tofino shorebird festival - tofino shore bird festival calendar of events

Tofino Shorebird Festival calendar of events 2011

May 6-9, 2011

The letter 'E'Every year from late April through May, flocks of sandpipers, plovers, Whimbrels, and many other shorebirds pass through the Tofino area. Thousands stop here to feed and rest as they make their impressive journey from South and Central America northward to their Arctic breeding grounds.

The protected forests, expansive mudflats, long sandy beaches, and rocky shorelines of this area create the right combination of habitats to draw over 40 species of shorebirds to the area, including the largest migratory concentrations of Whimbrels anywhere in British Columbia and impressive flocks of Western Sandpipers, Dunlin and more. The threatened Red Knot is also a regular visitor each spring, as well as Rock Sandpiper in winter. In 2010, local bird expert Adrian Dorst listed at least 30 species of shorebirds!

Come out to the Tofino Shorebird Festival and marvel at these birds, learn more about them, and learn why Tofino is one of the very best places in western Canada for bird watching.


Tofino Shorebird Festival 2011 Calendar of Events


may 1, 2011Brunch for the Birds

Pointe Restaurant
Sunday, May 1, 2011 • 10am
Tickets $40

Proceeds benefit the Raincoast Education Society & the Tofino Shorebird Festival. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Please email info@raincoasteduation.org or call 250.725.2560 to reserve your tickets. Cash and cheque are accepted when tickets are picked up on Saturday May 7

 


may 6, 2011Opening Reception and Presentations

Darwin Café
Friday, May 6, 2011 • 7-10pm
$10 per person

7:30 Overview of the Tofino Mudflats and area – Josie Osborne 8:00 Black Oystercatcher Presentation - Peter Clarkson. Join Pete Clarkson of Pacific Rim National Park for an illustrated talk about the engaging Black Oystercatcher and learn why our area is globally significant for this species of concern. Pete has been studying Black Oystercatchers for 15 years. His presentation will include results from long term nest monitoring, tracking individual birds through leg bands and the use of radio telemetry.

 


may 6, 2011Luzna Orchestra

Clayoquot Orca Lodge
Friday, May 6, 2011 • 9pm
$15

Getting the crowd moving is a passion for Luzna, a group fast becoming known as Vancouver Island’s premiere Latin-Soul Ensemble. With a pure-Latino blend of Salsa, Son, Cumbia, Latin-jazz, Bolero and more, this multi-national orchestra delivers plenty of soul with unbeatable, show- stopping energy. A portion of the proceeds are being donated to the Tofino Shorebird Festival!

 


may 7, 2011Birding by Kayak to Arakun Flats

Tofino Sea Kayaking
Saturday, May 7, 2011 • 8:30am-12:30pm
$75

The Arakun Flats are a kilometer wide sand and mudflat that lie alongside Meares Island, on the east side of Lemmens Inlet. Part of the Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area, they are accessible by water only, and provide habitat for dozens of species of waterfowl and migratory shorebirds. This four hour sea kayaking tour will take you through the rocky islands of Tofino’s harbour and alongside the flats which border untouched ancient rainforests of giant Western Redcedars, Sitka Spruce, & Western Hemlocks. Sea kayaking experience is not necessary. Because you will be in double kayaks, you can alternate with your partner in paddling and birdwatching! For more info about what to bring and to reserve, please call 250.725.4222.

 


may 7, 2011Intertidal Shorebird Walk

Schooner Cove PRNP
Saturday, May 7, 2011 • 9am-12pm
Free

Join Pete and Josie on a 1 km boardwalk through lush rainforests and over streams down to Schooner Cove, with several rocky islets and bluffs home to Black Oystercatchers, Black Turnstones, and Rock Sandpipers. Please wear appropriate shoes and bring your daypack with binoculars, spotting scopes, water, and a snack.

 


may 7, 2011Early Bird ‘Birders’ Luncheon

Sobo
Saturday, May 7, 2011 • 11am-12pm
$15

A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Raincoast Education Society and the Tofino Shorebird Festival. Sobo is one of Tofino’s most beloved restaurants, owned by Lisa and Artie Ahier. Unbeknownst to some, Artie is an avid birder! Sobo features imaginative, world wise dishes expertly prepared with simple, fresh, locally produced – often wild – ingredients. Sobo not only represents the style of culinary integrity and relaxed ambiance that Artie & Lisa Ahier have cultivated – it also reflects the personality of Tofino itself.

 


may 7, 2011Shorebird Viewing Station

3rd & Main St.
Saturday, May 7, 2011 • 12:30pm-2pm
By donation

Anchor Park provides a clear view across the Tofino Harbour with its myriad islands and rocky outcroppings. Bring your binoculars and spotting scopes down for an informal session of birding with local naturalist Silva Johansson and visiting shorebird biologists Samantha Franks and Nathan Hentze.

