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Thursday, May 7
Movie Night at the Creston Library
Come watch a documentary film at the Creston Valley Public Library!
| Time | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Thursday |
| Meet | Creston Valley Public Library, 531 16th Ave S (Map) |
Friday, May 8
Final Festival Registration
| Time | 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Friday |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
Kayak the West Creston Channels
Please bring your own kayak or canoe. Rentals are also available from the Valley View with a 10% discount and free delivery!! 250-428-2336
https://www.thevalleyview.ca/explore-creston
Join Daryl on Frenchman’s Slough for a peaceful paddle on quiet waters lined with tall cottonwoods and thick shrubbery. Ideal habitat for a variety of water and land birds including orioles, kingbirds, kingfishers, raptors, and ducks. If the water level in the channel is too low, the alternate tour will be driving Reclamation Road and walking up Dodge Creek Road.
| Tour leader | Daryl Calder and Fred Gauthier |
| Time | 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Friday |
| Difficulty | Easy kayaking in calm waters |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Where | Frenchman's Slough in West Creston (Map) |
| Meet | West Creston Channels (Peterman Road and W. Creston Road intersection) |
| Note | Please meet Daryl at launch site on Peterman Road |
Birds and History along the Erickson Train Tracks
Interested in listening to some of Creston’s history while viewing the birdlife within our town?
Join Tammy on an easy walk along the Erickson Train Tracks! Hear about the “Railway Wars in the Kootenays” and other interesting train stories.
Our feathery friends have a habit of showing up everywhere along the way including in local stories of our past.
Note: With permission from CPR, we are able to walk the trail which is more than 15 ft past the tracks.
| Tour leader | Tammy Bradford, Creston Museum Manager |
| Time | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm, Friday |
| Difficulty | 3 km walk with 1 difficult hill |
| Cost | $10 |
| Limit | 12 |
| Meet | Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery (Map) |
| Note | Please meet Tammy at Baillie-Grohman Winery |
"Wander in the Woods" to the Ka Papa Cedars
Trails for Creston Valley Society (TCVS) is proud to share the story of the Ka Papa Cedars Trail, a 1.7 km loop traversing ancient cedar giants about 35 km west of Creston, toward Kootenay Pass. The trail’s name—Ka Papa—means “grandfather” in the Ktunaxa language, a fitting tribute to the majestic old-growth cedars that inspire awe in every hiker.
This is a magnificent walk amongst the giant trees undulates gently around a creek and through the forest. It crosses many small watercourses with covered walkways. We will see where old cutting cedar shingles have damaged some trees as well as new nurse trees where the next generation of trees are growing. We will stop and rest at the picnic table where you can read all about our local environmentalist, Ralph Moore, who was instrumental in saving these trees for future generations.
https://www.crestonvalleytrails.ca/kapapa-trail
| Tour leader | Doris Corbeil |
| Time | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Friday |
| Cost | $10 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Where | Ka Papa Cedar Trail (Map) |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave N |
| Note | Please bring bear spray, a snack, binoculars, and hiking boots. |
Bear Safety Demonstration
Join the Wildlife Coexistence Coordinator, Dee Howard, for a short and engaging Bear Safety Demonstration before heading out on your Creston Valley Bird Fest tours. Learn how to safely birdwatch in bear country, understand bear behavior, and pick up practical tips for avoiding conflicts in the field. The demonstration will include information on bear spray, along with an opportunity for participants to practice carrying and deploying it. This interactive session is suitable for all ages and experience levels – a great way to start the weekend feeling confident and prepared while enjoying Creston Valley’s incredible wildlife.
| Tour leader | Dee Howard |
| Time | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Friday |
| Cost | FREE |
| Where | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
"Birds are Back!" Evening Dinner and Presentation
A chance to meet new and old birding friends to discuss rare bird findings while enjoying locally produced beverages from Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery, Red Bird Winery, and Wild North Brewery.
