Curious about birding but not sure where to start? One first-time attendee shares what it was like experiencing Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival in the Columbia Valley — from socializing at chirp and chats to sunrise walks and birding through the Columbia Valley Wetlands.
Written By: Eleanor Crabb
My experience attending Wings over the Rockies as someone who knew nothing about birds
Every day, the crows come to my deck. I started leaving out water on the hot days, then sometimes a handful of bird feed; I was rewarded with gifts — acorns and gravel. My relationship with my backyard crows had been my only experience with “birding.” Whenever I casually mention to people I have an “acquaintance you have a quick chat with if you happen to run into each other” style relationship with a murder of crows, I’m met with disbelief, or derision. So I needed to find a place where my corvid curiosity would be satiated and, perhaps, expanded to other feathered friends. This led me to the Columbia Valley’s Wings Over the Rockies festival.
Wings Over the Rockies is an annual week-long festival that takes place in the Columbia Valley, one of the many regions situated along the BC Bird Trail, and attracts birders, of all experience levels, from far and wide. It boasts many different ways to appreciate the Columbia Valley wildlife and socialize with other enthusiasts. There are walks of all length, social gatherings indoors and even activities such as birding via paddling or golf carts.
My first event was a Chirp and Chat: an informal meeting in a restaurant, where bird enthusiats gathered to socialize. Nervous to attend on my own, I dragged my most willing friend along, but I arrived before her. Yet, I was met with some of the most friendly and welcoming people, who immediately had me pull up a seat. Then, once my friend had arrived, I made a sarcastic remark to her: “do you think anyone here would be interested in my crows?” My assumption was that the birders would turn their nose up at common birds – especially in an area with Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Swans. However, immediately a woman said “what is it you like about the crows?” I was someone with no knowledge of birds, too nervous to attend alone, and here I was: chirping and chatting.
Chirp and Chat was attended by a range of people, one couple had come up from California to see the festival, and all of the wildlife that the Columbia Valley has to offer. “The festival put the area on the radar and we knew we had to come down one of these years,” they told me. Along with 1800 other ticket sales across the event, I felt the festival bringing people together; and as a rookie birder, with no knowledge outside of watching my backyard murder, I was enjoying myself.
The next event I went to was an easy walking pace 2km trail. We headed out towards the Columbia Wetlands, the view of the Fairmont mountains before us, in the early golden hour sun. There was an instant camaraderie with the whole group, led by an experienced guide, pointing out Sparrows and Bluebirds.
Usually on walks I’m accompanied by my two dogs; if I spot wildlife it’s a reminder to grip the leash tighter. Because I was new to birding I didn’t have binoculars; long camera lenses; the apps; or common knowledge of the rest of the group. I took significant pleasure in slowing down and listening to the bird song. It was suddenly as if birds were everywhere: something I hadn’t noticed before. At all times you could hear the calls of at least 4 different birds. For a while we watched a sparrow in a tree grooming itself and singing. It was delightful! I enjoyed hearing what the guide had to say about what we saw, and her vast knowledge astounded me.
So, I leave my week at Wings Over the Rockies with a new interest, and not just one in my feathered friends. I appreciated noticing the bird calls, and little holes in trees where they would nest — or if there were several holes our guide Claude Rioux would call it a “Condo Block.” How welcoming the community was, I appreciated; and how gorgeous the Columbia Valley was as a backdrop. Even if your interest in birds, like mine, reached only a few backyard crows, this annual festival is a must-attend.
