— from the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce —
The first-ever Orcas Bird and Wildlife Festival is fast approaching, from April 10 to 12, 2014. The Festival offers activities sure to please all who enjoy the birds and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. The line-up of walks, talks, workshops and activities are ideal for all ages and experience levels.
Thor Hanson will give the Keynote Speech and sign his book, “Feathers” at the April 10 Kickoff Dinner of the Bird and Wildlife Fest. Photo by Kathleen Ballard
The Festival Kickoff is a fundraising dinner on Thursday, April 10 with keynote speaker Thor Hanson on “Touchstones: Feathers, Seeds, and the Nature of Everyday.”
In an increasingly urban world, author and biologist Thor Hanson believes the storytelling of science can help us stay connected to nature. With images and tales from his books and research, this talk explores the fascinating biology of everyday things. Learn how a classroom in Kansas changed the fundamentals of ornithology, what snakes have to do with seed collecting, and how to enjoy watching birds when you can’t remember their names.
Hanson is a conservation biologist, Switzer Environmental Fellow, and member of the Human Ecosystems Study Group. His books include The Impenetrable Forest: My Gorilla Years in Uganda and Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle, which won the John Burroughs Medal and was nominated for The Samuel Johnson Prize. It also received the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize and a Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award.
The dinner will be at the Beach House at Rosario Resort Thor will be signing copies of his best-selling book, Feathers. There will also be a silent auction. Tickets are $40 per person, and may be purchased by contacting the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce by email (info@orcasislandchamber.com) or phone (360-376-2273). However, website registration at OrcasIslandBirdFest.com is necessary if you are planning to attend the dinner.
Check out all the great activities at OrcasIslandBirdFest.com
