Orcas Island and the Salish Sea are home to some amazing wildlife and the third annual Orcas Island Bird & Wildlife Festival will help you learn more about the natural world that surrounds us. The festival kicks off on April 29th and will wind down on May 1st – a perfect opportunity to take a weekend glamping trip with us!
Listen
The folks over at Orcas WILD are hosting a series of talks by Marine Naturalist Katie Dunbar about birds and whales and how they share the San Juan Islands. Each talk will commence at 10am and will be approximately 30-40 minutes. You’ll have the chance to follow up with questions afterward.
Here’s the lineup:
• Friday, April 29th: Birds and Whales of the Salish Sea.
• Saturday, April 30th: Birds and Killer Whales.
• Sunday, May 1st: Birds and Baleen Whales.
Adventure
Immersing yourself in the wilderness of Moran State Park is a great way to experience the land-based wildlife but there’s no better way to apply all of your new-found avian and marine knowledge than to take a field trip out on the water!
Check out the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce website to learn more about the island companies that can get you for a sea-kayaking or whale watching adventure!
It’s also handy to note that Deer Harbor Charters is offering a special bird watching trip at 9am from Deer Harbor Marina. If you’re here for the Bird & Wildlife Festival, you’ll enjoy special pricing and the knowledge of local captain and naturalist Tom Averna. Tom will do his best to show you a all of the marine birds that he can and at only $35/person – call ASAP for a reservation because this special trip is limited to 20 guests!
Dine
You’re sure to work up an appetite after all of this adventuring and learning so be sure reserve your spot for a dinner & talk, with special guest Dr. Joe Gaydos, Director and Chief Scientist, SeaDoc Society. Joe will present “The Amazing Wildlife of the Salish Sea” and The Loft at Madrona will serve up some amazing cuisine. Enjoy enlightened eating in Eastsound on Saturday, April 30 (6 pm – 9 pm). Please call or e-mail the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce for tickets; the three-course dinner is just $50 and is only available by reservation!
We sure hope to see you for the 2016 Orcas Island Bird & Wildlife Festival and, while you’re busy booking dinner and adventures, don’t forget to book your Moran State Park glamping site! We’re always happy to help you find the perfect glamping site so don’t hesitate to give us a ring with any questions.
Most important, you can use promo code ‘BIRDFEST16’ when booking one of our glamping sites online or by phone to save 10% off a two night stay during the Festival! Remember, a two night minimum stay during the festival (April 29th – May 1st) is required to get the savings. We can’t combine this discount with any other discount and it’s based on availability. Of course, additional guest fees and site occupancy maximums still apply!
