northweSt Birding FeStiVaL

11TH ANNUAL

Thursday, March 144:30 p.m.–7 p.m.Cost: Free

Birch Bay Wings Over Water Art Gallery WalkOpening Reception Via Cafe & Bistro7829 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay

Birch Bay Wings Over Water Art Gallery Walk will feature a number of artists’ works exhibited in businesses around the bay including this year’s featured festival artist Vivian Mazzola. The gallery walk will continue during the festival through Sunday, March 17.Artwork will be for sale.

Friday, March 155 p.m.–7 p.m.Wings Over Water Opening & Artist Reception Wine Tasting Blaine Bouquets625 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine

Saturday, March 16ALL DAY BIRDING EXPO10 a.m.–5 p.m. Blaine Middle School975 H Street, Blaine

Free activities for the whole family! There will be indoor and outdoor activities to mix and match according to interests and the weather including live raptor presentations by Sardis Raptor Center, wildlife exhibits and displays, kids’ activities including build your own bird house, workshops and expert speaker presentations, fi eld trips and more!

Saturday, March 16Featured PresentationVasiliy Baranyuk5 p.m.Cost: Free

Blaine Performing Arts Center975 H Street, Blaine

Snow Geese & Other Wildlife of the Wrangel Island Nature Reserve, Russia.

Sunday, March 17Birders’ Breakfast Buffet9 a.m.–11 a.m.Cost: $13

CJ’s Beach House Restaurant7878 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay

Enjoy a great breakfast buffet presentation by expert birder, Joe Meche.

www.WingsOverWaterBirdingFestival.com

A Special Publication of The Northern Light

Blaine“We Make House Calls”

MARCH 14-17, 2013

NW PARK& RECREATIONDISTRICT 2

Facebook.com/WingsOverWater

BLAINE • BIRCH BAY • SEMIAHMOO

SEE COMPLETE ACTIVITIES

SCHEDULE ON PAGE 4

Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Center

City of Blaine

Modern photographs were preced-ed in prehistoric times by cave paint-ings and pictographs that were the handiwork of individuals whose pas-sion was to share images of the world around them. Though techniques have certainly changed over the millennia, the goal is still the same – increase awareness of the world around us and specifically add to the understanding of the other creatures that live here as well. I first embraced the magic of pho-tography as a freshman in high school when I joined the photography club. Considering how long ago that was and the tools that were available at the time, I was able to learn about the basics of the equipment, as well as the finer details of time and light and how it all works together to create the finished product. Fast forward to to-day’s digital technology and anyone can become a competent photogra-pher, though it would be good to have a basic understanding of the process. With today’s vast array of equipment well within reach of most budgets, anyone can pursue nature photog-raphy and produce amazing results. Regardless of the size of your budget, there are cameras that are available to suit everyone’s needs. The determining factor is whether you wish to pursue this as a hobby, a career or simply as a passion. Everyone will have a different approach but there are essentials to consider. I was passionate about birds long before I considered the idea of shar-

ing the images that I was seeing in the field. As I continued my own pur-suit of better images of more birds, I found that I was learning more about the behavior of the subjects than ever before. Whether you’re watching a pair of birds building a nest or observing the feeding techniques of different species, your knowledge of the birds is certain to increase. Many bird photographs tend to be stock images of individual birds or even large flocks of birds. To bring life to the birds is to capture them in their natural habitats, displaying a range of behavioral characteristics from feeding and foraging to courtship displays and more. Flight shots provide more oppor-tunities to illustrate and understand individual feather patterns, and in the process offer the budding photogra-pher a formidable challenge. The best equipment to use for pho-tographing birds is the best equipment you can afford. At the same time, you will need to consider the responsibility of carrying heavy lenses and a tripod when you’re out in the field. Try not to suffer too much from lens envy. It’s a natural instinct to always want a bigger lens, but bigger is not always better and you have to remember that you will be the one shouldering the load. The basic etiquette of bird watching is often overlooked in

pursuit of better images, but it is essen-tial. Throughout the year, birds will be going through their normal routines and we, the observers, need to under-stand the privilege we have to sit in on the drama as it unfolds. The single best thing to remember is to give the birds their space—don’t crowd the birds just to get your shot. In winter, birds are in survival mode so be sensitive to their needs beyond your own.

The best places to photograph birds are wherever you find them and few places can compare with the Blaine, Semiahmoo and Birch Bay area for viewing birds. The large numbers of wintering birds in these protected waters were key to this area gaining recognition as one of Washington’s premier Important Bird Areas and as the anchor for the Cascade Loop of the

Great Washington State Birding Trail. Locations where birds utilize available food sources will always provide ample opportunities for aspiring bird photog-raphers. Bird sanctuaries and wildlife refuges are ideal for observing and photographing birds, especially since the birds seem to understand the rela-tive security of these safe havens. Two additional components are necessary to succeed as a bird pho-tographer and cannot be purchase: patience and a willingness to spend inordinate amounts of time where the birds are. Like any other pursuit, your skills will improve with practice and an understanding of the equipment you have chosen to use. While you learn more about your equipment and your subjects, chances are you will also learn more about yourself.

