-museum-4/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **ALASKA PACKERS ASSOCIATION CANNERY AND FISHING MUSEUM** **Sunday, March 15, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm** **Where: 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine** **Cost: Free, (donations welcome), No registration required.** Experience local maritime history. Housed in an original Alaska Packers cannery building, the museum’s 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. A museum volunteer will be available to provide a presentation about this rich time in Blaine’s maritime history. [**About the Alaska Packers Association Cannery & Fishing Museum**](https://blainebythesea.com/apa-museum/) **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Sunday Event --- ### [Festival Headquarters: Registration, Tickets, and Information](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/festival-headquarters-registration-tickets-and-information/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Festival Headquarters: Registration, Tickets, and Information** **Saturday, March 14, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine** The Festival Information Table will open at 8:30 am to provide information during the Expo on Saturday. Note that limited-space and seating events often sell out prior to the festival. **Event Categories:** Saturday Event --- ### [Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Fishing Museum](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/alaska-packers-association-cannery-and-fishing-museum-3/) **Published:** February 25, 2019 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Fishing Museum** **Friday, March 13, 1:00 am to 5:00 pm** **Where: 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine** **Cost: Free (donations welcome)** Experience local maritime history! Housed in an original Alaska Packers cannery building, the museum’s 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. **[About the Alaska Packers Association Cannery & Fishing Museum](https://blainebythesea.com/apa-museum/)** **Event Categories:** Friday Event, Kids Activities --- ### [Bus Charter Guided Field Trip to Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta, B.C., Canada](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/bus-charter-guided-field-trip-to-reifel-bird-sanctuary/) **Published:** November 30, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** **BUS CHARTER GUIDED FIELD TRIP TO REIFEL BIRD SANCTUARY, Delta, B.C., Canada** **Friday, March 14, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.** (Return time is approximate due to unpredictable border wait times.) **Where: PLEASE NOTE NEW DEPARTURE LOCATION !!!!!! – BLAINE CENTER** **DEPARTURE LOCATION CHANGED EFFECTIVE ON MARCH 11, 2025. NOW DEPARTS FROM THE** **PARKING AREA SOUTHEAST OF O’REILLY AUTO PARTS STORE: 1631 H St. BLAINE.** **Departure at 8:00 am from Blaine Center closest to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Store ~ 1631 H Street: Take I-5, Exit 275 – Truck Route turn east on H Street. Enter Parking lot from H Street. Please be ready to board the bus by 7:45 am. *Please note: this departure location has recently changed from Ben’s Market in Blaine.*** **Cost $60 Adults Only–(Ages 16 and up)** **Space is limited. Preregistration is required.** Registration fee includes bus charter, entrance fee and bag of bird seed. Experience a guided field trip to one of Canada’s top birding sites, George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, just 40 minutes across the border in Delta, B.C., Canada. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Please bring your own lunch (no glass). You may also purchase items for lunch, snacks and drinks in addition to Cinnabon cinnamon rolls at Ben’s Market. **Important note: A passport or an enhanced driver’s license is required for crossing the US/Canada border.** **Sponsored by Phillips 66 – Ferndale Refinery** Hints: Bring binoculars, a camera, sturdy footwear (minor muddy conditions are possible), rain gear or umbrella (think Seattle weather). Dress in layers; it can be cool and windy. Water & snacks are good, too. There are limited snacks available at the sanctuary. Bathrooms are near the entrance of the sanctuary and there is usually a portable unit on the far side of the trail system. #### [Click Here for tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1238224917059?aff=oddtdtcreator) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/AAGR11-e1520542918847.jpg) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Friday Event --- ### [Wings Under Water Presentation](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/wings-under-water-presentation/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **WINGS UNDER WATER PRESENTATION** **Saturday, March 15, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm\*** **Where: Semiahmoo Resort Theater 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine** **Cost: Free** Join David Drummond, wildlife biologist and naturalist who has a lifetime of extensive field research on Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, as well as hawks and owls. His presentation in the Discovery Theater will be shown on a 156″ screen and will highlight diving ducks, cormorants, kingfishers, Harbor Seals, river otters, to show the water’s diverse micro-niches and their feathered, furred and finned vertebrate diversity. Field trip to follow at 3:00- 4:00 pm. **Event Categories:** Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Birding Essentials, Part 2](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/birding-essentials/) **Published:** February 6, 2024 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Birding Essentials, Part 2** **Saturday, March 15, 1:00 to 2:30 pm** **Where: Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free, No registration required** Back by Popular Demand! Presenter Joe Meche offers even more of a visual tutorial on everything you always wanted to know about becoming a birdwatcher. Even if you’re already into birds, there will be things to cover that you might not have considered, like the all-important practice of birdwatching etiquette. Joe will begin with the basics, including field guides, birdwatching optics like binoculars and scopes and even cameras, for those who wish to capture the beauty of birds. His presentation will conclude with photographs of birds you might see locally utilizing the *Peterson System of Field Identification*, which is based on bird behavior and habitat selection. Joe is an avid birder, photographer, and writer who recalls learning his first birds from his Grandpa about 72 years ago—so he’s been at it for a while! **Event Categories:** Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Is There Life After Birding?](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/is-there-life-after-birding/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **IS THERE LIFE AFTER BIRDING?** **Volunteer Monitoring for Conservation at the Puget Sound Observatory **Saturday, March 15, 11:00 to 12:30 pm** **Where: Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free, No registration required.**** Puget Sound Bird Observatory is a non-profit organization of bird folks who perform monitoring as part of national programs. Donald Norman, state coordinator for the National Breeding Bird Survey will talk about PSBO volunteer programs such as the Secretive Waterbird Survey, the Puget Sound Seabird Survey, and the MAPS bird banding program which the PSBO provides training. Don will provide information on a new program monitoring Great Blue Herons right here in Whatcom County. He will present some of the goals of these projects and how you can get involved. *Donald has been a biologist for over 35 years. He received his MS at Western (Huxley College of the Env) where he studied environmental contaminants in herons. He has also worked as a bird bander for 30 years and is currently the state coordinator for the National Breeding Bird Survey. He also has a native plant nursery, Go Natives! Nursery, in Shoreline WA, where he focuses on native plants to improve the wildlife in your garden.* **Event Categories:** Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Discover Facinating Facts About Owls of the Northwest](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/northwest-diurnal-raptors/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **DISCOVER FACINATING FACTS ABOUT OWLS OF THE NORTHWEST** **Saturday, March 15, 9:00 am to 10:00 am** **Where: Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street, Blaine** **235 Marine Drive, Blaine** **Cost: Free, No registration required** Join David Drummond, wildlife biologist and naturalist who has a lifetime of extensive field research on Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, as well as hawks and owls. Dive into the unique anatomical specializations of owls, exploring how these incredible birds are perfectly adapted for diurnal and nocturnal hunting. Learn about many of owl species found in the Northwest, including the Barn Owl, Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Northern Pygmy Owl to name a few. Find out how they hunt, communicate and where they are distributed across the Northwest, adapting to each unique environment, from the dense forests of the Olympic Peninsula to the open grasslands of Eastern Washington **Note: If you’re registered and planning to attend Saturday night’s Owl Prowl, you’ll want to attend this very informative presentation.