Presentations and Activities

Presentations
Hikes & Field Trips
Cultural Events and Workshops

Price
$1.50 from each ticket will be donated to the Wild Voices for Kids educational programs and an additional $1.50 from each ticket will be used to fund a Wings Over the Rockies Scholarship. Ticket revenue covers 62% of Wings Festival costs. The balance of the costs is covered by fundraising, donations and advertising

Children: under 6 are FREE
Students: 6 – 18 half price for hikes and $5.00 for presentations

Wings Week Events

Presentations:

Birds of the Rockies
Joel Hagan
Life in the high country is tough, but our birds are up to the challenge! Whether they are long distance migrants or year-round residents, special features help each one to survive. Discover the amazing adaptations and lifestyles of our alpine birds.
With a jumbo sized checklist of alpine birds on hand, the audience goes on a virtual birdwatching trip, ticking off four incredible birds along the way: the Rufous Hummingbird, Golden Eagle, Clark's Nutcracker & American Dipper. You will be excited to find out that something you see every day is so interesting.
Mon May 5 at 7:00 pm
Pynelogs Cultural Centre
MAX # 90
Cost: $7.00

Yellowstone to...Invermere? Transboundary Conservation in the Purcells
Dave Quinn
Transboundary Conservation in the Purcells - a look at modern conservation efforts and solutions in one of the Kootenay's wildest mountain ranges. Join Wildsight Program Manager and professional photographer Dave Quinn for a visual exploration of the wilderness and wildlife of the Purcell Mountains in Invermere's backyard and beyond. Includes a discussion on endangered mountain caribou, threatened grizzly bears, and the 20 year controversy surrounding the proposed Jumbo City in the heart of the Purcells. The evening will include images and tales from a month-long traverse of the Purcells from Kimberley to Rogers Pass.
Tue May 6 at 7:00 pm
Pynelogs Cultural Centre
MAX # 90
Cost: $7.00

An Introduction to Birds and Birding in the Columbia Valley
Cam Gillies
Join Cam as he shares some of the best birding sites in the valley and some of the unique birds to look for at each. He’ll cover wetlands, grasslands, and forests to look for great birds such as Lewis’s Woodpecker, Black-chinned Hummingbird, the stunning Lazuli Bunting, and much more. This will be great advice for anyone interested in doing the Bird-a-thon scheduled for Friday morning!
This evening will also feature a slide show from award winning nature photographer Brad Hill, and a reception for all Wings Festival participants.
Wed May 7 at 7:00 pm
Pynelogs Cultural Centre
MAX # 90
Cost: $7.00

Natural History of the Magellanic Plover, Pluvianellus socialis: recent studies on an ENIGMATIC Patagonian shorebird
Carmen Lishman
Carmen Lishman, Bill Lishman’s daughter, began working on a project in July, 2006 to study the enigmatic Magellanic Plover on the Patagonian Steppe of Argentina. The Magellanic Plover is a rare bird species endemic to southern Patagonia with an estimated global population of fewer than 1500 individuals and “near-threatened” listing on the IUCN Red List of species at risk. It is unique in its behavioral and physical characteristics with uncertain genetic relationships to other shorebirds, it is often placed in a family of its own. There has been no effort to document the biology or conservation status of this species. A group of citizen scientists, local naturalists and one crazy Canadian graduate student (Carmen) braved the windy landscape of Patagonia over 7 months in 2006 and 2007 to follow these unusual birds in all their activities for a full breeding season. In her presentation, Carmen will report their discoveries of the Magellanic Plover’s natural history, behavior and ecology. With very unusual habits and a unique reproductive strategy, this rare bird turns out to be “one of a kind.”
Thu May 8 at 3:00 pm
MEET: Pynelogs Cultural Centre
MAX # 80
Cost $7.00

The Photography of Birds in Flight - Eagles, Gulls, Ravens, & More!
Brad Hill
This 90 minute slideshow combines beautiful and dramatic images of birds in flight with some key "how-to" tips and tricks that will help you capture great images of flying birds. The show features a narrated visual "living Blog" of the behind-the-scenes and month-long sequence of events that Brad Hill took to capture a dramatic shot of an adult Bald Eagle diving down from high in the sky!
Thu May 8 at 7:00 pm
Pynelogs Cultural Centre
MAX # 90
Cost: $7.00