A Special Publication of The Northern Light

PhotograPhing BirdS By Joe Meche

Vasiliy Baranyuk, a renowned Russian biologist, has studied the wildlife on Wrangel Island, Russia. Considered to be some of the most remote Arctic wilder-ness on the planet, Baranyuk has spent the last thirty summers with stretches as long as 87 days without seeing another human. This northernmost World Heritage site has the highest density of polar bear dens, the most plants of any Arctic area and was the last place on earth with a thriving Woolly Mammoth population. Baranyuk will share his experiences of more than three decades in this remarkable place and its magnificent wildlife through stunning photography that includes incredible landscapes and snow geese, snowy owls, polar bears, wolves, wolverines, musk oxen and reindeer. Please join us for this entertaining and informative presentation!

Sponsored by Kathy Stauffer, Windermere Real Estate

Snow geeSeand other wildlife of the wrangel island nature reserve, russia

Saturday, March 16, 2013, 5 p.m.Blaine Performing arts Center

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Free workshop with Valeri Wade

“Who Eats What...or Whom?”

Blaine Middle School

Valeri Wade

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A Special Publication of The Northern Light

aLL aBout the BirdSJOE MECHE has been watching birds for 60 years and shares his passion in his writing and stun-ning photography. His efforts were instrumental in Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo becoming an Important Birding Area as well as the gateway of the Cascade Loop of the Washington State Birding Trail. He has been the president of the North Cascades Audubon since 2007.

BALD EAGLE: Our magnificent national symbol is well represented in this area. Several breeding pairs nest locally and all ages can be observed searching for prey around Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay. The snags on the Semiahmoo Spit are regular resting stops for eagles of all ages.

NORTHERN PINTAIL: This dabbling duck is perhaps the most numerous waterfowl

species to be found in local waters during the winter months. The protected south end of Drayton Harbor is often covered

with pintails during stormy weather.

LONG-TAILED DUCK: This deep-diving Arctic duck winters in local waters and the male, unlike most bird species, is more colorful in winter than it is during the breeding season. As flocks congregate on open water, their yodeling calls can be heard from shoreline vantage points.

PACIFIC BLACK BRANT: The Pacific black brant is the iconic bird of the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival. This unique sea goose

is about the size of a mallard and stages one of the most remarkable migrations of all birds. The majority of brant leave their nesting grounds in the Arctic and fly non-stop to Baja for the winter. In late winter and spring,

their numbers increase locally as the northbound migration nears.

COMMON LOON: This is one of the largest of the three species of loons that frequent the deep water channel leading into Drayton Harbor between Semiahmoo and White Rock, B.C. These magnifi-cent divers are easy to find and a joy to observe from numerous accessible sites. The loons spend the winter here and it’s always a joy to see them as they begin to change into their breeding plum-age in early spring.

SURF SCOTER: Of the three species of scoters wintering in local waters, the surf scoter is the most numerous. Good num-

bers of males, females and juveniles can be seen foraging in the shallow waters along Marine Drive and even under the public

pier at the end of the road.

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMO-RANT: One of the largest cor-morant nesting colonies on the west coast is on the end of the breakwater at the Blaine Harbor. The colony is easily viewed with a scope from the public pier at the end of Marine Drive.

WESTERN GREBE: One of the most striking and graceful of the local grebe species, the western grebe is a frequent visitor in the deepwater channels and throughout Drayton Harbor.

COMMON GOLDENEYE: One of two goldeneye species found locally. These diving sea ducks prefer shallow, protected waters and are often found foraging on mussels that cling to pilings and are exposed at low tide.

Photos & Text By Joe Meche

New WOW Field TripWings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival has added

a new field trip this year to Birch Bay. The shallow bay and sandy beaches offer good viewing sites for many water birds, especially at Birch Bay State Park. This time of year hundreds of Brant geese can be seen graveling up on the edge of the shoreline. In the upland areas above the beach, wetlands have become attractive sites for many species of songbirds, birds of prey and waterfowl. Adjacent to Birch Bay, thousands of acres are owned by British Petroleum. Their naturalist will explain the wetland mitigation that has been done to create a rich habitat for many birds and wildlife. On the scenic bus ride to Birch Bay, Jim Jorgensen, a retired geology and ornithology teacher, will discuss the local geol-ogy. This is an excellent landscape to see the effects of glacial activity from 10,000 years ago, according to Jorgensen.