The buffet dinner is served by Eleni Pantelaiou and her team from Gefsis Catering who aspire to use locally-sourced products and produce grown in our valley.
There will be a raffle table and “Loonie Tree”!!
Please note: dinner will include some gluten-free and dairy-free options but if you have any further dietary concerns, please email us (info@crestonvalleybirds.ca)
| Time | 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Friday |
| Cost | $45 / Youth 17 & under $22.50 |
| Limit | 65 |
| Where | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Cash bar only |
Banquet Presentation by Dr. Julia Zarankin
Presentation to follow dinner by Dr. Julia Zarankin from Toronto!
“Seeing the World with Wonder: How Birding Makes us Better People””
The practice of birding isn’t just about seeing as many birds as possible. In fact, birding has a great deal to teach us about how to live a good life and how to be a better human being. Not only does birding help us feel more present, but it also encourages us to see the world with more nuance, wonder and empathy.
Saturday, May 9
Tours Meet: Free Continental Breakfast
Meet your birding tour leader at the Rotacrest Hall
Donations and locally sourced items from:
Lark Coffee, Sasquatch Coffee, Tigz Teas, Kootenay Meadows, the Golden Flour Bakery, Pealow’s Independent Grocer, and Save-On Foods will be available.
Please bring your own cup.
Tours will leave exactly at 6:30 am so don’t be late!!
| Time | 6:00 am - 6:30 am, Saturday |
| Where | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
Birding by Car to Duck Lake
A variety of landscapes means a variety of birds. Take a driving tour looking for birds beside mountain shrubbery, open farmland, a slow-moving channel, marshland, to the wide-open Duck Lake. Possible sightings of Lazuli Buntings, Raptors, Wood Ducks, Say’s Phoebes, Bullock’s Orioles, and Sandhill Cranes.
| Tour leader | Sachi Snively |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Easy - driving with numerous stops |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Birding at Duck Lake
In 2002, the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area was designated as a nationally Important Bird Area (IBA) because it regularly supports over 100,000 water birds during migration periods. Join Julia to see how Duck Lake got its name!!
This 1,500 hectare lake is an important destination in the migration of Tundra Swans and Greater White-fronted Geese, and a vast array of waterfowl. Birdwatchers marvel at the 6 species of grebes, large numbers of Great-blue herons, the rare Forster’s Terns – which breed no where else in BC. During their spring migrations, thousands of waterfowl use the lake as a landing pad, stopping to rest and feed on their long journey. Walk the dyke along the south end to see what you can find! The festival weekend is always a great time of year for shorebirds!
| Tour leader | Julia Flesaker |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Easy walking |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Williams Creek Falls
The Williams Creek Falls trail is a very diverse and scenic trail that follows the historic Dewdney pack trail along the western edge of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. The trail meanders briefly through a cedar canopy along Summit Creek before gently climbing up onto rocky arid bluffs.
Some forested species that can be seen on this trail are Vaux Swift, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Cassin’s Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Western Tanager, and a variety of Warblers.
https://www.crestonvalleytrails.ca/williams-creek-falls-trail
| Tour leader | Marc-Andre Beaucher |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Difficult - approximately 5km walk |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Where | Williams Creek Fall Trail (Map) |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall 230B-19th Ave N |
| Note | This hike is not recommended if you have bad knees or hips. Bring bear spray, a snack, binoculars, and hiking boots. Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Birding the Farmlands West of the Kootenay River
Take a drive to the benchlands of West Creston that will tour farmlands, meadows, timber, wet edges, and the beautiful Kootenay River with big vistas and great thermals.