** **Event Categories:** Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [The Ecology of Hummingbirds](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/the-ecology-of-hummingbirds/) **Published:** February 6, 2024 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **THE ECOLOGY OF HUMMINGBIRDS** **Saturday, March 15, 9:00 am to 10:00 am** **Where: Semiahmoo Resort Discovery Theater, 9565 Semiahmoo Drive, Blaine** **Cost: Free, No registration required** **Note: If you’re interested in attending Gregory’s Photography Workshop which starts** at 10:30, please check the schedule for details and registration. This presentation by Gregory Green, featuring his stunning photography on the theater’s 156-inch screen, will provide an overview of the unique ecology of this fascinating group of birds. It will contrast the Pacific Northwest with Ecuador and tell the captivating story of Anna’s hummingbird’s march north over the past 75 years. Over a decade ago, Greg was asked to explain why Anna’s hummingbird overwinters in the PNW. This led to research and an article in *Bird Watching Magazine*. Since then, he has been lecturing on the ecology of hummingbirds. He recently returned from the cloud forests of Ecuador, where he photographed and observed a portion of the 132 species that live there. Greg is a career wildlife biologist and instructor at Western Washington University *Greg has recently completed a stunning book. “Wild Live’s” on the wildlife of the world with nature photographer Art Wolfe* **Event Categories:** Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Wings Under Water Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/wings-under-water-field-trip/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **WINGS UNDER WATER FIELD TRIP** **Saturday, March 15, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm** **Meet in front of the Semiahmoo Marina Café, 9540 Semiahmoo Prkwy, Blaine** **Cost: Free, Preregistration is recommended.** This field trip is an extension of David’s Wings Under Water presentation, to view the diving ducks and birds and other mammals such as harbor seals close at hand near the Semiahmoo Dock and Marina. Stop in the cafe’ for coffee and a snack! Others are also encouraged to join as space is available. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. [**Click Here to preregister**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1250280355199?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Saturday Event --- ### [Owl Prowl Nocturne Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/owl-prowl-nocturne-field-trip/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **OWL PROWL NOCTURNE FIELD TRIP** **Saturday, March 15, 7:30 to 9:30 pm\*** **Meet: Birch Bay Parks and Recreation Gym, 7511 Gemini St. Birch Bay** **Cost: $10 Space is limited. Preregistration Recommended** We’ll be meeting at the gym in the parking lot. Please be prompt to ride the Birch Bay Parks and Rec passenger bus to Birch Bay State Park where we will be walking along a paved road in an unlit wooded section of park listening and trying a variety of species calls, to perhaps, “lure” a response from resident and transiting owls, such as Western Screech, Saw-whet, Barred, N. Pygmy or even Great-horned Owls. This will be a great opportunity to witness these nighttime “specialists”! \*Bring your curiosity, patience, “owl ears and eyes”, a headlamp or flashlight and dress for the weather. Hot chocolate will be provided! AND, you too, might learn to “Give a Hoot”! \*We will be entering the park after hours by special permission from park staff. Note the gates into the park will be closed to vehicles. [**Click Here to preregister**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1247366399479?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Saturday Event --- ### [Blaine Harbor and Marine Park, Guided Birding Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/blaine-harbor-and-marine-park-guided-birding-field-trip/) **Published:** March 5, 2023 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** **BLAINE HARBOR AND MARINE PARK, GUIDED BIRDING FIELD TRIP** **Saturday, March 15, 9:00 am to 10:30 am** **Where: Meet in front of the Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive, Blaine** **Cost: Free, Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended.** Join Joe Meche, an avid birder, wildlife photographer and writer, on a leisurely walk along the waterfront of Blaine Harbor and Marine Park to experience the birds along the way of this most northerly Important Bird Area (IBA) of Washington. The entire walk is on level ground and will be a low-key meander along the shorelines, starting and ending at the Blaine Harbor Boating Center. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. [**CLICK HERE to register**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1246778340579?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Saturday Event --- ### [Introduction to Forest Bathing](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/introduction-to-forest-bathing/) **Published:** February 4, 2024 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Introduction to Forest Bathing** **Friday, March 15, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm** **Where: Meet at BP Heron Center, 7290 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay State Park** **Cost: Free, Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended.** Festival Keynote Speaker Holly Merker, Wellness Counselor and Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, will immerse you in the experience of Forest Bathing. This is a great way to herald the spring season, celebrate nature, and be revitalized! This will include a slow-paced walk with some periods of sitting and standing to observe and tune into the birds and natural world. Tea and light refreshments will be provided to participants. Hints: Binoculars are not necessary, though you may enjoy having them with you. Consider dressing for the elements and conditions: sturdy closed-toe shoes, layers, wind/rain jacket, etc. If you have trekking poles and find them useful, please consider bringing them. For Forest Bathing a folding chair or a small camping stool is encouraged. **[Click Here to Register](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2024-wings-over-water-birding-festival-3025449)** **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Friday Event --- ### [Introduction to Forest Bathing](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/introduction-to-forest-bathing-2/) **Published:** February 24, 2024 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** **Introduction to Forest Bathing** **Friday, March 15, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm** **Where: Meet at BP Heron Center, 7290 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay State Park** **Cost: Free, Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended.** Festival Keynote Speaker Holly Merker, Wellness Counselor and Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, will immerse you in the experience of Forest Bathing. This is a great way to herald the spring season, celebrate nature, and be revitalized! This will include a slow-paced walk with some periods of sitting and standing to observe and tune into the birds and natural world. Tea and light refreshments will be provided to participants. Hints: Binoculars are not necessary, though you may enjoy having them with you. Consider dressing for the elements and conditions: sturdy closed-toe shoes, layers, wind/rain jacket, etc. If you have trekking poles and find them useful, please consider bringing them. For Forest Bathing a folding chair or a small camping stool is encouraged. **[Click Here to Register](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2024-wings-over-water-birding-festival-3025449)** **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Friday Event --- ### [Building Birding Skills with Birding Apps](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/building-birding-skills-with-birding-apps/) **Published:** February 6, 2024 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Building Birding Skills with Birding Apps** **Saturday, March 16, 11:00 am to 12:30 am** **Where: Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free** Have you been looking to find a hands-on way to build upon your skills as a birder? Learn how and why we benefit bird conservation by using available apps. Holly Merker will focus on understanding and maximizing the benefits of the most popular apps, eBird, Merlin, and iNaturalist to enhance participants’ skills as birders. The program will begin indoors, then will shift outside for hands-on instruction on how to use the apps while enriching your knowledge and understanding of the birds and natural world around you. *Presenter Holly Merker is this year’s keynote speaker and has been a birding instructor for National Audubon, Red Knot Outfitters Birding Guides, and the American Birding Association. She also serves as the Pennsylvania State Coordinator for Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird.org, and is a global advocate for the practice of Mindful Birding.* **Event Categories:** Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Swans of Winter, Wildlife Presentation](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/swans-of-winter/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Swans of Winter, Wildlife Presentation** **Saturday, March 16, 9:30 am to 11:00 am** **Where: Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free** Join presenter Martha Jordan, well-known swan biologist and Executive Director of Northwest Swan Conservation Association, a regional non-profit. 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. Learn about the life history and biology of Washington’s native trumpeter and tundra swans and ways to contribute to our understanding of these magnificent birds through the enjoyment of spending time outdoors. You’ll also discover the importance of “Birding with Awareness” to create connections between ecotourism, conservation and agricultural interests and their relationship in sharing and protecting waterfowl habitats. **Event Categories:** Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Semiahmoo Spit, Guided Birding Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/guided-birding-field-trip-semiahmoo-spit/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Semiahmoo Spit, Guided Birding Field Trip** **Sunday, March 17, 9:00 am to 11:00 am** **Where: Meet at Semiahmoo County Park, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine** **Cost: Free, Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended.** This guided field trip offers the novice and experienced birder the opportunity to explore the abundance of birds along Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural land spit located between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Take a leisurely walk, led by Alex Jeffers and Helen Dolejsi from North Cascade Audubon Society, on both a paved walking trail and along the beach to view birds close at hand. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Allow time on your own for an opportunity to stop at the Alaska Packers Association Museum, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine. (Open 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm). **Sponsored by: North Cascades Audubon Society** [**CLICK HERE to register**](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2024-wings-over-water-birding-festival-3025449) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Sunday Event --- ### [Semiahmoo Spit, Guided Birding Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/semiahmoo-spit-guided-birding-field-trip/) **Published:** March 5, 2023 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** **Semiahmoo Spit, Guided Birding Field Trip** **Saturday, March 16, 9:00 am to 11:00 am** **Where: Meet at Semiahmoo County Park, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine** **Cost: Free, Space is limited. Preregistration is recommended.** This guided field trip offers both the novice and experienced birder the best opportunity to explore the abundance of birds along Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural land spit located between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Take a leisurely walk, led by Lynne Givler and Keith Carpenter of North Cascade Audubon Society, on both a paved walking trail and along the beach to view birds close at hand. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Allow time on your own for an opportunity to stop at the Alaska Packers Association Museum to learn about the history of the area. **Sponsored by: North Cascades Audubon Society** Space is limited; reservations are free and can be made ahead of time through Eventbrite at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. If available, reservations may also be available at the festival on Saturday, starting at 8:30 am at the WOW Headquarters, Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine. [**CLICK HERE to register**](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2024-wings-over-water-birding-festival-3025449) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Saturday Event --- ### [Plover Passenger Ferry Nature Cruise (Departs Hourly)](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/plover-passenger-ferry-nature-cruise-departs-hourly/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO MAINTENANCE TO THE PASSENGER FERRY.** **Plover Passenger Ferry Nature Cruise (Departs Hourly)** **Saturday, March 18, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Departure on the hour; last departure at 3:00 pm)** **Where: Blaine Harbor Boating Center, Visitor Dock, 235 Marine Drive, Blaine** **Cost: $7** **NOTE:** Tickets will **not** be available at the dock. Tickets are available prior to the festival online or in person at WOW Festival Headquarters, Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine, and must be purchased before you arrive at the dock. The historic Plover Ferry will take passengers on an approximately 45-minute nature cruise along Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay. A knowledgeable birder will be on board to point out the wildlife and birds along the way. Dress appropriately for inclement weather. For details on the MV Plover Passenger Ferry, visit: www.DraytonHarborMaritime.com. (Plover Ferry trips are subject to cancellation due to rough sea conditions. If this should happen, prepaid registration fees will be refunded.) **Sponsored by: Blaine Harbor, Port of Bellingham** **Seating is limited and may be sold out prior to the festival. Purchasing tickets online ahead of time online is recommended**. Any unsold tickets may be purchased in person on Saturday, March 18, starting at 8:30 am at WOW Headquarters, Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine. *3/5/2023: All ticket sales will be fully refunded.* **Event Categories:** Birding Cruises, Saturday Event --- ### [Recognizing Avian Behaviors, Wildlife Presentation by David Drummond](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/recognizing-avian-behaviors-wildlife-presentation-by-david-drummond/) **Published:** February 1, 2023 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Recognizing Avian Behaviors, Wildlife Presentation by David Drummond** **Saturday, March 18, 3:00 to 4:30 pm** **Where: Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street, Blaine** **Cost: Free** Join David Drummond, a wildlife biologist/naturalist who has specialized in field study of raptor biology over a lifetime and has done extensive field research on Merlin’s and Peregrine Falcons, as well as hawks and owls, for a whole new way of being with birds! David’s presentation will take you beyond field ID into discovering the amazing array of foraging, social and grooming behaviors of birds. Using the nearby marine birds as examples, we will explore and discover what birds are doing in the water, on land and in the air, as we learn to observe them more intimately in nature. **NO registration necessary** **Event Categories:** Presentation, Saturday Event --- ### [Semiahmoo Spit, Guided Birding Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/2291/) **Published:** March 12, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Semiahmoo Spit, Guided Birding Field Trip** **Friday, March 17, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm** **Where: Meet at Semiahmoo County Park (9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine)** **Cost: Free (space is limited)** Take a leisurely walk on a paved walking trail and along the beach to view birds close at hand. Led by Paul Woodcock and Pam Borso from North Cascades Audubon Society. This guided field trip offers both the novice and experienced birder the best opportunity to explore the abundance of birds along Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural land spit located between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Join us afterward for our **[Opening and Featured Artist Reception](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/wow-festival-opening-and-featured-artist-reception/)** at the Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street, Blaine. **Sponsored by: North Cascades Audubon Society** [**CLICK HERE to register**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guided-birding-field-trip-at-semiahmoo-spit-tickets-534567183837) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Friday Event --- ### [Semiahmoo Spit, Guided Birding Field Trip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/guided-birding-field-trip-to-semiahmoo-spit/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Semiahmoo Spit, Guided Birding Field Trip** **Saturday, March 18, 9:00 am to 11:00 am** **Where: Meet at Semiahmoo County Park, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine** **Cost: Free** **Cost: Free (space is limited, preregistration is recommended)** This guided field trip offers both the novice and experienced birder the best opportunity to explore the abundance of birds along Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural land spit located between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Take a leisurely walk, led by Paul Woodcock of North Cascade Audubon Society, on both a paved walking trail and along the beach to view birds close at hand. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Allow time on your own for an opportunity to stop at the Alaska Packers Association Museum to learn about the history of the area. **Sponsored by: North Cascades Audubon Society** Reservations are free and can be made through the link below. Reservations may also be available at the festival on Saturday. starting at 8:30 am at the WOW Headquarters, Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine. [**CLICK HERE to register**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guided-birding-field-trip-at-semiahmoo-spit-tickets-534567183837) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Saturday Event --- ### [Marine Birds, Guided Birding Fieldtrip](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/march-marine-birds-fieldtrip/) **Published:** February 15, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Marine Birds, Guided Birding Field Trip** **Friday, March 17, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm** **Where: Meet at Blaine Harbor Boating Center- 235 Marine Drive in Blaine.** **You will be required to drive between locations within a 10 to 15 min. driving distance.** **Cost: Free** March is a great time of year to view many species of salt and freshwater birds overwintering here, before their northern migration back to their breeding areas. Join David Drummond, wildlife biologist, to sample some of the best places where the birds hang out in the Blaine, Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo areas. You will learn where to find and ID a wide variety of birds that can be seen here, as well as learn about some of their fascinating behavioral ecologies. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. [**CLICK HERE to register**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marine-birds-guided-birding-fieldtrip-tickets-534652880157) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Friday Event --- ### [Bird Fractal Art Demonstration](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/bird-fractal-art-demonstration/) **Published:** February 1, 2023 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Bird Fractal Art Demonstration** **Sunday, March 19, 10:00 pm to 3:00 pm** **Where: Meet at BP Heron Center 7290 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay State Park, Birch Bay.