Grand Opening of the Bill Yearling Interpretive Center
Nipika Mountain Resort
The Bill Yearling Cabin build in 1920 has been restored to a rustic Nature Interpretation Center and is the home of the Nipika Wildlife Foundation. Come and enjoy the opening ceremony and ribbon cutting, stay to participate in the Wings Bird-a-thon & awards and enjoy the exhibits, demonstrations, and activities at the center with field Biologist Gudrun Pfleuger. Go for a short Nature Hike to our remote control games cameras. There is no cost to attend the Bill Yearling Interpretive Center Opening! See you there!
Fri, May 9at 4:00 pm
No Limit
Nipika Mountain Resort

Western BBQ & Movie at Nipika Mountain Resort
Steaks, baked potatoes, salads, mixed veggies, and vegetarian options served at the authentic Kicking Horse Barn. This party night will include a great western meal with music, “A Night With the Wolves” movie, & bonfire presentations by the Nipika and Parks Canada Naturalists.

A Night with the Wolves – Enjoy this movie with Gudrun Pfleuger, of the Wolves of Yellowstone National Park and then participate in a lively discussion about the status of the Wolves of the Rockies and Kootenay National Park. Learn about all the threats wolves face and the latest research being done locally to sustain a healthy wolf population.
BBQ - Fri, May 9 at 6:30 pm – Nipika Mountain Resort
Movie - Fri May 9 at 7:30 – Nipika Mountain Resort
MAX # 100
Cost for the evening $30.00/ plate, includes “A Night with the Wolves” Movie

Nipika Mountain Resort welcomes birders and wildlife enthusiasts to the 12th Annual Wings Over the Rockies Bird Festival. Stay three nights at Nipika Mountain Resort at the regular seasonal price and get the fourth night compliments of us! For rates and information and to check availability & book directly online go to www.nipika.com or contact us toll free at 1 877 647-4525.

Fly Away Home
Movie based on real-life experiences of Bill Lishman
This1996 film, about the daughter of a widower who, with her father, leads a flock of Canadian geese from Canada to a wildlife refuge in the US. The film was loosely based on the real-life experiences of Bill Lishman, a Canadian inventor, artist, and ultralight aircraft hobbyist. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Lishman openly wondered if geese and similar birds could be taught new migration patterns by following ultralight aircraft onto which they had been imprinted. In 1993, after several years of logistical and bureaucratic setbacks, Lishman successfully led a flock of Canada Geese on a winter migration from Ontario, Canada to Northern Virginia, U.S.A. Of the 16 birds that participated in the migration, 13 returned to Ontario the following year – entirely on their own.

The Sweet Nutcracker
Laurie Schwartz, Parks Canada's Mountain World Heritage Interpretive Theatre
Discover a true Rocky Mountain romance. Parks Canada's Mountain WIT brings you the story of a couple who really can't live without each other: the Clark's Nutcracker and the Whitebark Pine. This hilarious sketch exposes the tragedies and triumphs of their relationship in an unforgettable way! To play (post-movie)
Sat May 10 at 3:00 pm
MEET: Pynelogs Cultural Centre
MAX # 80
Cost $5.00 Adult/$3.00 Kids/Under 6 Free

12^th Anniversary Gala Banquet & Keynote
Bill Lishman
A gala complete with fabulous food, live and silent auction, keynote presentation and a beak full of fun!!

Keynote presentation by William (Bill) Lishman, knick named Father Goose by Barbara Walters. A world renowned artist, his works include award-winning films and numerous works of public art, a self designed energy efficient home and a best selling autobiography. He was a pioneer in ultralight aviation and the first human to lead birds in formation. He also initiated the use of ultralight aircraft in establishing new migration routes for precocial birds. His work has been documented numerous times including ABC's 20/20, CBC,s the Nature of Things and two hit feature films, Fly Away Home and The Winged Migration were inspired by his work .

Bill has received numerous awards including the Odyssey of the Mind's prestigious Creativity Award, The Canadian Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal. and the US National Wildlife Federation 2002 Conservation award. He is cofounder and chair emeritus of Operation Migration the organization which has played the key role in establishing an easterly flock of endangered Whooping cranes in North America.