Possible species include Lewis Woodpeckers, Sandhill Cranes, Long-billed Curlews, Bobolinks, Western and Eastern Kingbirds, Mountain Bluebirds, hawks, falcons, and some other interesting surprises! The Dodge Creek Forest Road should be good for viewing flycatchers, warblers, grosbeaks, vireos, and some interesting sparrows.
| Tour leader | Gaelen Schnare |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Easy - driving with numerous stops |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Birding the Farmlands East of the Kootenay River
Come along as we explore the flats, Creston’s wide open spaces. Keep an eye out for raptors, meadowlarks, songbirds, and maybe even a curlew as we meander through the expanses of farmland in the valley. This tour will include some short walks on flat terrain along with some car-birding. We will cover a variety of habitats with a focus on birds unique to the farmlands
| Tour leader | Gary Davidson |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Easy - driving with numerous stops |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
"Songster Challenge" at Dodge Creek Forest Road
In the springtime, mornings can be overflowing with bird songs – sometimes with more than one species calling all at once. It can be very overwhelming to start picking apart the chirps, whistles, and thrills that are echoing out of the woods!! Learning the songs is a great way to identify birds that are hidden in the dense foliage, far away, at night, or birds that look identical to each other.
When a bird sings, it is giving you hints of what it is and where it is. Lyle will explain these mysterious bird songs and give you some tips on how to know what you are hearing. It can open a new window on your birding skills!
Flycatchers in the Empidonax group can be very confusing as these birds look so similar. But all that uncertainty vanishes as soon as the bird starts to sing. Your guide will explain which flycatchers are expected to be singing in the forest.
Learn how to use the free Merlin Bird ID app that recognizes more than 1,300 species.
| Tour leader | Lyle Grisedale |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Easy walking |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Fox Tree, Mawson Lake, and Lister
Fox Tree Hill, Mawson Lake, and Lister visits both forest and marsh for possible sightings of Common loons, waterfowl, hummingbirds, and a wide variety of song birds. There will be some easy hiking as we wander through the open forest at Fox Tree Hill.
| Tour leader | Aiva Noringseth |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Easy walking/driving |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Corn Creek Cottonwoods and Balancing Rock
.Join Simone on an uphill trail towards the Balancing Rock to listen for song birds. Then follow her along the Marsh Trail, under the highway bridge where the Cliff Swallows have their mud nest, and towards the look-out tower. From there you can have a view of the marsh and species within such as Hooded Mergansers, Pied-billed Grebes, Ring-necked Ducks, Sandhill Cranes, and other waterfowl. A stroll along the Cottonwoods could lead to seeing Bullock’s Orioles, flycatchers, vireos, and warblers.
| Tour leader | Simone Littledale |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Moderate climb and easy walking |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Birding the Wildlife Area Trails
Exploring the dikes and trails through the expansive wetlands of Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area – Corn Creek Marsh. These trails are full of riparian-habitat songbirds, marsh birds and waterfowl. Your best chance at seeing a Sora!
| Tour leader | Dr. Julia Zarankin and Gretchen Whetham |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Moderate walking approximately 4km |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Kayak Kootenay River to Cormorant Colony
Please bring your own kayak or canoe. Rentals are also available from the Valley View with a 10% discount and free delivery!! 250-428-2336
https://www.thevalleyview.ca/explore-creston
Join Daryl on the Kootenay River for a paddle towards the Cormorant and Great-blue Heron Rookery. Explore a channel to a Bald Eagle nest and along the way look for birds in the shrubs along the waterway. A peek into Leach Lake could reward you with waterfowl sightings.
If the water is too challenging, the alternate tour will be driving/walking along Duck Lake Road and Channel Road.
| Tour leader | Daryl Calder and Fred Gauthier |
| Time | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Possibly challenging waters |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Note | Suitable for experienced paddlers |
Birding the Wildlife Area Trails - Beginner
Welcome to Birding! This trip is geared for anyone relatively new to birding. We’ll walk the paths around the Discovery Centre, with a focus on getting good looks at birds. We’ll answer your questions about binoculars, field guides, and good times and places to watch birds in the Kootenays. Families are welcome. We’ll bring a spotting scope that we’ll keep at a kid-friendly height.
| Tour leader | Carolee Colter and Sarah Fawcett |
| Time | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Moderate walking, approximately 4km |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 10:30am for departure. |
Birding at Duck Lake
Not an early bird?? This tour leaves when the other tours return!