\*** **Cost: Free (all ages are welcome)** **\***A Discover Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park. A pass can be purchased at kiosks in the park. Drop by the BP Heron Center and learn how to “see” a bird image and draw it on natural objects such as a rock or a shell! You’ll be fascinated by what birds you see all around in nature once you learn to look for them! **Sponsored by: Blaine Birch Bay Park and Rec. District 2 and Wild Whatcom** **NO registration necessary.** **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Presentation, Sunday Event --- ### [“Crow Dance”, Performed by Mary Lou Sanelli](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/2313/) **Published:** March 12, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **“Crow Dance”, Performed by Mary Lou Sanelli** **Saturday, March 19, 11:30 am to Noon am** **Where: Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive, Blaine** **Cost: Free** Tucked in between presentations, Mary Lou Sanelli, master dance teacher, author, and speaker, will perform a 14-minute dance as a tribute to all birds. The choreography for the dance was inspired by her observations of a crow’s nest outside her window over several months and saw how the birds worked and shared the responsibilities of life, much like in our own lives. Her crow-observations are also referenced in her newest book, a collection of essays, Every Little Thing, which has been nominated for a Pacific Northwest Book Award, a Pushcart Prize, and a 2022 Washington State Book Award. Her newest book will also be available for sale briefly after her performance. For more information: visit [www.marylousanelli.com](http://www.marylousanelli.com) **Event Categories:** Presentation, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Beginner to Intermediate Bird Photography](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/beginning-bird-photography/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Beginner to Intermediate Bird Photography by photographer Paul Bannick** **Saturday, March 19, 1:30 to 3:00 pm** **Where: Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive, Blaine** **Cost: $25** Paul Bannick, award-winning wildlife photographer will focus on how to photograph wildlife, particularly birds, in the field. He covers everything from how to find and approach your subject to how to capture the photos that you imagine. He covers compositional guides, depth of field, shutter speed, exposure compensation the use of flash, shooting modes, and even the selection of equipment, Paul will help bring each student’s photography to the next level. Do not need to bring equipment. Class size is limited. Preregistration is strongly recommended online through Eventbrite at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. [**CLICK HERE to register**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/269942925557) **Event Categories:** Featured & Special Events, Saturday Event --- ### [Birding the Berm, Guided Walk at Birch Bay](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/birding-the-berm-guided-walk-at-birch-bay/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Birding the Berm, Guided Walk at Birch Bay** **Sunday, March 20, 9 am to 11 am** **Where: Meet at the Berm- Across the street from CJ’s Beach House Restaurant 7878** **Birch Bay Drive: Please respect customer parking in front of CJ’s and use parking spaces provided across the street, along the berm.** **Cost: Free\*** **Space is limited. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.** Over many winters, high tides and wind wreaked havoc along the shoreline of Birch Bay. In the process sensitive shorelines were being eroded and part of Birch Bay Drive was even washed away. A berm was built to prevent damage and to protect the most vulnerable part of the bay front. The berm also created a 1.5 mile walking trail providing a great location to enjoy bird watching along the waterfront. Join Joe Meche, for a Sunday morning stroll along the new Birch Bay Berm to the mouth of Terrell Creek and back to the starting point at CJ’s. [**CLICK HERE TO REGISTER**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-the-berm-guided-walk-at-birch-bay-tickets-269957890317) **Sponsored by Dave Hiller, ExP Realtor** **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Sunday Event --- ### [Flora & Fauna Guided Walk at Birch Bay](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/flora-fauna-guided-walk-at-birch-bay/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Flora & Fauna Guided Walk at Birch Bay** **Sunday, March 20, 1 pm to 3 pm** **Where: BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park** **7290 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay State Park, Birch Bay.** **Cost: Free\*** **Space is limited. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.** Join Pam Borso of North Cascades Audubon for a nature walk in the Birch Bay State Park from the Heron Center to the Nature Trail. She will cover the natural history and use of native plants. We will listen to birds along the way. **Sponsored by North Cascades Audubon Society** \*A Discover Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park. A pass can be purchased at kiosks in the park. [**CLICK HERE to register.**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/269889184817) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Sunday Event --- ### [Storytelling & Kite Making (On the Hour)](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/storytelling-kite-making/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Storytelling & Kite Making, by Ron Snyder & Cathy Taggett** **Saturday, March 19- On the Hour from 10 AM- 3 PM** **Where: Tent located outside of the Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street, Blaine** **Space is limited, masks are required for ages 5 and up in the tent.** **Cost: Free** Storyteller, Ron Snyder will tell a 10-minute interactive story with the theme of an Eagle, followed by artist Cathy Taggett leading a bird inspired kite-making activity for up to 10 kids. Ron will also demonstrate Native American whistle making from bird bones, and share artifacts depicting the Native American people’s relationship to the animal people and the environment. **Sponsored by Blaine-Birch Bay Parks and Rec, Dist. 2** *Storyteller, Ron Snyder is a retired principal from a Seattle Alternative School where his wife. Cathy Taggett was also an art teacher. They have created and participate in a wide variety of projects enhancing our community. They own The Circle of Trees Studio and Homestead just outside of Blaine.* **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [Birds on the Border](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/birds-on-the-border/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** **Birds on the Border: Presentation by Joe Meche** **Saturday, March 19, Noon to 1:30 pm** **Where: Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Dr., Blaine** **Cost: Free** The northwestern corner of Whatcom County has some of the finest winter bird watching in Washington state. The protected estuaries and bays offer protection from winter storms and a variety of food sources for the most discerning avian tastes. Not only do we share an international border with British Columbia, but we also share the birds that frequent the overlapping waters and shorelines. Join Joe Meche as he presents a slide-illustrated program featuring the multitude and diversity of the birds that know no borders. *Joe Meche is an avid birder, wildlife photographer and writer. Joe has spent many years observing the birds of this premiere birding area along the shores and bays of the Salish Sea.* **Event Categories:** Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [2021 Wings Over Water NW Virtual Festival Wrap-up](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/2021-wings-over-water-nw-virtual-festival-wrap-up/) **Published:** February 23, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** **Live on Zoom** Join us for a final opportunity for prizes as well as hear comments from those joining us about our virtual festival. Learn more about our next year’s live festival in 2022! We are providing the opportunity for registered attendees to view the presentations that they may have missed during the three days of the festival by having the recordings available of the webinar presentations\* to view through Thursday, March 25th. After this date, they will no longer be available for viewing on our website. Pre-recorded presentations and the prerecorded virtual guided walks will be available on our website indefinitely. We appreciate our presenters who have provided attendees to view the recordings of their live webinar presentations\* after the festival dates until March 25th! ***\*The keynote presentation: The Great Gray and Snowy Owl, Comparative Visual Natural Histories*** ***will* *not be available after it is shown on Saturday, March 20**th* *at 5 pm.