The most important teacher is a mentor – Bill will present on this year’s Festival theme:
Because of learning disabilities Bill credits his mentors as most important throughout his life. His keynote humorously traces his career. Beginning with being mentored by his biologist mother and inventor father, he speaks of his childhood on the family farm where researching animal behavior was a way of life. And flying south with birds was a boyhood dream. He concludes with how important it is to recognize that we all become mentors to others.
Sat May 10 at 6:00 pm – Please ask us about menu choices when booking
Eagle Ranch Golf Clubhouse, Invermere
MAX # 130
Cost: $70.00 A tax receipt is issued for a portion of the ticket.

The Sweet Nutcracker
Laurie Schwartz, Parks Canada's Mountain World Heritage Interpretive Theatre
Discover a true Rocky Mountain romance. Parks Canada's Mountain WIT brings you the story of a couple who really can't live without each other: the Clark's Nutcracker and the Whitebark Pine. This hilarious sketch exposes the tragedies and triumphs of their relationship in an unforgettable way!
To play during the Gala evening May 10.

Hikes & Field Trips:

Each hike is rated as follows:
U – Undemanding, I = Intermediate, C = Challenging
Wings Group Sizes - We want just small flocks! We restrict many of our hikes numbers
15 - 20 to limit the impact and protect the environment; this ensures that you have a safe and quality experience.

Children: under 6 are FREE
Students: 6-18 half price for hikes and $5.00 for presentations

Wetlands Nature Walk (U)
Brenda Danyluk, John Pitcher, George Gibson, Gerry Wilkie, Anne and Frank Keely
Spend 3 hours (or more) exploring with local enthusiasts and birders the edge of Columbia Valley Wetlands, the internationally recognized site with a RAMSAR designation.
Mon May 5, Tue May 6, Wed May 7, Thu May 8 & Fri May 9 from 7:30am – 10:30am
MEET: Radium Esso
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Moberly Marsh Meander (U)
Ellen Zimmerman
An early morning walk across the dykes that criss-cross Moberley March just south of Golden, within Burges and James Gadsden Provincial Park. Bird lover Ellen Zimmerman will share with you one of her favorite places and the many birds, and if lucky, wildlife visitors and residents.
Mon. May 5 from 7:30 am - 11:00 am
MEET: College of the Rockies Parking Lot, Golden (then carpool)
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Dabbling with Ducks (I)
Shelagh Wrazej
For the past 10 years biologist Shelagh Wrazej has been conducting Breeding Waterfowl Surveys in the Columbia Valley as part of an international study on waterfowl breeding patterns and routes for the Canadian Wildlife Service. Join Shelagh and become duck ID specialists as well as get insight into their love life. After, you will be able to weed out the residents from the ‘tourists’ (ducks that is… ).
Mon May 5 from 7:30 am - 9:30 am
MEET: Pynelogs Cultural Centre (then carpool)
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Harlequin Adventure (U)
Randy Hopkins
Join Randy on a drive up Toby Creek to spot the elusive Harlequin Duck.
Mon May 5 from 8 am - 11:00 am
MEET: Pynelogs Cultural Centre (then carpool)
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Columbia River Paddling Tours (I)
Full-day guided wildlife viewing tours by kayak or canoe. Come and explore the world famous Columbia River and wetlands and improve your kayak or canoe skills, while learning from our naturalists. No prior canoe or kayaking experience is required. A delicious shore lunch is provided & a moderate level of fitness is beneficial to fully enjoy the experience. Kids must be six years old to join and an adult must accompany children under 12.
Mon May 5 & Wed May 7 at 9:00 am
MEET: Columbia River Outfitters (south side of Athalmer Bridge)
MAX # 15
Cost $60.00/ person, includes canoe/kayak & PFD

Ktunaxa Trails (I)
Lillian Rose
Take a tour of the EXPANDED First Nations exhibit at the Visitor Centre in Radium, which will include a sampling of some traditional foods. Then venture further afield on an epic journey of the Ktunaxa. You will carpool to the Fairmont area and explore the East Columbia, while Lillian provides historical and archeological information along the way. The latter part is a “destination oriented” hike where sturdy shoes are required.
Mon May 5 & Wed May 7 at 10:00 am
MEET: Radium Visitor Reception Centre
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Optic Olympics
Randy Hopkins
Come pit your optics against some of the best binoculars and spotting scopes on the planet: Canon 10 x 42 L IS, Nikon 10x42 SE, Bausch & Lomb 7x26 Custom, Pentax 10x42 DCF and 20x60 binoculars, and Pentax 65, 80, 100mm; and Tele Vue 60, 76 and 85mm spotting scopes.
Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri from Noon to 1:00 pm
MEET: Pynelogs Cultural Centre
UNLIMITED
Free No Registration

