April 29, 30 & May 1, Orcas Island
— from Lance Evans, Chamber of Commerce —
The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce is presenting its Third Annual Bird & Wildlife Festival on April 29 – May 1, 2016. The Festival offers activities sure to please all who enjoy the birds & wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. The lineup of talks, wildlife cruises, and activities are ideal for all ages and experience levels.
Nature talks are presented by Orcas W.I.L.D. Orcas Wildlife Institute for Learning and Discovery is an interpretive center focused on the ecology and natural history of Orcas Island and the Salish Sea, located at 217 Main Street in Eastsound. The talks are Free. Schedule of talks:
- Friday, April 29. Birds & Whales of the Salish Sea. 10 am.
- Saturday, April 30. Birds & Killer Whales. 10 am.
- Sunday, May 1. Birds & Baleen Whales. 10 am.
Wildlife cruises and kayak trips are being offered by several different island companies. This is a chance for festival attendees to see birds and marine life so prevalent in The Salish Sea.
Schedule of wildlife cruises & kayak trips: All 3 days. Departures for wildlife cruises at 12 noon (Deer Harbor Charters), 12:30 pm (Eclipse Charters) & 1 pm (Outer Island Excursions). Kayaks trips depart at 10 am & 2 pm (Shearwater Adventures, and Outer Island Excursions).
Walk & Talk at Glenwood Salmon Hatchery Ponds:
Saturday, April 30. Explore the Hatchery Ponds with your guide as you learn about their “natural rearing,” hatchery practices that mimic nature. This talk is Free.
The Festival will also include an Art Walk in Eastsound on Saturday, April 30 (2 pm – 5 pm), and a community Bird Parade on Saturday at 12 noon.
Festival dinner, featuring Dr. Joe Gaydos, Director & Chief Scientist, Sea Doc Society
Saturday, April 30. This year’s Festival will feature a dinner & talk, with special guest Dr. Joe Gaydos. His presentation at the dinner will be “The Amazing Wildlife of the Salish Sea.” The dinner will be held at The Loft at Madrona in Eastsound on Saturday, April 30 (6 pm – 9 pm). Amazing items featured in our Silent Auction! Tickets for the 3-course dinner are $50 and are available by reservation only. Please contact the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce for tickets. Email or call (360-376-2273) to save your spot.
Complete Festival details can be found at www.OrcasIslandBirdFest.com and www.Facebook.com/OrcasBirdFest