*** **Event Categories:** Sunday Event --- ### [Introduction to Birding: How to Identify Common Backyard Birds](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/plants-for-birds-by-pam-borso/) **Published:** February 23, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** **![Plants for Birds](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Pam-Borso-Birds-300x225.jpg)Live Webinar with **Instructors, Pam Borso and Paul Woodcock, North Cascades Audubon Society**** North Cascades Audubon Society will present a 2-hour Zoom class on introduction to backyard bird identification. This class will provide you with the basics to get you started birding right in your own backyard! Learn to identify select backyard birds in breeding and non-breeding plumage. Learn about the feeding, nesting and behavior of birds most common to our area in the Pacific Northwest. Find out about best practices for bird watching and tips for purchasing binoculars. There will also be a question and answer period included at the end of the class session. Register in advance for this meeting: [https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIrfu-uqTkvHNMTBszG\_2bs\_-txAuUAt4eW](https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIrfu-uqTkvHNMTBszG_2bs_-txAuUAt4eW) **Event Categories:** Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Guided Bird Walk of Birch Bay State Park, by Paul Woodcock and Phil Calise](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/guided-bird-walk-of-birch-bay-state-park-by-paul-woodcock-and-phil-calise/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Guided-Bird-Walk-Birch-Bay-220x300.png)**Live Webinar with Pre-recorded Video and Q & A** Virtually stroll along the shoreline and forested trails of Birch Bay State Park guided by Paul Woodcock and Pam Borso from North Cascade Audubon Society to view an abundance of birds including waterfowl, raptors and passerines. This over 600-acre state park includes 8,255 feet of saltwater shoreline along Birch Bay as well as 14,923 feet of freshwater shoreline of Terrell Creek Marsh. This is one of the few remaining saltwater and freshwater estuaries in north Puget Sound providing a rich habitat for birds and wildlife. A live Q & A session will be available after the video. **Event Categories:** Saturday Event --- ### [Outdoor Live Birding Adventures for Kids!](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/outdoor-live-birding-adventures-for-kids/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Outdoor-Birding-for-Kids-265x300.jpg)Saturday, March 20: 11:00-2:00 PM Kid’s LIVE Activity! (This activity will not be available for viewing virtually) **[Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation](https://bbbparkandrec.org/)** has created a live activity to encourage kids of all ages to get outside to experience some Ornitherapy! Kids within driving distance can visit all 4 stations for kids’ activity bags to collect all 4! The activities can be easily modified to participate wherever you are! We look forward to you sharing with us your experiences and photos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WingsOverWater, Instagram: wowbirding or by email at: www.wingsownw@gmail.com. Please use the current Covid restriction guidelines of wearing masks and social distancing while doing this activity! More kids’ activities will be available during the festival on our website at: [Fun Birding Activities for Kids](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/kids-activities/) **BLAINE MARINE PARK** Bird View Shelter 200 Marine Drive, Blaine Bird Puppet for Racing Art Project **SEMIAHMOO SPIT** Cannery Lodge 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine, WA Ornitherapy Challenge – Ornitherapy.com • Bird Seed Cakes **BIRCH BAY CHAMBER** Birch Bay Chamber Visitor’s Office 7900 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay, WA Bird Scavenger Hunt • Bird Count Cards **Birch BAY STATE PARK** BP Heron Center 7290 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine , WA Make A Bird Feeder Kit • Window Clings **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [2021 Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival Virtual Happy Hour and Featured Artist Reception](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/2021-wings-over-water-nw-birding-festival-virtual-happy-hour-and-featured-artist-reception/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ![Virtual Happy Hour](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/WineGlass.jpg) **Live on Zoom** Join us for our 19th Annual Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival Opening and Featured Artist Reception. This year we will open with an interactive virtual happy hour featuring our first ever festival signature cocktail- Birds of a Feather- the recipe will be emailed to attendees along with the ZOOM Happy Hour link (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) or bring your own favorite! As time allows, we invite those joining us on Zoom to share where you are from and a brief favorite bird experience whether it was in your backyard, local park, or somewhere around the world! Meet our featured artists, Wendy & Megan Bloom, Rainbow Orca Designs and learn how they create a connection between art and nature with their one-of-a-kind art pieces. **Event Categories:** Featured & Special Events, Friday Event --- ### [Introduction and Welcome to Day 2](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/introduction-and-welcome-to-day-2/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/WOW-Coffee-Cup_Table_2-2-235x300.jpg)**Live on ZOOM** Join us for coffee and learn about the day’s festival activities as well as an overview of kids’ activities during the festival. There will also be some prize drawings for those who join us! **Event Categories:** Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Introduction and Welcome to Day 3](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/introduction-and-welcome-to-day-3/) **Published:** February 23, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/WOW-Coffee-Cup_Table_2-2-235x300.jpg) **Live on ZOOM** Join us for coffee and learn about the day’s festival activities. There will also be some prize drawings for those who join us! **Event Categories:** Sunday Event --- ### [The State of Tufted Puffins in Washington State, by Salish Sea School](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/the-state-of-tufted-puffins-in-washington-state-by-salish-sea-school/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ![Tufted Puffins of WA State](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Tufted-Puffins-300x251.png) **Live Webinar** Join us to learn about this endangered population, how students are helping with research, and why you should care! The Salish Sea School is on a pursuit to help save Washington State’s endangered Tufted Puffin population by helping with data collection at Smith Island, promoting stewardship through experiential marine conservation programs for students, and increasing public awareness of this population. This presentation will walk you through the State of the Tufted puffins in Washington State and take you on a journey of discovery, sharing what we have seen on the water and learned. We also provide ways you can help. **Event Categories:** Friday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul by Holly Merker](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/ornitherapy-for-your-mind-body-and-soul-by-holly-merker/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Ornitherarpy-300x201.png)Learn why getting your daily dose of Ornitherapy, may be just what the doctor ordered! Live Webinar Ornitherapy, or the mindful observation of birds, benefits our mind, body, and soul. Research shows that exposure to nature actively reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while helping build a stronger heart and immune system. Birds are gateways into deeper experiences with nature, magnifying these benefits. Through observation, we can learn not only about birds, but gain insight into our own lives while exploring our connection to the world around us. This fosters stewardship and bolsters conservation. Within the program, we’ll delve into our connections to birds, how to practice Ornitherapy for optimal benefits, and learn about the latest research in the power of nature for overall wellbeing. **Event Categories:** Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Past, Present & Future, by Richard Crossley](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/1831/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Richard-Headshot-800x600-1-1-300x225.jpg)Past, Present & Future, by Richard Crossley Introduction to the Crossley Bird ID Method Saturday, March 20: 10:15- 11:45 Live Webinar Richard Crossley has a world-wide point of view on birding, which he will share his passionate perspective from growing up in the wild British birding scene as well as from his travels around the world. With humor and depth, Richard will also highlight the thoughts behind the revolutionary ‘The Crossley ID Guide’ series to include his newest release this March of the “Crossley Birding Guide for Western Birds”. Join with us to be inspired by Richard’s optimistic outlook for birding, lifestyles and conservation. It’s sure to change the way you think! **Event Categories:** Featured & Special Events, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Guided Bird Walk of Semiahmoo Spit](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/guided-bird-walk-of-semiahmoo-spit/) **Published:** February 24, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ![Guided Bird Walk of Semiahmoo Spit](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Guided-Bird-Walk-at-Semi-300x233.jpg) **Live Webinar with Pre-recorded Video** Virtually explore the abundance of birds along Semiahmoo Spit, the most popular birding field trip of our annual festival. Guided by experienced birders Paul Woodcock and Phil Calise from North Cascades Audubon, who both regularly lead birding walks along this 1.25 mile natural land spit between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Learn what makes this area one of the most premier coastal birding sites in Washington State. A live Q & A session will be available after the video. **Event Categories:** Friday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Kid’s Story & Activity Time by Marie Guenette, WCLS Library](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/kids-story-activity-time-by-marie-guenette-wcls-library-2/) **Published:** February 23, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ![Marie with the Blaine Library](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Marie-300x300.jpg) Bed Time Story! Marie Guenette, from Whatcom County Library will engage kids of all ages with a fun activity and a story about birds. **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [Kid’s Story & Activity Time by Marie Guenette, WCLS Library](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/kids-story-activity-time-by-marie-guenette-wcls-library/2021-03-19/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** **![Marie with the Blaine Library](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Marie-300x300.jpg)Live