Go Frogging…at Moberly Marsh (I)
Doug Adama
Following Ellen Zimmerman’s Moberly Marsh Meander, go frogging in Moberly Marsh, just south of Golden with Biologist Doug Adama. Learn about amphibians that occur in the Columbia Basin, their habitats, and their conservation. Bring your boots, or hipwaders, and appropriate weather gear.
Mon May 5 at noon
MEET: 11:00 at Golden College of the Rockies or 11:30 at Moberly Marsh
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Valley Heritage Tour (U)
Gerry Wilkie
Car caravan to visit interesting valley features with an emphasis on early settlement history. Observe natural springs with unique geological deposition, waterfalls, canyons and animal lick and the remarkable engineering of the valley’s oldest active flume. Easy access from the road. Bring a lunch for a supper break.
Mon May 5 from 4pm – Dusk
MEET: Edgewater Community Hall
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Meet Resident Owls: Rodney & Fraiser (U)
George and Ruth Gordon
Meet Rodney & Fraiser, a pair of Great Horned Owls saved from certain death through George and Ruth's rehabilitation program. Learn about owls and their habits up close and personal. Bring your camera, but no flashes please.
Mon May 5 & Fri May 9 at 6:00 pm
MEET: 1733 Windermere Loop Road, Windermere
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Early Bird Tour (U)
Randy Hopkins
An "Early bird gets the worm" trip for the keen birder. Randy will visit lakeshores, wetlands, benchlands, backyards, and even sewage lagoons. Bring lunch, water, sturdy boots, and plenty of enthusiasm. Binoculars and spotting scopes available. Be Wings Weather Wise.
Tue May 6 & Sat May10 from 7:30 am - 11:30 am
MEET: Pynelogs Cultural Centre (then carpool)
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Wetlands Paddle (I)
Joel Hagan
Experience the wetlands by canoe/kayak, guided by Joel and Nadine, award-winning and accredited professional guides. See the wetlands from a bird’s point of view, discover what they see, eat and feel, who their predators are, where they nest, rest or play…
Tue May 6 from 7:30 am – 10:30 am
MEET: Columbia River Outfitters (south side of Athalmer Bridge)
MAX # 20
Cost $25.00, includes canoe/kayak & PFD

Edgewater Stroll (U)
Gerry Wilkie
Join Gerry for approx. 2 hr. stroll through the pleasant Village of Edgewater then venture along the river cliffs with panoramic views of the wetlands.
Tue. May 6 from 10am – noon
MEET: Edgewater Community Hall (then carpool)
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Randy’s Rambles (U)
Randy Hopkins
Tour local wetlands, lake, and woodland habitat around Invermere and Wilmer. Binoculars and spotting scopes provided.
Tue May 6 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
MEET: Pynelogs Cultural Centre (then carpool)
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Avian Adventure (I)
Randy Hopkins
All day tour for the keen birder. Randy will visit lakeshores, wetlands, benchlands, backyards, and even sewage lagoons. Bring lunch, water, sturdy boots, and plenty of enthusiasm. High-end binoculars, Pentax and Tele Vue spotting scopes available. Be Wings Weather Wise.
Wed May 7 from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
MEET: Pynelogs Cultural Centre (then carpool)
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Wetlands Paddle (I)
Kalista Prudent
Experience the wetlands by canoe/kayak, guided by Kalista Prudent, graduate in Renewable Resource Management at Lethbridge College. See the wetlands from a bird's point of view, discover what they see, eat and feel, who their predators are, where they nest, rest or play
Wed May 7 from 7:30 am – 10:30 am
MEET: Columbia River Outfitters (south side of Athalmer Bridge)
MAX # 20
Cost $25.00, includes canoe/kayak & PFD

