Have you seen them soaring in the skies over the waters along our coastline?
Maybe you have noticed their silhouettes perched high in a tree top when you drive along the highway? They are big, majestic and the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) is celebrating them at the Campbell River Bald Eagle Festival this Saturday at the Maritime Heritage Centre in Campbell River.
The event is sponsored by BC Hydro and 97.3 FM the Eagle Radio.
Each year hundreds of these big birds come to our shore and line up, waiting for the big feast. What they feed upon at this time of year, mainly, are spawning herring which come to our coastal waters by the millions in late February and early March.
The birds have spent time here waiting since the salmon spawned in our rivers in the late fall and now they are getting hungry. The theme of the festival this year is Eagles and Fish and several expert speakers will share their knowledge at EagleFest this year.
The doors open to the public at 10 a.m. with a charge of $5 per person or $10 per family. MARS members get in free.
The event begins with a welcome by Mayor Walter Jakeway and the first guest speaker, at 10:30 a.m., is Ashley Park, a biologist who has studied salmon.
She is followed by Ramona de Graaf at 11:30, who will present a lively talk and walk along the shoreline, exploring the sand and gravels to discover the marvels of forage fish.
EagleFest assistant co-ordinator Pat Wagar says, “We’re very excited to feature this dynamic speaker this year. I’m looking forward to hearing her presentation and learning more about the beaches we take for granted.”
The afternoon, beginning at 1, features Joanna Preston, a biologist who has spent time studying the migration habits of bald eagles during her work for wind farm energy corporations. Then Robert Scriba will present an amazing array of photos taken while working in Knight Inlet, featuring magnificent grizzly bears.
There will be a photography workshop following, with lots of information and tips for getting the right picture, thanks to PhotoTech foto source, the sponsors of then photo contest this year.
The photo contest is a people’s choice event so everyone gets a vote. If you haven’t submitted a picture yet there is still time — check for more information www.wingtips.org.
On Feb. 25 at the Maritime Heritage Centre you will find displays featuring wildlife with Steve Howard, and Gerry Powers and his amazing Owls of B.C. Other displays include the Wildlife Tree Stewardship program, Rocky Point Bird Observatory, and the Marine Mammal Response Network.
You can talk with Thor Froslev from the Brackendale Art Gallery, founder of the Brackendale Eagle Festival, who has counted eagles for 27 years.
Greenways Land Trust and the City of Campbell River will also have exhibits showing the work they are doing within the community.
MARS will be set up on the mezzanine upstairs with information, our mascot birds and items for sale — including bald eagle chocolates from Hot Chocolates, conservation calendars, memberships, and more.
Harrison, the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival mascot, will return to charm kids of all ages and there will be a Kid’s Korner, with lots of activities.
There will also be an opportunity to purchase a print of you with one of our ambassador birds and there will be food available to purchase, including eagle cookies.
— Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society