Welcome to the 2021 Creston Valley Bird Fest

Where the Birds Are: Celebrate the birds, art, and the agriculture of the Creston Valley.

Mission Statement: "The Creston Valley Bird Festival exists to foster awareness of birds and their habitats in the Creston Valley"

WHERE THE BIRDS ARE !!!

April 12: MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS are moving through our valley bottoms. My friend saw 6 of them together on Uri Road, and I sighted 3 yesterday at Baillie-Grohman winery. They seem to like the fence posts on route to the old ferry landing. There were close to 50 of them there last year!

Mountain Bluebirds nest in natural cavities and woodpecker holes but also like nest boxes which can be seen on fence posts. Putting up a nest box is a great way to keep them on your property to watch them feed the nestlings!

#crestonbirdfestival #BirdFestivals #crestonbc

Win an EVO Bushwick Step-Through E-bike. 17” frame, 700C wheels, Twilight Charcoal colour, valued at $2699.99.

https://wildsight.ca/branches/creston-valley/creston-e-bike-raffle/

The Creston Valley Bird Fest is looking for COMMITTEE MEMBERS!!! Do you want to be involved in organizing the 2021 Bird Fest?? One meeting per month and assistance during the 3-day festival. Please reply to info@crestonvalleybirds.ca

Festival Photographer – Karen Whitford

Long Eared Owl

It is during these times that several owl species are sometimes subjected to harmful or even deadly disturbance by people who come to add to their bird list, take photos, or simply have a look at the owl. Constant disturbance uses up valuable energy during the cold winter months and may prevent birds from hunting properly, both of which can be lethal. And some species that roost communally, like the Long-eared Owl, are very sensitive to any disturbances during the winter months. When the presence of people drives them from their roost, these surprisingly dainty owls are made more vulnerable to predators than they would be otherwise, and they suffer the fatal consequences.

So how can we still appreciate these amazing birds without causing harm? Here are some guidelines for observing and photographing owls:

Watch or photograph quietly and from a

Short Eared Owl

distance.
Do not disturb roosting owls.
Move on after a few minutes. If the bird looks towards you, or its behaviour otherwise seems to change in response to your presence, then you should move farther away.
Do not bait owls. The owls can become habituated to being fed by people. This disrupts their natural hunting behaviours and draws them to the roadside, which can lead to collisions with vehicles.
Northern Saw-whet Owl Photo: Judith Blakeley

Audio playback should not be used to attract owls.
Don’t use spotlights or flash photography, and do not trim foliage or cut down trees to get a better view of the bird.
If the owl flies away, do not follow it and do not go off trail to pursue it.
To avoid drawing a crowd, use discretion when it comes to sharing information about your observation.

If you submit it to eBird, review the guidelines for sensitive species.

We recommend that you do not mention the specific location of the owl when telling your story.

We thank all of you who show your appreciation for these beautiful and sensitive birds by giving them space when you encounter them. Preventing disturbance to owls is an important way to help their populations survive and thrive in the wild.

This article was co-written by a team of Birds Canada staff: Ellen Jakubowski, Jody Allair, Kathy Jones, Ruth Friendship-Keller, and Yousif Attia.