Featured Artist:Vivian Mazzola, a renowned Belling-

ham artist, has been selected as the Featured Artist for the 2013 Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival. She is currently working on a series of paintings created exclusively for the festival that are inspired by her fasci-nation with herons and the serene beauty of wetlands, marshes and beaches of Birch Bay. Her paintings are inspired by her surroundings as well as her travels. Using the impasto technique, a combination of thin and thick oils on canvas to accent color and express movement, gives a three-dimensional appearance to her paintings of land-scapes, gardens and wildlife. You are invited to an exhibit of her work at the following receptions:

Birch Bay Wings Over Water Art Gallery Walk Opening Reception Thursday, March 14, 4:30–7 p.m. Via Café & Bistro, 7829 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay

Wings Over Water Opening Reception and Wine Tasting Event Friday, March 15, 5–7 p.m. Blaine Bouquet’s Flowers, Wine and Gift Shop625 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine

Her work will be displayed Friday through Sunday, March 14-17.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11-5, Sun 11-4371-0332

7620 Birch Bay Drive

handmade with beach materials

& GIFTS

Home of Dawn's"Made in Birch Bay"Unique Birdhouses

Plus Mac's Critters bird puzzles!

A law offi ce serving bird watchers and birders alike, and always impressed by dunlins in fl ight.

Welcome Birders & Bird Watchers!

The Blaine/Birch Bay communities have gone cuckoo over our fabulous birds.

And ... don’t forget to come again and bring your friends!

L AW O F F I C E S O F

ROGER ELLINGSONRAJEEV MAJUMDAR, ASSOCIATE

289 H Street, downtown Blaine • 360-332-7000www.NorthWhatcomLaw.com

Oil Sunflower Feeder Durable feeder opens at the top for easy filling and cleaning. 3-lb. capacity.L 143 289 B4

Pre-filled Humming-bird Feeder Colorful feeder is filled with sugar, just add water. 10-oz. nectar capacity. L 143 287 B16

CedarBluebird House Lovely natural cedar birdhouse is fully assembled and ready to mount. L 143 272 B3

Bird FeedersFor more than a century, the Audubon Society has worked to conserve and promote healthy habitats to sustain birds and wildlife. Now, these feeders can help you transform your yard into a bird sanctuary and personal retreat.

©2011 True Value® Company. All rights reserved.

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A Special Publication of The Northern Light

SaturdaY eVentS SCheduLe

www.thenorthernlight.com225 Marine Drive, Blaine

360/332-1777

Co-publishersPat Grubb and Louise Mugar

Text and PhotosJoe Meche

Cover PhotoJoe Meche

Graphic DesignRuth Lauman

AdvertisingMolly Ernst, Janet McCall

Alcoa AluminumBirch Bay Chamber

Birch Bay Dog and Cat ClinicBirch Bay Waterslides, LLC

Blaine BouquetsBlaine Chamber of Commerce

Blaine Cost CutterBlaine School District

Blaine West Marine ExpressBP Cherry Point Refi nery

Bob & Louis FrancoThe C Shop

City of BlaineDr. Gunningham,

Birch Bay Family MedicineEd and Pat Kingshott

Kathy Stauffer, Windermere Real EstateLummi Fisheries Supply

Mike Kent, Windermere Real EstateNorth Cascade Audubon

The Northern LightNW Veterinary Clinic

Pacifi c Building CenterPraise 106.5 FM

Port of Bellingham-Blaine HarborBlaine Subway Sandwich Shop

TC TradingTabletop Shop

Totally ChocolateThe Tutor Doctor

Washington Brant FoundationWe’ve Got the Scoop!

Sponsors & SupportersBirds and birders love Blaine!

Visit us often!June - September: Blaine Gardener’s

Market, Peace Arch International Sculpture Exhibition

June 22 & 23: International Art Festival at Peace Arch Park

July 4th: Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration with parade,

car show, street fair & fireworks

July 7-13: Blaine Jazz Festival

August 3 & 4: Drayton Harbor Days & tall ships Lady Washington

& Hawaiian Chieftain

Sundays August 11 - Sept. 1: Peace Arch Park International Concert

Series Festival at Peace Arch Park

Blaine Visitor Information Center 728 Peace Portal Dr., downtown Blaine

360-332-4544www.BlaineChamber.com

Come Play

at Birch Bay!A Birding Paradise!A Birding Paradise!Visit us again for these fun events!

Facebook.com/BirchBayChamber

BirchBayChamber.com

Sandcastle Contest June 22

Birch BayMusic

FestivalAug. 9 - 11

Birch BayDiscovery

DaysJuly 20 & 21

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: WOW Festival activities and information Where: Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street The hub for all of the weekend’s birding events. Stop by here for most activities, presentations, maps and information. All ticket sales will be held at this loca-tion.

