Meet high speed racers and songbird chasers.

Island Wild for February 12, 2010.


This three-year-old Bald Eagle is just beginning to show adult colouration, such as white tail feathers. Photo Jim Dubois.

It’s eagle time again in Rivercity. Love is in the air as the bald eagles renew their pair bonds, repair their nests and begin mating season. This time-honoured ritual takes place every year around Valentine’s Day ... and everyone can celebrate with the eagles.
‘Eaglefest’ – Campbell River’s annual feather festival –set for Saturday, February 20, draws hundreds of bird-lovers intent on taking a close-up look at the objects of their affection. It’s where people meet the birds and birds pose pretty for all the nice people.
We’re talking really big birds here – the avian kingdom’s high speed racers and songbird chasers. This is a once-a-year opportunity to see live birds of prey (raptors) for viewing and photographs. All under one roof (with their handlers), a live hawk, barred owl, burrowing owl and eagle will show off their stunning feathers, beaks and claws.
Just about every local raptor-ous organization will attend. Pacific Northwest Raptors from Duncan returns this year with a flying demonstration of one of their birds of prey, and “Harrison” the mascot will fly in from the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival.
Marvel at the size of a mounted snowy owl and other life-like wildlife species in Steve Howard’s extensive taxidermy display. All manner of educational exhibits turn Eaglefest into a day at the bird zoo.
On hand to talk about what interests us most – BIRDS – will be Dr. Rob Butler, well known author, conservationist and ornithologist, and Vancouver Island birder Guy Monte (Brant Monitoring Project). Experts galore will be on hand to answer your questions.
New this year is an Eaglefest photo contest, sponsored by Photo Tech fotosource, with prizes for youth and adults in two categories - Vancouver Island Wildlife and Vancouver Island Birds. Deadline is tomorrow (Saturday, February 13); $10 entry fee includes your 8x10 mounted photo. Contact 250-286-1233 or email phototech@fotosource .com.
This annual fundraiser for Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society guarantees a wild and wonderful day for all ages. Plan to attend and help support bird rescue and wildlife rehabilitation by the good people at MARS.
EAGLEFEST: Saturday, February 20. 10am – 3:30 pm. Admission $5 single/$10 family. Memberships sold at door. Maritime Heritage Centre (Discovery Pier). For more information, contact MARS at (250) 337-2021 or visit their website: www.wingtips.org.