 


may 7, 2011Family/Children’s Shorebird Viewing

Bottom Sharp Rd.
Saturday, May 7, 2011 • 2-5pm
By donation
($10/family suggested)

A new wildlife viewing platform in the Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area provides a view across Doug Banks Flats and into Jensen’s Bay, and across to the Jensen’s Bay salt marsh. The rising tide pushes shorebirds up towards the rocky shore, providing us with excellent viewing. This afternoon’s expedition is especially oriented to children and families (it’s never too early to learn about birds!) – but all are welcome.

 


may 7, 2011Slideshow & Book Sales

Darwin Café
Saturday, May 7, 2011 • 7-9pm
By donation – suggested $5

Mike Yip discovered birds and bird photography in 2003. Since then he has produced a website Vancouver Island Birds; self-published three successful books on Vancouver Island Birds; contributed photos to environmental and educational projects around the world; and provided many PowerPoint presentations to groups all over Vancouver Island. He is also a bimonthly columnist for the North Islander. Mike’s goal is to increase public awareness of birds on Vancouver Island with the hope of fostering greater concern for nature and conservation. The success of his books and the popularity of his newspaper column and presentations indicate that he is on the right track!

 


may 8, 2011Pelagic Voyage

Sunday, May 8, 2011 • 8am-2pm
$250 per person

A six hour trip offshore and to Cleland Island Ecological Re­serve (exact route is weather dependent). Offshore, albatross, shearwaters, storm petrels, auklets, murres, jaegers, and fulmars can be found and will be identified by your guide. We’ll also take you to the best spots for seabirds, where we often see Wandering Tattler and Surfbird on this tour. Come see the Spectacular Tufted Puffin, Marbled Murrelets, Rhinoceros Auklet, and Black Oystercatchers. During migration long lines of loons and scoters fill the horizon and Harlequin Ducks play in the rocky shorelines. Limited to 13 people only, must be at least 13 yrs old. Please book through “Just Birding” at 250.725.2520 or info@justbirding.com

 


may 8, 2011Mudflat Interpretive Walk

Tofino Botanical Gardens
Sunday, May 8, 2011 • 10-11:30am
$11 adults, $6 students; free for
children 12 yrs and under.

The Tofino Mudflats are more than just mud; they’re one of the little-known jewels of Clayoquot Sound. Thousands of migrating shorebirds depend on these mudflats, and migrating grey whales use them too! What are they eating in the mud? Come down to the Tofino Botanical Gardens and join naturalist Kimberly Johnston to find out! Great for families, kids and mud-enthusiasts of all ages. Sturdy shoes are recommended; gumboots are not necessary as we will walk next to the mud but not necessarily on the mud (parents are advised to bring some extra clothes for kids).

 


may 8, 2011Shorebird Viewing Station

Wickaninish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Sunday, May 8, 2011 • 1-3pm
Free

Join naturalist and interpreter Silva Johansson with your binoculars and scopes at the Interpretive Centre. Depending on the weather, we may walk down onto the beach or stay on the Interpretive Centre platform. Afterwards, walk through the newly redesigned interpretive centre, or walk down to South Beach or along the Nu-chah-nulth Trail.

 


may 8, 2011Building Better Birding Skills

Bottom of Sharp Road
Sunday, May, 2011 • 8 2pm-5pm
Free

The BC Coastal Waterbird Survey aims to coordinate the efforts of people who care about waterbirds in British Columbia. On the second Sunday of every month, the Raincoast Education Society undertakes the Coastal Waterbird Survey for Tofino, while others take on surveys in other parts of BC. he goal of such coordinated collective efforts is the conservation of coastal waterbird populations in British Columbia. Join us at our new wildlife viewing platform in the Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area.

 


may 8, 2011More than Just Mud Photo Fiesta

Harbour Lounge Weigh West
Sunday, May 8, 2011 • 7-9pm
$5

Join us for an evening of celebration, viewing all the entries in the ‘More than Just Mud’ 2011 Photo Contest. The ‘More Than Just Mud’ Contests are part of the Raincoast Education Society’s Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Stewardship Program. Our goal is to raise awareness about the wide array of habitats and wild­life of the Tofino Mudflats, and to increase stewardship amongst the residents of Tofino and surrounding area in caring for them and using them sustainably.

 


may 9, 2011Movie: The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

Clayoquot Theatre
Monday, May 9, 2011 • 7:30pm
$6 for theatre members
$7 for non-members

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is an award-winning feature documentary about the remarkable relationship between a homeless street musician and a flock of wild parrots in San Francisco. The “bona fide sleeper theatrical hit of 2005” (New Video), Wild Parrots is the fourth highest-grossing theatrical documentary about animals — after Penguins, Winged Migration, and Grizzly Man. You won’t be disappointed by this heart-warming movie.


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Tofino Time May 2011


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Tofino Shorebird festival in Tofino, Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park presents events, entertainment and educational activities.

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