Second Annual Orcas Island Bird Fest Takes Flight!

— by Mariah Miller —

Kim Middleton with her fine-feathered friend

The Orcas Island Bird Fest is in full swing! The second annual event, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, features an array of bird and nature-related offerings ranging from the artistic to the scientific. Bird Fest runs April 30 through Sunday, May 2 at sites throughout Eastsound, and around the Island. Full schedule and details are available online at orcasislandbirdfest.com. Event registration is $20, with some workshops included, and others at an additional cost.

The public portion of the event opened on Thursday, April 30 with the All Things Birds and Beautiful Art Show and Sale curated by Kim Middleton, at the Orcas Island Historical Museum. A professional ornithologist, Middleton began studying painting in 2006, as a way to further explore her passion for the avian world. As her love of painting and art developed, Kim dreamed of producing a juried gallery show featuring birds. Bird Fest provided the opportunity she was waiting for. The blind, juried art show features the work of artists from across North America. Four jurors from around the country selected 45 artists to participate from the highly competitive field of 150 applicants. “A wide diversity of styles and media, as well as a blend of functional and fine art was the objective,” says Middleton. Paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, carving, mosaic and more are featured in the show.

Clark McAbee, director of the Orcas Island Historical Museum, was on hand to greet guests Thursday evening, along with members of the Chamber of Commerce. “We’re happy to have this wonderful exhibit here, and be a part of the Bird Fest,” said McAbee. There is a silent auction in the lobby, with exciting items to bid on and further support the festival.

Friday morning started with a guided nature and bird walk through the historic 650 acre Helsell property in Deer Harbor. Led by family members Deborah Helsell and Ellen Winter, participants enjoyed the stunning property and sightings of a variety of birds including a pair of hooded mergansers, yellow rumped warblers, and a fly-over by a bald eagle. Helsell explained that many of the more unusual birds have flown north, or are currently beginning to nest. Beautiful weather, spring wild flowers, and lively conversation provided an invigorating start to the day.

A scientific symposium entitled May Day! The Future of Salish Sea Birds, was held on Thursday and Friday. Participating scientists will engage Bird Fest registrants in conversations on the changing landscapes and water temperatures, and how area birds are affected on Saturday, May 2. These sessions are open to the public.

Other events on Friday included a variety of boat, kayak and nature tours with various outfitters. Kim Middleton discussed the art exhibit in detail and shared stories behind the works, and the process of soliciting and choosing artists. This session will be repeated on Saturday. Barbara and Dave Evans led a session on gardening and birds at the Library. Richard Bach shared stories of his adventures with Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and the writing life with a rapt crowd at Random Howse.

It’s not too late to get involved! Bird Fest continues on Saturday andSunday May 2 and 3, with a full schedule of events. Beginning at 8 a.m. you can choose to take a bird walk through Buck Park with Barbara Jensen of the San Juan Audubon Society, or a nature hike up Turtleback Mountain. Enjoy an art class with Caroline Buchanan at 9:30 a.m., attend the scientific discussions at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m., or join in a boat or kayak trip. Lori Benjamin is leading a nature writing workshop at 2 p.m. Free and open to the public without registration at Emmanuel Parish Hall, Wolf Hollow Rehabilitation Center presents Wings n Things from 1-3 p.m.

For the young at heart, get your parade fix by catching the Bird Costume Parade through Eastsound and the Farmer’s Market at 12 p.m.! If you’d like to participate, don your bird suit and meet at the school at 11:30 a.m.

Saturday evening is the keynote address and dinner with Dr. John Marzluff at the Inn at Ship Bay from 5:30-9 p.m. The Silent Auction winners will be announced at this event.

Believe it or not, there’s more! Sunday, May 3 you can catch one last nature walk with Barb Jensen, enjoy the art show and boat/kayak tours. At 4 p.m. Darvill’s Bookstore presents a reading and book signing with Frances Backhouse, author of Owls of North America and Woodpeckers of North America.

Visit the website at www.orcasislandbirdfest.com for complete schedule and details, or call (360) 376-2273.