The road to Artist Point (the final section of SR 542) and Highway 20 (starting at Ross Dam Trailhead) are both closed for the season.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 5, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:
Debbie Harger
wingsownw@gamil.com

Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival Celebrates 22 Years of Avian Splendor in Blaine, Birch Bay, and Semiahmoo

March 14-16, 2025 – Mark your calendars and get ready to flock to the 22nd Annual Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival, a three-day celebration of birds, nature, and community in the seaside towns of Blaine, Birch Bay, and Semiahmoo, located just north of Bellingham in the northwest corner of Whatcom County, Washington. This year promises an unforgettable three-day experience for bird enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers alike, with highlights including birding cruises, Birdtastic kid’s activities, expert-led field trips, as well as a lively all-day birding expo on Saturday, March 15th.

Situated along the Cascade Loop of the Audubon Society's Great Washington State Birding Trail, the festival provides unparalleled opportunities to explore the region's breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity. Attendees can marvel at the many waterfowl species that are here during their spring migration through guided birding activities and self-paced exploration.

"As we celebrate 22 incredible years of Wings Over Water, we're thrilled to welcome experts bird enthusiasts and families from across the country and Canada to experience the avian wealth officially recognized as one of the most northly “Important Birding Areas of Washington State," said Debbie Harger, Director of the Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival. "The festival is promoted nationally, drawing people from far and wide. This three-day festival offers opportunities to take tours and learn about birding. It's more than just an event—a chance to foster appreciation for bird conservation and the natural beauty surrounding this area of the Pacific Northwest.

A Weekend Packed with Birding Adventures

The festival offers something for everyone, from seasoned birders to families eager to explore the outdoors:

Guided Birding Cruises: Experience an off-shore birding cruise of Semiahmoo Bay, guided by birding experts who help you spot iconic species in their natural habitats.

Educational Workshops & Presentations: Learn from renowned ornithologists and naturalists sharing insights on bird conservation, migration, and research.

Kids' Birdtastic Activities: Nurture the next generation of bird lovers with engaging crafts, games, and hands-on learning experiences designed for young explorers.

All-Day Saturday Birding Expo: Enjoy arts and crafts, explore birding activities for kids, live raptor presentations and enjoy educational exhibits that blend fun for attendees of all ages.

Bird Viewing Stations: Seeing is Believing! You will be amazed at the number of interesting bird species you can see close at hand and viewed through a spotting scope. Knowledgeable birders from North Cascade Audubon will assist and answer questions.

Featured Festival Keynote Speaker: Our 2025 Featured Keynote Speaker Lyanda Lynn Haupt Award-winning author, naturalist, eco philosopher, will provide an inspiring presentation on Saturday, March 15 and 5 pm.

A Community Celebration

The festival has long been a collaborative effort supported by local nonprofits, businesses, and birding and tourism organization’s throughout Whatcom County. This year's event will feature contributions from the North Cascade Audubon Society and local wildlife experts, making it a true community affair.

How to Join the Celebration

We look forward to you joining us for our 22nd year of celebrating the natural beauty and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Please note, activities like birding cruises, field trips, workshops have limited capacity, so please check our website for updates and to registration at www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. You can also email us at wingsownw@gamil.com .

Please also follow our event on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, sneak peeks, and festival highlights. Share your excitement and tag your posts with #WOWBirding2025 to connect with our growing community of bird lovers.

Contact Debbie Harger, Festival Coordinator Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival 

Email: wingsownw@gmail.com 

Website: www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com 

About the Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival

Since 2003, the Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival has been dedicated to celebrating the natural beauty and unique birdlife of Whatcom County. Each year, the festival brings birders, wildlife enthusiasts, and families from the Pacific Northwest and beyond for an unforgettable celebration, fostering education, conservation, and a shared passion for the great outdoors.

Come for the birds; stay for the wonder! We'll see you March 14-16, 2025.

        We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.
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