Join Seth for a leisurely walk to see how Duck Lake got its name!! This 1,500-hectare lake is an important destination in the migration of a vast array of waterfowl. Birdwatchers marvel at the 6 species of grebes, large numbers of Great-blue Herons, the rare Forster’s Terns – which breed nowhere else in BC. During their spring migrations, thousands of waterfowl use the lake as a landing pad, stopping to rest and feed on their long journey. Walk the dyke along the south end to see what you can find! The festival weekend is always a great time of year for shorebirds!
Your tour leader, Seth Benoit, is the recipient of the Young Birders award in 2024 with the BC Field Ornithologists!
| Tour leader | Seth Benoit |
| Time | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Easy walking |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your guide at the Rotacrest Hall for a 10am departure. |
Wildflower Wander up to Balancing Rock
An uphill climb to a little wetland with fantastic views of our valley! Skunk cabbage, Ferns, and Devil’s Club galore. Late spring flowers should also be along the trail such as Larkspur, Paintbrush, Shooting Star, Wild Ginger, Trillium, Spring Beauty, and Ragged Robin. Some feathery friends might show up too!
| Tour leader | Ed McMackin and Jesse Moreton |
| Time | 9:30 am - 11:30 pm, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Difficult Uphill |
| Cost | $10 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your tour guides at the Rotacrest Hall |
Spread Your Wings! Drop-in activities and crafts for families!
Join us at the Discovery Centre to learn more about the wetlands and wildlife of the area. A variety of displays, taxidermy mounts, skeletons, tracks, insect specimens, hands-on activities, kids’ area and more will keep everyone busy and entertained!
| Time | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, Saturday |
| Cost | Free |
| Meet | The Discovery Centre: 1760 West Creston Road (Map) |
| Note | Registration is not required for this event. |
Guided Canoe Trips
Join a Naturalist for a one-hour guided canoe tour to experience the sights and sounds of this internationally designated wetland. Paddle the ponds and channels in voyageur canoes in search of wildlife and adventure! From birds to turtles to bugs…you never know what you might encounter!
Tour #1 10:30 am to 12:00 am
Tour #2 12:00 am to 1:30 pm
Tour #3 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Tour #4 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
| Time | 10:30 am - 4:30 pm, Saturday |
| Cost | Adults $10/Youth (3-17 years old) $5 |
| Limit | Up to 16 people per posted canoe time |
| Where | Corn Creek Marsh, CVWMA (Map) |
| Meet | The Discovery Centre: 1760 West Creston Road |
World Migratory Day Luncheon
Raffle Table and “Loonie Tree”
| Time | 10:30 am - 4:00 pm, Saturday |
| Where | Rotacrest Hall 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
"Galapagos Islands"
The Galapagos Islands
When Charles Darwin visited these enchanted islands in 1835 he was struck by the similarities, and yet the differences, between species in Chile and species on the various Galapagos Islands. This ultimately led to his groundbreaking publication, On The Origin of Species. In my presentation I will introduce you to the islands, their geography, and of course their wildlife. The so-called Darwin’s Finches are perhaps the best known of the avifauna. Darwin identified what he believed were 14 distinct species; today we recognise 17. But the uniqueness of Galapagos wildlife goes well beyond finches. This presentation will introduce you to some of the island’s other weird and wonderful inhabitants!
| Tour leader | Gary Davidson |
| Time | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, Saturday |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
"Gardening for Birds"
Habitat loss is one of the main threats facing birds in Canada today. In this talk, you’ll learn how to source plants, create habitat and transform your garden into a haven for wildlife!
| Tour leader | Simone Littledale |
| Time | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm, Saturday |
| Where | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
Brewery Tour
Take a break from birding and join us at Wild North Brewing for a complimentary one-hour brewery tour. This guided experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at how our small-batch beers are brewed, along with the story of our brewery and our connection to the Creston Valley.