Story Time** Marie Guenette, from Whatcom County Library will engage kids of all ages with a fun activity and a story about birds. **Event Categories:** Friday Event, Kids Activities --- ### [Birds of the Salish Sea by Pam Borso and Paul Woodcock](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/birds-of-the-salish-sea-by-pam-borso-and-paul-woodcock/) **Published:** February 23, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/David-Riffle-PaulWSemiBirdingGroup-300x142.jpg) **Prerecorded Virtual Presentation by North Cascades Audubon** The Salish Sea is one of the world’s largest and biologically rich inland seas along the Pacific coast which encompasses Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and the waters off of Vancouver, BC. Pam Borso and Paul Woodcock, both past presidents of North Cascades Audubon, will help you to identify many of the bird species that are here in this rich ecosystem as well as the challenges and threats which will impact their future survival. **Event Categories:** Sunday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [A Birds Eye View of Their Nests, by Joe Meche](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/a-birds-eye-view-of-their-nests-by-joe-meche/) **Published:** February 23, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** **![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/bushtit-in-nest-EE-300x152.jpg)Live Webinar** Joe Meche, a favorite speaker at Wings Over Water for the last 17 years will illustrate through his intimate observation and photography of nesting birds, a variety of birds and their nests found locally as well as elaborate on the concept of manmade nesting boxes. This will be an entertaining presentation for all ages! **Event Categories:** Sunday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Virtual Guided Bird Walk of Blaine Harbor, by Joe Meche](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/virtual-guided-bird-walk-of-blaine-harbor-by-joe-meche/) **Published:** February 23, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** **![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/JoeMeche-300x200.jpg)Live Webinar with Pre-recorded Video** Take a recorded virtual birding walk guided by Joe Meche, who has been birding in this location for over 30 years. Learn from Joe the best birding spots of this 2- mile loop along the waterfront of Blaine Harbor, and the birds you may see in this most northerly Important Bird Area (IBA) of Washington State. **Event Categories:** Sunday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [eBird and Citizen Science by Holly Merker](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/ebird-and-citizen-science-by-holly-merker/) **Published:** February 23, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** **![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Holly-Merker-headshot-image-800x600-1-300x225.jpg)Become a Better Birder while making Impacts in Understanding Bird Populations and Migration** **Live Webinar** How can you make a direct impact on bird conservation? By contributing your bird observations to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Database, you are powering conservation science. These data are critical in research, land management, and conservation projects across the globe. In this webinar, we’ll explore how these data are used, and how to use eBird. Holly Merker has been the Pennsylvania eBird State Coordinator since 2005, and is both an eBird data reviewer, eBird hotspot reviewer, and avid eBirder herself. **Event Categories:** Sunday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Introduction & Welcome to the Festival](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/introduction-welcome-to-the-festival/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** **![Welcome to Wings Over Water Birding Festival](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Intro-235x300.jpg)Live on Zoom** Join us for coffee and learn about the day’s festival activities as well as an overview of the activities for all three days of the festival. There will also be some prize drawings for those who join us! **Event Categories:** Featured & Special Events, Friday Event --- ### [Introduction to Raptors of NW Washington, by Sue Cottrell](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/introduction-to-raptors-of-nw-washington-by-sue-cottrell/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ![Into to Raptors, Sue Cottrell](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Sue-Cottrell-bio-pic-800x600-1-300x225.jpg) **Live Webinar** Learn to recognize the 15 species of diurnal raptors that can be seen in Northwest Washington. Sue Cottrell, founder of the non-profit Raptor Studies Northwest, will introduce you to their field marks, common behaviors and the best locations to get outside and view these magnificent birds! Sue will also talk about her current projects studying Avian Keratin Disorder in Buteos and an American Kestrel nest box project. **Event Categories:** Friday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Film Presentation: Feathers and Frontiers](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/film-presentation-feathers-and-frontiers/) **Published:** February 1, 2020 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** Learn about the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, located in our neighboring state of Idaho, this 485,000-acre area, along 81 miles of the Snake River, is home to the densest population of nesting birds of prey in North America and perhaps the world. Both the film maker and the BLM Manager of this incredible place will be on hand to answer questions! The film will last approximately 41minutes, followed by questions and comments from the audience. Cost: Free **Event Categories:** Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Introduction to Raptors of NW Washington](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/introduction-to-raptors-of-nw-washington/) **Published:** February 1, 2020 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** Sue Cottrell has studied birds of prey and guided outdoor trips for more than 30 years, including trapping and banding raptors. She is the founder of Raptor Studies Northwest, a 501(c)3 organization devoted to the education of the public, and conservation of raptors, in the Pacific Northwest. The Pacific NW is one of the best places in the country to see raptors in the winter. She will give an introduction to the 15 raptor species seen in NW WA and share her current research and photos of her latest projects working with Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels. *Sponsored by the Law Firm of Chmelik, Sitkin and Davis.* Cost: Free **Event Categories:** Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Salish Sea Open Water Birding & Wildlife Cruise, by San Juan Cruises](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/salish-sea-open-water-birding-wildlife-cruise-2/) **Published:** February 17, 2018 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** Join us for a two-hour offshore cruise from Semiahmoo Spit aboard the 50-foot Salish Sea. Please note that there is a 10:00am to noon and a 12:30 to 2:30pm cruise. Choose your cruise time by following the “Click here for tickets” link, below. View a diverse variety of birds in the rich waters of Boundary Bay and Semiahmoo Bay. 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. (The cruise is subject to cancellation due to rough sea conditions. If this should happen, prepaid registration fees will be refunded.) **Boat departs from the Semiahmoo Resort Plover Dock**. **Please arrive at the boat dock no later than 9:45am for the 10:00am cruise, and 12:15pm for the 12:30 cruise, as the boat is scheduled to depart promptly at 10:00am and 12:30pm.** Seating is limited and may be sold out prior to the festival; click below for tickets ($50). Available seats may be purchased in person on Saturday starting at 8:30 am at the WOW Festival Headquarters, Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, Blaine, WA. *Sponsored by Phillips 66.* ### [Click here for tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salish-sea-open-water-birding-wildlife-cruise-by-san-juan-cruises-tickets-93107831029) **Event Categories:** Birding Cruises, Field Trips, Saturday Event --- ### [Beginning Bird Photography](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/bird-photography-for-all-levels-of-experience-and-interest/) **Published:** February 5, 2019 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** A unique opportunity to learn from Paul Bannick, award-winning wildlife photographer, and author who specializes in the natural history of North America. Paul will use photographs, personal stories and interaction to inspire the photographer in all of us. No need to own a camera or lenses to take this class. Seating is limited and may be sold out prior to the event, but tickets ($15) may be purchased online through the link below. Available tickets will also be sold on Saturday at the festival headquarters, Blaine Middle School Cafeteria, 975 H St., Blaine. ### [Click here for tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beginning-bird-photography-by-photographer-paul-bannick-tickets-93120087689) **Event Categories:** Sunday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Guided Birding and Geology Bus Tour to Semiahmoo Spit](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/birding-field-trip-to-semiahmoo-spit/) **Published:** February 16, 2018 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** This guided field trip offers both the novice and experienced birder the best opportunity to explore the abundance of birds along Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural land spit located between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Enjoy a scenic bus ride around Drayton Harbor and while in route educator, Jim Jorgensen will highlight the local geology landmarks that make this such an intriguing area and premiere birding location. Take a leisurely. 