Birding in Kimberley (I)
Ruth Goodwin
We’ll visit three different habitats for birds, walking about one hour each stop. Hiking boots are appropriate as we will be gaining elevation and walking on uneven surfaces. First we’ll enjoy the woods of the Kimberley Nature Park as we head into Eimer’s Lake. Next, we’ll walk along part of the Trans Canada Trail as it follows a riparian zone along Mark Creek. Finally, we’ll visit the grasslands on Twin Butte, a short drive out of town. This property is owned by The Land Conservancy and offers panoramic views of the Rocky Mountain Trench. Bring your lunch
Wed May 7 from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
MEET: Overwaitea Parking Lot in Kimberley (1.75 hour drive from Invermere)
MAX # 12
Cost $10.00

A Year in the Life of a BIGHORN (C)
Alan Dibb
Alan will lead a 2 hour walk from the Village of Radium Hot Springs into the Redstreak restoration area, a 200 ha site on the edge of Kootenay National Park in which open forest and grassland habitat has been restored to provide winter and transitional range for bighorn sheep and habitat for a variety of red- and blue-listed plants and animals. Learn about migration corridors, lambing ranges and Radium bighorn sheep radio telemetry study. Following the steps of bighorn sheep can be hard work; expect one or two vigorous 20 minute uphill sections on this walk. Bring water, snack, wear hiking footwear.
Wed May 7 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
MEET: Village of Radium Hot Springs
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Birding by Ear – Identifying Birds by Sound (C)
Cam Gillies and Michael den Otter
Would you like to make sense of the morning cacophony? Cam and Michael will lead an excursion to some nearby spots that should be busy with singing birds. You will have a chance to identify some of the local songsters, including birds that are seldom seen but frequently heard.
Thu May 8 from 7 am to noon
MEET: Pynelogs Cultural Centre (then carpool)
MAX # 20
Cost $10.00

Wetlands Paddle (I)
Bill Lishman and his daughter, Carmen
Experience the wetlands by canoe/kayak, guided by Bill, keynote for this year’s Festival, author, artist, film maker, pilot, founder of Operation Migration and Carmen, a young field ornithologist, having completed her Bachelor in environmental science, biology and earth sciences at Dalhousie University. See the wetlands from a bird’s point of view, discover what they see, eat and feel, who their predators are, where they nest, rest or play…
Thu May 8 from 7:30 am – 10:30 am
MEET: Columbia River Outfitters (south side of Athalmer Bridge)
MAX # 25
Cost $30.00, includes canoe/kayak & PFD

Source of the Columbia River (I)
Colin Cartwright, The Village of Canal Flats
Hike to the headwaters! Join local history buff Colin Cartwright on a walk to explore the springs and canals at the south end of Columbia Lake – the source of the mighty Columbia River – rich in history and birds!
Thu May 8 from 9 am – noon
MEET: Canal Flats Municipal Office, 8853 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Walk on the Wild Side (C)
Irene Manley & Rob Neil
Join wildlife biologist Irene Manley of the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, and Rob Neil, from The Nature Trust for a walking tour of the Hofert – Hoodoos conservation property south of Invermere. Explore this unique wildlife habitat and look for trees that are critical to supporting a range of cavity nesters and water fowl. Learn about the red-listed Lewis’ Woodpecker and an innovative technique to create wildlife trees using fungus. This tour is a great opportunity to walk this conversation property with a knowledgeable biologist. Appropriate footwear and clothing is recommended.
Thu May 8 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
MEET: Hawke Road intersection with the Westside Road
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Spend an Evening Talking With Owls (C)
Irene Manley, Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program
Spend an evening with biologist Irene Manley to explore local owl habitat and, with the help of playback calls, attempt to locate and “talk” with Flammulated owls on Mt. Swansea. We will start with captive Great Horned Owls and then drive to Mt. Swansea to identify owl habitat, and have incredible owling adventure. Please come prepared to walk – with a guide – in the dusk (to dark) through the woods. The first part is uphill. Suitable hiking footwear and bring a flashlight.
Thu May 8 from 7:30pm – 10:30pm
MEET: 1733 Windermere Loop Road, Windermere
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Bird-a-thon
Here is a great opportunity to go out for some fun birding. Start whenever you want and bird for as long as you want! Challenge yourself to see as many species as you can – you set your target for the day. This is a superb way to get out and enjoy some birding in the valley. There will be an optional midday rendezvous to learn what has been seen so far at 1 pm at the Radium Mill Pond. Prizes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced teams, plus bonus points by visiting designated 'hot spots'. For more details on the Bird-a-thon, please attend the Wednesday evening event at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Teams of 2-4 people
Fri May 9 from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, concluding at Nipika for the awards (4:30)
MAX # Teams of 2-4 people NO LIMIT
Cost $10.00