10 a.m. until gone: Kids’ birdhouse buildingWhere: Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street, BlaineBuild a bird house to invite the local birds to make your backyard their home. (For kids up to age 14, while supplies last.) Recommended donation: $1

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: North Cascades Audu-bon Society Bird viewing stations Where: Blaine Marine Park, Blaine Public Pier, Semiahmoo Park and Birch Bay State Park Knowledgeable birders from North Cascades Audubon are on hand to assist and answer questions.Cost: Free

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wildlife & Geology fi eld trip to Semiahmoo Spit with Jim Jorgensen Where: Ticket sales/bus departure from Blaine Middle School, 975 H StreetTake a scenic bus ride around Drayton Harbor to Semiahmoo Spit, a 1.25 mile natural spit that is rich in history, geology and opportunities to view wildlife. Dress appropriately for inclement weather.Cost: $5 per person, includes snack. Registration required.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Plover Passenger Ferry nature cruises The historic Plover Ferry will be taking passengers on about a 45-minute nature cruise of Drayton Harbor & Semiahmoo Bay with wildlife biologist Dick McNealy.Dress appropriately for inclement weather. Departure: On the hour from Blaine Boat-ing Center Dock. Last departure is 3 p.m.Free shuttle available to and from Blaine Middle School to Blaine Boating Center. Cost: $5 per person, roundtrip. Registra-tion required. (Sorry, no ticket sales from the dock).

10 a.m. to noon: Wildlife presentation: “Eagles from the Mountains to the Sea” by Wildlife Biologist David Hancock Where: Blaine School Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street David Hancock is a biologist, fi lmmaker, writer and publisher who has been

lecturing and teaching about wildlife and conservation for over 50 years.Cost: Free

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Birch Bay Wings Over Water Art Gallery Walk Where: Birch Bay Visitor Center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive Birch Bay Wings Over Water Art Gal-lery Walk will feature a number of artist exhibits, including this year’s Featured Festival Artist Vivian Mazzola, in busi-nesses around the bay.Cost: Free, artwork will be for sale.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Alaska Packers Asso-ciation Cannery and Fishing MuseumWhere: 9261 Semiahmoo ParkwayExperience the history of Blaine’s fi sh cannery days, housed in an original Alaska Packers cannery building.Cost: Free, donations welcome.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Workshop: “Gardening for Birds” by Master Gardener Sue Taylor Where: Blaine Middle School Classroom, 975 H StreetSue will use her skills and knowledge collected over a lifetime as a teacher, native plan nursery owner, and dedicated steward of the environment to show you how to transform your yard into a haven for birds.Cost: Free

Noon to 1:30 p.m and 2:30 to 4 p.m: Live Raptor Presentation: “Hunters of the Sky” by Sardis Raptor CenterWhere: Blaine Middle School, 975 H StreetThis is an exciting opportunity to have up-close encounters with many magnifi -cent birds of prey including owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles. Cost: Free

Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Wildlife Presentation: “Wintering Birds of the Salish Sea” by Joe Meche, North Cascades Audubon Where: Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H StreetJoe will share about what areas encom-pass what is now recognized as the Sal-ish Sea and the more than 100 species of birds that make this their home.Cost: Free

1 to 3:30 p.m.: Wildlife & Geology fi eld trip to Birch Bay State Park with Jim JorgensenWhere: Ticket sales/bus departure from Blaine Middle School, 975 H StreetTake a scenic bus ride to Birch Bay State Park to learn about this shallow bay es-tuary. For more information, see page 3.Cost: $5 per person, includes snack

2 p.m. Family wildlife walk, Semiah-moo Spit, sponsored by Let’s Move Blaine and NW Parks and RecreationWhere: Meet at Semiahmoo Park, 9261 Semiahmoo ParkwayOne hour loop walk, scavenger hunt and more. Dress for inclement weather.Cost: Free 2 to 3:30 pm: Wildlife Presentation: “What do Savvy Merlins and Crows Have in Common?” by David Drum-mondWhere: Blaine School Performing Arts Center, 975 H StreetDavid will explore how the land-scape of the Coastal Temperate Rain Forest has changed and the implications for fi nding a mate, a home and a meal. Cost: Free

2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Workshop: Who Eats What … Or Whom? by Valeri Wade, owner Wild Bird ChaletWhere: Blaine Middle School Class-room, 975 H StreetBirds eat seeds, fruit, insects and each other. From vegetarian to carnivore-they thrive in our own back yards. How do we help them? Or should we stay out of the way? Step into the complex domain of birds and fi nd out.Cost: Free

5 p.m.: Featured Presentation: “Snow Geese & Other Wildlife of the Wrangel Island Nature Reserve, Russia” by Vasiliy BaranyukWhere: Blaine Performing Arts Cen-ter, 975 H StreetFor more information, see page 2.