90 minute walk, led by experienced birder, Phil Calise on both a paved walking trail and along the beach to view birds close at hand. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. If time allows, there will also be an opportunity for a brief stop at the Alaska Packers Association Museum. *Sponsored by Sponsored by AMS, Print and Mail Specialists.* **Bus departs in front of the Blaine Middle School Cafeteria.** Space is limited; click below for tickets ($10, includes a snack). Available tickets can be purchased in person on Saturday, starting at 8:30 am at the headquarters table, Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, Blaine. ### [Click here for tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guided-birding-and-geology-bus-tour-to-semiahmoo-spit-tickets-93106296439) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/11043450_919838584733559_3449483732164161394_o-1024x474.jpg) **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Saturday Event --- ### [Plover Passenger Ferry Nature Cruise (Departs Hourly, on the Hour)](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/plover-passenger-ferry-nature-cruises-copy/) **Published:** February 2, 2019 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** The historic Plover Ferry will take passengers on an approximately 45 minute nature cruise along Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay. A knowledgeable birder will be on board to point out the wildlife and birds along the way. Dress appropriately for inclement weather. For details on MV Plover Passenger Ferry, visit: **[DraytonHarborMaritime.com](http://draytonharbormaritime.com/plover.html).** *Sponsored by Blaine Harbor, Port of Bellingham.* **Important Notes: 1.** There are no ticket sales from the dock or on the ferry. You must have tickets before you come to the ferry. Tickets ($6) are available prior to the festival online, or in person at WOW Festival Headquarters, Blaine Middle School (975 H Street, Blaine). Purchase tickets before you before you arrive at the dock. **2.** Plover Ferry trips are subject to cancellation due to rough sea conditions. If this should happen, prepaid registration fees will be refunded. **Departure**: On the hour from Blaine Boating Center Visitor Dock, 235 Marine Drive, Blaine, WA (last Departure is at 3:00 pm.). Seating is limited and may be sold out prior to the festival; buy tickets online through the link below. Tickets for available seats may be purchased in person on Saturday starting at 8:30 am at the Festival headquarters, Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, Blaine. ### [Click here for tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plover-passenger-ferry-nature-cruises-departs-hourly-tickets-93113124863) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/906084_919838394733578_6795304003354695957_o-1024x498.jpg) **Event Categories:** Birding Cruises, Field Trips, Saturday Event --- ### [Two Day Advanced Photography Workshop](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/two-day-advanced-photography-workshop/) **Published:** February 1, 2020 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** Day 1: Friday, March 20, **9:00 am** to 4:00 pm (classroom). Please bring camera equipment and a sack lunch. Day 2: Saturday, March 21, **8:00 am** – 12:00 pm (field experience). Please bring camera equipment. NOTE: You must attend the Friday workshop to participate in the Saturday field experience. This is the first time at the festival Ken Salzman has offered an in-depth, day and half photography workshop to include both experience in the classroom and in the field. This is an excellent opportunity for photographers to learn advanced tips and techniques in bird photography. Ken Salzman will take you through what you need to know about camera settings, techniques, and the best ways to set up to get great shots of birds in action. The classroom time on Friday will use photographs, personal experiences and interaction with participants to communicate key ideas, including how to photograph birds from an artistic point of view. Saturday, a field trip for some “hands-on” instruction is included, location to be determined. Ken is an avid birder and photographer and teaches photography courses at Whatcom Community College. Visit his website at [www.kensalzman.zenfolio.com](http://www.kensalzman.zenfolio.com) Class size is limited to 14; buy tickets online below. Cost: $125 (Includes Friday and Saturday). ### [Click here for tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/two-day-advanced-photography-workshop-with-ken-salzman-tickets-92921331203) **Event Categories:** Friday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Kids' Birdhouse Building (10:00am 'till gone!)](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/kids-birdhouse-building/) **Published:** February 16, 2018 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** Build a bird house to invite the local birds to make your back yard their home. This activity starts at 10:00am and continues until the birdhouses are gone. For children to age 14, *Sponsored by Pacific Building Center.* Recommended donation: $2. **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ### [Better Bird Identification](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/better-bird-identification/) **Published:** February 1, 2020 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** Are you new to birding or do you want to improve your bird identification skills? From Joe Meche, learn a practical method for field identification through the Peterson Identification System. Joe has been a birder for over 65 years as well is a well-known local writer and photographer. *Sponsored by Freeman Real Estate.* **Event Categories:** Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Birding Walk at Semiahmoo Spit](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/birding-walk-at-semiahmoo-spit/) **Published:** February 8, 2019 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** Come along on a guided birding walk along Semiahmoo Spit. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Meet at the Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Fishing Museum parking lot, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine, WA. **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Sunday Event --- ### [Birding Walk at Birch Bay](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/birding-walk-at-birch-bay/) **Published:** February 17, 2018 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** Join a guided birding walk and explore the trails and shoreline within Birch Bay State Park. . Wear comfortable walking shoes. **Note:** The event is free, but a Discover Pass or a $10 day pass is required for parking within the state park. A pass can be purchased at kiosks in the park. **Event Categories:** Field Trips, Sunday Event --- ### [Day to Day Dance & Nightingale Choir Performance](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/day-to-day-dance-nightingale-choir-performance/) **Published:** February 1, 2020 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** Enjoy a delightful arrangement of a dance and song performance about our feathered friends. The dance, choreographed by award-winning dance instructor, May Lou Sanelli will be performed by Day to Day dance students and will be followed by a medley of songs by the Blaine Elementary Nightingale Choir led by Blaine School Music Instructor, Brian Myrick. Cost: Free **Event Categories:** Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [What eBird Can do for You](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/what-ebird-can-do-for-you/) **Published:** February 1, 2020 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** How does eBird make you a better birder? See how this user-friendly app can help you find the best places to bird, find specific birds, keep track of which birds you see at what time of year, share your sightings with others, and store your photographs, all with one elegant tool. And it’s a practical step everyone can take to help protect birds. Experienced birders and top eBirder userss Amanda Colbert, Pauline Sterin and Eric Ellingson will present the range of benefits to using this tool and give you resources to become an experienced eBirder yourself. They also will be available for a limited time after the program to help individuals get started. Cost: Free **Event Categories:** Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Create Your Own Backyard Bird Haven](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/create-your-own-backyard-bird-haven/) **Published:** February 1, 2020 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** Pam Borso, from North Cascades Audubon Society will provide you with the information and resources to create your own backyard bird haven. Learn with some careful plant choices and by adding some natural features to your landscape how to attract and offer refuge and protection for birds and other wildlife. *Sponsored by North Cascades Audubon.* Cost: Free **Event Categories:** Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Youth "Wildlife Art" Workshop](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/kids-wildlife-art-workshop/) **Published:** February 5, 2019 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** Pacific Northwest artists Megan and Wendy Bloom, creators of Rainbow Orca Designs are this year’s featured artists. Along with exhibiting their nature and wildlife indoor sculptural art and paintings at the Wings Over Water Expo, Wendy will be leading a nature-inspired art workshop for youth. Wendy will guide workshop participants through the creation of a watercolor painting using “pen outline-and wash” technique. Students will be creating a bird inspired painting using liquid watercolors. *Sponsored by Blaine-Birch Bay Parks and Rec, Dist. 2* Maximum 15 participants. For ages 8 and up. Cost: Free **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Block Printing Demonstration, by Artist & Author Molly Hoshimoto](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/block-printing-demonstration-by-artist-author-molly-hoshimoto/) **Published:** February 1, 2020 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** Learn how Molly creates the block prints that appear on Pomegranate notecards and in her book *Birds of the West: An Artist’s Guide.