Guests will tour the brewhouse, learn about our brewing and packaging processes, and get a sense of what goes into each batch. Following the tour, guests are welcome to stay and enjoy the taproom with fellow festival-goers, with pints and flights available for purchase.
A welcoming stop to slow down, gather, and enjoy a local taste of Creston.
| Tour leader | Wild North Brewing |
| Time | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, Saturday |
| Cost | FREE! |
| Meet | Wild North Brewing Company 125-16th Ave N (Map) |
Kootenay Meadows Organic Dairy Farm Tour
A cheese tasting with an explanation of the cheese-making and bottling process will be followed by a guided tour of the barns and a pasture walk to view the farm’s duck ponds and riparian area.
| Time | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm, Saturday |
| Cost | $10 |
| Limit | Unlimited |
| Where | Kootenay Meadows: 3071 - 16th Street (Map) |
"Wander in the Woods" to Cottonwood Island
This tour in Canyon takes us along a relatively steep trail system through an 115 year old conifer forest and then onto the Cottonwood Island on the south side of the Goat River. The island consists important of riparian habitat including an old cottonwood forest which grew up after the ancient cedars were logged in the late 1800’s (huge, old cedar stumps are of interest). The island is part of a series of Crown lands along the lower Goat River which Yaqan nuʔkiy and the RDCK are working to preserve.
Along the way we may encounter Pacific Wren, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Western Fly-catcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Brown Creeper, Pileated Woodpecker, Warbling Vireo and other more common forest species.
| Tour leader | Jim Smith |
| Time | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Very difficult, steep trail |
| Cost | $10 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | 4039 Zapp Road in Canyon (Map) |
Photography Workshop
Lindsay Donald is an international award-winning wildlife photographer. Originally from Scotland, he has a degree in zoology and animal behavior from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom. Lindsay started taking photographs to illustrate animal behavior for a research project in the late 1970’s. He has travelled the World in search of amazing wildlife images. In North America he travels from Florida to Alaska and makes frequent visits to Africa including Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe & Zambia. Lindsay has also taught wildlife photography techniques and led photographic workshops.
| Tour leader | Lindsay Donald |
| Time | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Saturday |
| Cost | $20 |
| Limit | 40 |
| Where | Creston Valley Public Library, 531 - 16th Ave S (Map) |
Tour of Swan Valley Honey
Amanda Goodman Lee and Jeff Lee are pleased to give a tour of their honey farm. The tour includes an observation hive where you can get up close to the bees, honey tasting and education on the life of honey bees. For those who want an added adventure a visit to the bee yard for those not allergic or phobic. Bee suits are available on site.
What to wear if you want to visit the beehive:
- Closed toed shoes or boots – NO SANDALS
- Long pants – NO SHORTS
- Short-sleeved shirts optional but long-sleeved preferred
Honey can be purchased at their sales office on location.
| Tour leader | Amanda and Jeff |
| Time | 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm, Saturday |
| Cost | $10 |
| Limit | 20 (10 per group) |
| Where | Swan Valley Honey, 220 East Placsko Road (Map) |
Weeds to the Rescue - Medicine from your backyard
Do you curse the dandelions, chickweed and plantain that grow in your garden? Do you spend hours trying to rid yourself of burdock and thistles? If you do, then you are ridding yourself of valuable healing plants. Join medical herbalist Rachel Beck as she helps you to learn about the nutritional and medicinal value of the weeds and common plants that grow in most backyards and how you can use them to create your own natural medicine chest.