Wetlands Paddle (I)
Randy Hopkins and Robin Tapley
Experience the wetlands by canoe/kayak, guided by Randy, bird expert, naturalist and long time local and Robin Tapley, Senior Naturalist and creator of Nature Trails, a unique soft wilderness environmental education program. See the wetlands from a bird’s point of view, discover what they see, eat and feel, who their predators are, where they nest, rest or play…
Fri May 9 from 7:30 am – 10:30 am
MEET: Columbia River Outfitters (south side of Athalmer Bridge)
MAX # 20
Cost $25.00, includes canoe/kayak & PFD

The New Grasslands of the East Kootenay Valley (I)
Hillary Page & Gary Tipper
Join biologists, Hillary Page and Gary Tipper, on Nature Conservancy Canada's (NCC) Kootenay River Ranch to tour a grassland restoration project in progress. Learn about the plant and animal communities NCC hopes to restore and the ecology of forest ingrowth and encroachment. There will be a botanist and birder on site to answer all your plant and bird identification questions.
Fri May 9 at 9:00 am
MEET: 8:00 am at Pynelogs Cultural Centre (then carpool) OR 9:00 am at entrance to Whiteswan Provincial Park (Lussier Hot Springs)
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Bird-a-thon – Award Presentation
Conclusion of the Bird-a-thon event at Nipika Mountain Resort
Fri May 9 at 4:30 pm
MEET: Nipika Mountain Resort
How To Get There: Nipika is located at 9200 Settlers Road (14 kms off Hwy. 93 between Radium Hot Springs, B.C. (32 Kms) and Banff, Alberta (114 kms). Follow the signs on Settlers Road. Please note that on weekdays you will encounter truck traffic on Settlers Road, so drive with caution!
NO LIMIT

Rambling On... (C)
Brad Hill
Join award-winning nature photographer Brad Hill on this early morning walk where he’ll discuss a variety of field techniques that will help you capture great photos of wildlife. Bring your camera and questions and we’ll Ramble On…together for a few hours!
Sat May 10 at 7:30 am
MEET: Pynelogs Cultural Centre (then carpool)
MAX # 12
Cost $10.00

The Nature Trust of BC Hoodoos Nature Walk (I)
Rob Neil, Bill Ayrton and Trevor Kinley
Join The Nature Trust East Kootenay Conservation Land Manager Rob Neil, geologist Bill Ayrton and wildlife biologist Trevor Kinley, to explore the spectacular Hoodoos property. Learn about the natural wonders of this ecological masterpiece, the geology of the Columbia Valley and the Hoodoos, and the birds that are found in both the wetlands and up on the cliffs of the Hoodoos.
Sat. May 10 from 10am – 2pm
MEET: 9:00 am Pynelogs Cultural Centre (then carpool) OR 10:00 am at Hawke Road intersection with the Westside Road
MAX # 50
Cost $15.00

Wasa Lake Bird Hike (I)
Dean Nicholson
Wasa Lake and the surrounding area is a major birding hotspot near Cranbrook, B.C. This walk will explore the birds and wildlife at Wasa Lake, Wasa Sloughs and Bummers Flats. Along the way Dean will point out butterflies and dragonflies. A wide range of waterfowl can be expected, as well as migrating shorebirds, warblers, raptors and Sandhill Cranes.
Sun May 11 at 9:30 am
MEET: tba
MAX # 16
Cost $10.00

Cultural Events and Workshops:

Wings Over The Rockies Art Show – WINGS & WATER
Columbia Valley Arts Council
CV Arts is pleased to present another Wings Over the Rockies Art Show. The show will feature over 20 talented artists and artisans, who will present painting, photography, sculpture, carving, and much more! Everyone is welcome.
Open Daily from 11am to 4:00 pm
Pynelogs Cultural Centre, (next to Kinsmen Beach)
Free. No registration necessary.

