Wings Over Water

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).

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.

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