Rachel Beck has been a medical herbalist for over 30 years and has taught herbalism for over 20 years. She is also co-owner of Tilia’s Botanicals, an herbal apothecary and gift shop in Creston BC.
| Tour leader | Rachel Beck |
| Time | 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm, Saturday |
| Cost | $15 includes supplies to make a salve |
| Limit | 12 |
| Where | Tilia Botanicals: 115-20th Avenue S (Map) |
Bird Brain Trivia
Test your knowledge with bird trivia questions to find out if you’re a professional-level Ornithologist or if you have more bird watching to do to brush up on your feathered knowledge.
Compare your answers with your other bird-watching friends and find out who deserves the title of “THE ULTIMATE ORNITHOLOGISTS”!!
To claim this prestigious title and win a prize, submit your team name to:
Email: info@crestonvalleybirds.ca
| Time | 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Saturday |
| Difficulty | It could be challenging!!! |
| Cost | FREE |
| Where | Wild North Brewing Company, 125 - 16th Ave North (Map) |
| Note | To sign up your team please contact info@crestonvalleybirds.ca |
Go Batty!! Presentation and Emergence with Capture!
The Western Bat Program is dedicated to protecting bats and their habitats across Western Canada. This is achieved by conducting research to fill critical knowledge gaps, applying the best available science, monitoring bat populations, educating and training biologists, working with governments and partners to influence policy, and building strategic collaborations that engage the public and advance conservation.
Heather Gates will provide a Bats 101 overview, covering what bats are, their unique biological adaptations, their ecological and economic importance, and key aspects of their habitat and behavior, along with common conservation issues and misconceptions. The talk will be followed by a bat walk and emergence/capture event, offering a chance to get up close with some of the bat species found in the Creston area.
https://wcscanada.org/about/our-programs/western-bats/
| Tour leader | Heather Gates |
| Time | 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Saturday |
| Limit | 25 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Bring a headlamp if you have one. |
Evening Sounds at Duck Lake
Come along on a sonic adventure through the wetlands as we listen for the bird songs of the night. Thrushes, rails, snipe, owls – the night is alive with bird music.
The Duck Lake dyke separates marsh from deeper waters, resulting in a diversity of bird species. This is also where endangered Leopard Frogs have been released and thriving.
Bring your best listening ears, warm clothes, and a trusty flashlight.
| Tour leader | Julia Flesaker |
| Time | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Saturday |
| Difficulty | Easy walking |
| Cost | $15 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest Hall. |
Sunday, May 10
Tours Meet: Free Continental Breakfast
6:00 am to 6:30 am
Meet your birding tour leader at Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19 Ave N
Donations and locally sourced items from:
Lark Coffee, Sasquatch Coffee, Tigz Teas, Kootenay Meadows, the Golden Flour Bakery, Pealow’s Independent Grocer, and Save-On Foods will be available.
Tours will leave exactly at 6:30 am so don’t be late!!
| Time | 6:00 am - 6:30 am, Sunday |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19 Ave N (Map) |
Kayak the West Creston Channels
Please bring your own kayak or canoe. Rentals are also available from the Valley View with a 10% discount and free delivery!! 250-428-2336
https://www.thevalleyview.ca/explore-creston
Join Daryl on Frenchman’s Slough for a peaceful paddle on quiet waters lined with tall cottonwoods and thick shrubbery. Ideal habitat for a variety of water and land birds including orioles, kingbirds, kingfishers, raptors, and ducks. If the water level in the channel is too low, the alternate tour will be driving Reclamation Road and walking up Dodge Creek Road.
| Tour leader | Daryl Calder and Eloise Carr |
| Time | 8:30 am - 12:30 am, Sunday |
| Difficulty | Easy kayaking in calm waters |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Where | Frenchman's Slough in West Creston (Map) |
| Meet | West Creston Channels on Peterman Road and W Creston Road intersection |
| Note | Please meet Daryl at the launch site on Peterman Road. |
Birding by Car to Duck Lake
A variety of landscapes means a variety of birds. Take a driving tour looking for birds beside mountain shrubbery, open farmland, a slow-moving channel, marshland, to the wide-open Duck Lake. Possible sightings of Lazuli Buntings, Raptors, Wood Ducks, Say’s Phoebes, Bullock’s Orioles, and Sandhill Cranes.
