FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 9th, 2012
MEDIA CONTACT:
Debbie Harger, festival chair
Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival
(360) 543-9982
dharger@cityofblaine.com
www.blainechamber.com/wow
Blaine, WA will host the 10th annual Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival on Saturday, Mar. 17, 2012, celebrating the incredible variety of migratory birds that visit Blaine, Semiahmoo and Drayton Harbor. Events from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. include field trips, nature cruise, wildlife demonstrations, craft vendors, kids activities and wildlife speakers.
The festival also includes a free featured presentation by Dick Canning, who is a biologist, author, teacher and producer for nature and history radio programs on CBC. His topic, “The Enchantment of Birds,” is based on his book of the same name. He will talk about his favorite birds, what makes each unique and interesting, and his personal connections with them.
The central location for the festival is Blaine Middle School and Blaine Performing Arts Center, both at 925 H Street. Indoor and outdoor activities are available to mix and match according to interests including live raptor presentations by Sardis Raptor Center, wildlife exhibits, displays, onsite craft vendors and bird viewing stations. Kids activities include build your own birdhouse. For $5 visitors can experience a guided field trip by bus with Jim Jorgensen, retired geology and ornithology teacher to explore Semiahmoo Spit, learning about the birds and geology of this unique area. The History Plover Ferry will also offer wildlife cruises on Drayton Harbor.
Birding is one of America’s fastest growing outdoor activities and Drayton Harbor/Semiahmoo Bay is an Important Birding Area (IBA) located on the Pacific Flyway. It is one of the country’s premiere bird viewing areas, where large variety of birds can be observed close at hand.
For more specific information about this year’s festival click here, or call 360-332-4544.