* Demonstration will show the full process from designing, drawing, carving the block, inking it and printing it, and hand-tinting with watercolor. *Sponsored by ProPack.* **Event Categories:** Saturday Event, Virtual Workshops & Presentations --- ### [Kids' Activities](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/event/kids-activities/) **Published:** February 16, 2018 **Author:** WOWadmin_CK **Content:** All day: kids’ activities, including arts and crafts, games, face painting, and some wild surprises! *Sponsored by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.* Cost: Free **Event Categories:** Kids Activities, Saturday Event --- ## Fusion Elements ### [Sponsor 2021](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/fusion_element/sponsor-2021/) **Published:** March 4, 2021 **Author:** Wings Over Water **Content:** ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BP.jpg "BP") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/city-blaine.jpeg "city blaine") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BBBPRD_seahawk_greensmall.jpg "BBBPRD2") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/North-cascades-adubon.png "North cascades adubon") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Blaine-Chamber-72dpi.jpg "Blaine Chamber new 72dpi") --- ### [sponsors 2018](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/fusion_element/sponsors-2018/) **Published:** February 27, 2018 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BP.jpg "BP") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/DG_LOGO_NEW_4C.jpg "DG_LOGO_NEW_4C") ![]() ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/boundary-fish_V01.jpg "boundary fish_V01") ![]() ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Shell.jpeg "Shell") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BIG-ALS.jpg "BIG AL’S") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/mike_kent-17wx11d.jpg "mike_kent 17wx11d") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Vault.jpg "The Vault") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/blaine-harbor-logo.jpg "blaine harbor logo") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Semiahmoo-logo-web.png "Semiahmoo-logo-web") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/city-blaine.jpeg "city blaine") ![]() ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Adventures-NW.jpg "Adventure’s NW") ![]() ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/kathystaufferwindermere.jpg "kathystaufferwindermere") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/sponsor_tnl.jpg "sponsor_tnl") ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/BirchBayChamberLogo.jpg "BirchBayChamberLogo") --- ### [water background with date info](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/fusion_element/water-background-with-date-info/) **Published:** November 24, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ### *Join us for our family friendly birding event* ## March 16-18, 2018 • Blaine, WA --- ### [header text](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/fusion_element/header-text/) **Published:** November 15, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ### *Join us for our family friendly birding event* ## March 16-18, 2018 • Blaine, WA --- ### [sponsor](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/fusion_element/sponsor/) **Published:** November 13, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/darigold.png) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/bp.jpg) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/mike-windemere.jpg) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Kathy-Windemere.jpg) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Blaine-Harbor-port-of-bellingham.jpg) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/blaine-birch-bay-parks-and-rec.png) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Phillips66-Logo.svg.png) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Birch-Bay-Chamber-of-commerce.jpg) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Blaine-Chamber-of-commerce.jpg) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/North-cascades-adubon.png) ![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/blaine-logo.png) --- ### [about](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/fusion_element/about/) **Published:** November 9, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** # About WOW Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival celebrates the incredible variety of migratory birds that flock to this pristine coastal area. Birding is one of America’s fastest growing outdoor activities and Blaine, Semiahmoo,\* and Birch Bay located on the Pacific Flyway as well as the beginning of the Cascade Loop of the Washington State Birding Trail, are among one of the country’s premier bird viewing areas where you can observe a large variety of birds close at hand. ### 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. ### History The Washington Brant Foundation started the Brant Festival in Blaine and Birch Bay in 2002 because of their concern 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 in 2008 and continues to celebrate our annual festival every March. ### Who Attends? Hundreds attend the festival from the Puget Sound region, Lower Mainland, British Columbia as well as from around the country who want to experience a wide variety of waterfowl close at hand. ### The Future Our vision for the festival is to continue to provide an opportunity for education and enjoyment of the birds in their natural habitat, preserving this valuable asset for future generations. --- ### [media](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/fusion_element/media/) **Published:** November 9, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** # In the Media [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/Paul-Bannick-and-Cover.png)](/wp-content/uploads/Natural-history-of-owl-by-Paul-Bannick-a-great-coffee-table-book-for-2017-_-Bellingham-Herald.pdf) ### [The Bookmonger: Bannick is back with great owl photography](/wp-content/uploads/Natural-history-of-owl-by-Paul-Bannick-a-great-coffee-table-book-for-2017-_-Bellingham-Herald.pdf) *The Bellingham Herald* December 22, 2016 by Barbra Lloyd McMichael [Read Article >](/wp-content/uploads/Natural-history-of-owl-by-Paul-Bannick-a-great-coffee-table-book-for-2017-_-Bellingham-Herald.pdf) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/mindful-birding.jpg)](http://www.thenorthernlight.com/2016/12/21/wings-over-water-nw-birding-festival-honored-with-mindful-birding-award/) ### [Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival honored with Mindful Birding Award](http://www.thenorthernlight.com/2016/12/21/wings-over-water-nw-birding-festival-honored-with-mindful-birding-award/) December 21, 2016 by **Stefanie Donahue** Listen to what is being said about this year’s festival… [Read Article >](http://www.thenorthernlight.com/2016/12/21/wings-over-water-nw-birding-festival-honored-with-mindful-birding-award/) [View Award >](http://www.mindfulbirding.org/news/42) [![](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/LTDU0329.jpg)](http://www.thenorthernlight.com/2016/02/24/blaine-a-bird-watching-paradise/) ### [Blaine a Bird-Watching Paradise](http://www.thenorthernlight.com/2016/02/24/blaine-a-bird-watching-paradise/) *The Northern Light* February 24, 2016 by **Joe Meche** Despite rainy weather, dozens of people turned out for the annual Wings Over Water event. [Read Article >](http://www.thenorthernlight.com/2016/02/24/blaine-a-bird-watching-paradise/) --- ### [misc](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/fusion_element/misc/) **Published:** November 9, 2017 **Author:** ClickMonster **Content:** ## Opening Reception Opening Ceremony Details ## Field Trips - Field Trip Description - Field Trip Description - Field Trip Description - Field Trip Description - Field Trip Description - Field Trip Description ## Workshops - Workshop Description - Workshop Description - Workshop Description - Workshop Description - Workshop Description - Workshop Description ## Kid’s Activities - Activity Description - Activity Description - Activity Description - Activity Description - Activity Description - Activity Description --- ## Series ### [Birch Bay Birds and Brew Guided Nature Walk](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/series/birch-bay-birds-and-brew-guided-nature-walk/) **Published:** February 6, 2026 **Author:** Ruth Lauman --- ### [Kid’s Story & Activity Time by Marie Guenette, WCLS Library](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/series/kids-story-activity-time-by-marie-guenette-wcls-library/) **Published:** February 8, 2023 **Author:** ClickMonster --- ## Event Categories ### [Friday Event](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/events/category/friday/) --- ### [Saturday Event](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/events/category/saturday/) --- ### [Sunday Event](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/events/category/sunday/) --- ### [Field Trips](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/events/category/fieldtrips/) --- ### [Virtual Workshops & Presentations](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/events/category/workshops/) --- ### [Birding Cruises](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/events/category/cruises/) --- ### [Kids Activities](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/events/category/kids/) --- ### [Featured & Special Events](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/events/category/features/) --- ### [Presentation](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/events/category/presentation/) --- ### [Photography](https://www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/events/category/photography/) ---