| Tour leader | Sachi Snively |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Sunday |
| Difficulty | Easy - driving with numerous stops |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave S (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Birding at Duck Lake
In 2002, the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area was designated as a nationally Important Bird Area (IBA) because it regularly supports over 100,000 water birds during migration periods. Join Aiva, with Nature BC’s Provincial IBA program, to see how Duck Lake got its name!!
This 1,500 hectare lake is an important destination in the migration of Tundra Swans and Greater White-fronted Geese, and a vast array of waterfowl. Birdwatchers marvel at the 6 species of grebes, large numbers of Great-blue herons, the rare Forster’s Terns – which breed no where else in BC. During their spring migrations, thousands of waterfowl use the lake as a landing pad, stopping to rest and feed on their long journey. Walk the dyke along the south end to see what you can find! The festival weekend is always a great time of year for shorebirds!
| Tour leader | Julia Flesaker |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Sunday |
| Difficulty | Easy walking |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave S (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Birding the Wildlife Area Trails Sunday Tour
Exploring the dikes and trails through the expansive wetlands of Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. These trails are full of riparian-habitat songbirds, marsh birds and waterfowl. Your best chance at seeing a Sora!
| Tour leader | Dr. Julia Zarankin |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Sunday |
| Difficulty | Moderate walking, approx. 4 km |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave S (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Birding the Wildlife Area Trails - Novice
Welcome to Birding! This trip is geared for anyone relatively new to birding. We’ll walk the paths around the Wildlife Interpretation Centre, with a focus on getting good looks at birds. We’ll answer your questions about binoculars, field guides, and good times and places to watch birds in the Kootenays. Families are welcome. We’ll bring a spotting scope that we’ll keep at a kid-friendly height.
| Tour leader | Carolee Colter/Sarah Fawcett |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Sunday |
| Difficulty | Moderate walking, approx. 4 km |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave S (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Birding the Farmlands West of the Kootenay River
Take a drive to the benchlands of West Creston that will tour farmlands, meadows, timber, wet edges, and the beautiful Kootenay River with big vistas and great thermals.
Possible species include Lewis Woodpeckers, Sandhill Cranes, Long-billed Curlews, Bobolinks, Western and Eastern Kingbirds, Mountain Bluebirds, hawks, falcons, and some other interesting surprises! The Dodge Creek Forest Road should be good for viewing Lazuli Buntings, flycatchers, warblers, grosbeaks, vireos, and some interesting sparrows.
| Tour leader | Gaelen Schnare |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Sunday |
| Difficulty | Easy walking/driving |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave S (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Birding the Farmlands East of the Kootenay River
Come along as we explore the flats, Creston’s wide open spaces. Keep an eye out for raptors, meadowlarks, songbirds, and maybe even a curlew as we meander through the expanses of farmland in the valley. This tour will include some short walks on flat terrain along with some car-birding. We will cover a variety of habitats with a focus on birds unique to the farmlands
| Tour leader | Gary Davidson |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Sunday |
| Difficulty | Easy walking/driving |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
"Mystery Morning" Tour: Where the Birds Are!
