Folks flock to La Conner for first Birding Showcase

Chamber of Commerce Director Heather Carter had the right bait to bring droves of birders to the first La Conner Birding Showcase: world renowned owl expert Paul Bannick. It worked: Over 350 people overflowed the balcony and main floor of the town’s Maple Hall Sat., Jan. 27.

Bannick did not disappoint, swooping across the room, speaking directly to people in the front row, by turns dramatically raising and lowering his voice as he went through an hour’s worth of photos and videos, captivating his viewers as he took them from the arctic tundra to Arizona’s deserts. He had specific facts and tidbits about owls, their prey, their competitors and the land all inhabited for every photo.

Bannick’s agenda extended past the complexity and necessity of encouraging the conservation of the habitats the19 species of owls worldwide. He was there to educate and enlist people in the very important cause of encouraging biological diversity. “Steward their habitat. They are an animal with a future,” he said – as long as the ecosystems they inhabit remain healthy. Understanding their needs, we have to preserve their biota.

His message was Skagit Valley friendly: “Agriculture is not an enemy to owls; prey increases if not too much pesticides are used,” he said. Farmers need to see owls as pest control agents. He told his fellow birders that they “have a lot in common with farmers, hunters, foresters; if we act together we will protect land.”

He urged the crowd to protect public lands and write their Congressional representatives to keep them closed to oil drilling.

Earlier, local birding expert Bob Hamlin had a smaller overflow crowd watching his video and asking questions in the Fireside Room.

Sunday Martha Jordan, speaking on “Swans of Skagit” spoke to about 100 people.

Jan Nelson came from south Seattle at the invitation of her friend, Ginny Gilmore, from Everett. Gilmore included her dad in the celebration of her birthday. Nelson said, “Every time there is something to do with birds we come and visit.” Gilmore called her to come up.

They and others could discuss all things birds with the nine exhibitors, including Skagit Audubon, Skagit County Historical Museum, Skagit Master Gardeners and the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum.

The exhibitor drawing crowds was Sue Hanneman, a falconer and bird abatement professional. She and her staff brought several birds of prey.

Carter, with a success beyond her hopes, said, “Wow! What a weekend – The La Conner Birding Showcase was a hit.” She thanked the Town of La Conner for donating the use of Maple Hall.

She and her husband are already planning for 2019.

The La Conner Chamber was supporting the first Birds of Winter: A Skagit Valley Experience, coordinated countywide by EDASC (Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County).