Wings Auction Exhibit
Auction Items will be on display (and bid for Silent Auction items) at the Pynelogs Cultural Centre the week of the Festival. Final bidding opportunities will be at the 12^th Anniversary Gala Banquet at Eagle Ranch Golf Course on Saturday May 10^th. Proceeds from the auction assist Wings Over the Rockies continue to provide outstanding programming.
Mon May 5 to Sat May 10 from 11:00 – 4:00 pm
Pynelogs Cultural Centre
Free. No registration necessary.

Pynelogs Café featuring the Scottie Burger
Featuring a varied menu of flatbreads, quiche, salads, daily soups, kids menu, daily features and baked goods, using fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Licensed Premises, Internet wireless connection – just bring your own laptop
Serving lunch Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

The Artym Gallery
Representing over 60 artists from across Canada: always new and fresh works, knowledgeable and welcoming staff. Open daily.
Mon to Sat, 10am – 5:30pm & Sun, 11 – 3:00 pm
The Artym Gallery, 934 - 7^th Ave, Invermere
Free. No registration necessary.

Brian Hoffas Wood Design
Wood turning decorative mirrors and lamps. Artist Studio and showroom.
Tue to Sat, 9-5:00 pm
Windermere Art Corner
Free. No registration necessary.

Glass Blowing Demonstration – BAVIN GLASSWORKS
Pat & Ryan Bavin
We are a working studio/gallery established in the Columbia Valley in 1988. Unique glass blowing techniques. Watch local glass artists Past and Ryan Bavin create works of art at their studio and shop. Don't forget to enter the draw for the piece being created. The same building is home to our gallery where we sell our glass. In the gallery we also represent over 35 other artists from around western Canada in the mediums of Glass, Metal and Clay.
Glass Blowing Demo: Thu. May 10, 11am – noon
Gallery Hours: Mon to Sat from 10 am – 6:00 pm
Bavin Glassworks, Athalmere Hwy.
Free - no registration necessary

Introductory Digital Photography Workshop
Norm Turner
This workshop is beginner-friendly to introduce you to the many wonderful advantages of digital photography. You will learn which features are the most important for your particular needs. Bring a lunch.
Thu May 8 from 9am - 5pm
MEET: Pynelogs Cultural Centre
MIN # 6 MAX # 12
Cost $75.00

Plein Air Painting Workshop
Colin Bell
Learn from experienced painter, Colin Bell on how to ‘paint-on-the-go.’ Colin will communicate to a group of beginner-to-intermediate-level artists his approach to plein-air painting wetlands, in watercolours and oils. He will demonstrate the process of organizing one’s work on the spot, deciding on the subject and center of interest, colour palette and proceeding from thumbnails to a plein-air work. Bring lunch. Please ask for Supply List.
Thursday focus on Painting Wetlands
Friday focus on painting birds
Thu May 8 &/or Fri May 9 from 9 am – 3:00 pm
MEET: Pynelogs Cultural Centre
MIN # 5 MAX # 15
Cost – One Day $75.00 or Two Days $135.00

Bird Bath Saturday at the Radium Hot Springs Pool
Bring the whole family and enjoy a dip in the natural Hot Springs Pools. All child admissions will be free!
Sat May 10 – all day

Wings Over the Rockies Silent Auction

Get a complete list of items online click. The items will be on display and for bid all week at Wings Registration Room at the College of the Rockies. The last chance to bid will be at the 12^th Anniversary Gala Banquet on Saturday May 10, 2008. Proceeds from the auction assist Wings Over the Rockies continue to provide outstanding programming.

Wild Voices for Kids

Wings Over the Rockies is proud to be a founding partner with the Rocky Mountain School District to deliver environmental education to students. Throughout the year many of the students of School District #6 receive Wild Voices for Kids environmental education programs. During the Wings Festival, resource people from the Wild Voices for Kids and Wings give presentations in the classroom as well as take students out on field trips.
http://www.sd6.bc.ca/drc/WildVoices/index.htm

Highlights for 2009 Festival!

We are already looking forward to next year; it is going to be very exciting. 2009 will be a year .... Mark May 4 to 10, 2009 on your calendar.