With 12 festival tours and many eagle eyes watching through binoculars on Saturday, some great species will be spotted that day – some birds maybe rare, some are exciting finds, or there could be ones to add to your life list! Lyle will take you to “where the birds are”! Where you end up going will be a mystery until you head out for the day.
| Tour leader | Lyle Grisedale |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Sunday |
| Difficulty | Easy walking/driving |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave S (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Fox Tree Hill, Mawson Lake and Lister
Fox Tree Hill, Mawson Lake, and Lister visit both forest and marsh for possible sightings of Common loons, waterfowl, hummingbirds, and a wide variety of song birds. There will be some easy hiking as we wander through the open forest at Fox Tree Hill.
| Tour leader | Aiva Noringseth |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Sunday |
| Difficulty | Easy walking/driving |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave S (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Corn Creek Cottonwoods and Balancing Rock
Join Simone on an uphill trail towards the Balancing Rock to listen for song birds. Then follow her along the Marsh Trail, under the highway bridge where the Cliff Swallows have their mud nest, and towards the look-out tower. From there you can have a view of the marsh and species within such as Hooded Mergansers, Pied-billed Grebes, Ring-necked Ducks, Sandhill Cranes, and other waterfowl. A stroll along the Cottonwoods could lead to seeing Bullock’s Orioles, flycatchers, vireos, and warblers.
| Tour leader | Simone Littledale |
| Time | 6:30 am - 10:30 am, Sunday |
| Difficulty | Uphill with easy walking |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 6am for a 6:30am departure. |
Birding at Duck lake
Not an early bird?? This tour leaves when the other tours return!
Join Seth for a leisurely walk to see how Duck Lake got its name!! This 1,500-hectare lake is an important destination in the migration of a vast array of waterfowl. Birdwatchers marvel at the 6 species of grebes, large numbers of Great-blue Herons, the rare Forster’s Terns – which breed nowhere else in BC. During their spring migrations, thousands of waterfowl use the lake as a landing pad, stopping to rest and feed on their long journey. Walk the dyke along the south end to see what you can find! The festival weekend is always a great time of year for shorebirds!
| Tour leader | Seth Benoit |
| Time | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Sunday |
| Difficulty | Easy walking |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 10 |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Please meet your bird guide at the Rotacrest at 9:45am for a 10:00am departure. |
Mother's Day Art Workshop
Yellowbird Linocut Stamp Making for Moms and Kids (Ages 8+)
Create Your Own Bird Tea Towel for Mother’s Day!
Experience the magic of printmaking together in this fun workshop. Design your own bird stamp, carve it out, and print it in multiple colors and patterns to create your own unique keepsake tea towel. Keep the stamps you create and print them again and again!
Cost includes supplies!
https://www.yellowbirdschool.ca/about
| Tour leader | Yellowbird Art Studio |
| Time | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm, Sunday |
| Cost | $30 per mom/child |
| Limit | 9 couples (mom/child) |
| Where | 1229 Canyon Street (Map) |
| Meet | Yellowbird School of Art |
| Note | Suggested age: 8+ years |
Slurp and Chirp at Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery
** No registration required **
Relax after a fantastic weekend of birding, enjoy a charcuterie board and a glass of award-winning wine at Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery. Possible bird sightings in the vineyard: Western Bluebirds, Lazuli Buntings, Western Meadowlarks, and Ring-necked Pheasants.
Menu: Baillie-Grohman Menu
| Time | 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Sunday |
| Cost | Food & Beverages at your expense |
| Where | Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery, 1140-27th Ave S, Creston (Map) |
| Note | Registration is not required for this event. |
Monday, May 12
Birding in Crawford Bay
At the north end of the largest bay on Kootenay Lake, near the small settlement of Crawford Bay, there is a little-known wetland area comprising 62 hectares, and a birder’s delight!
Two creeks flow into the shallow north end of the bay providing varied habitat for many species of birds. It is an important site along the springtime flyway to see migrating Sandhill Cranes or Tundra Swans.
| Tour leader | Sachi Snively and Lyle Grisedale |
| Time | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Monday |
| Cost | $25 |
| Limit | 20 (2 groups) |
| Meet | Rotacrest Hall, 230B-19th Ave N (Map) |
| Note | Meet at Rotacrest in Creston at 7:30 am. Tour starts in Crawford Bay at 9:00 am. |





