The eighth annual Bald Eagle Festival returns to the Maritime Heritage Centre on Feb. 23.
Your host, once again, is the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) which is providing informative lecture and opportunities to meet wildlife up close and personal.
As well, in the weeks leading up to the festival, Photo Tech is holding its ever-popular photo contest.
Enter your best photographs of birds and other native wildlife for a chance to win some exciting prizes, show off your photography skills and support MARS’ work in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife.
There will be two age categories:
- Youth – 13 and under, $5 per photo entry.
- Adult – 14 and over, $10 per entry.
Prizes for the youth winners, compliments of Photo Tech include: first place, a presentation at MARS and photo opportunity with the ambassador birds; second place, System Pro “The Clamper” junior tripod; and third place, a T-shirt printed with an image of their choosing.
Prizes for adults include: first place, a 20x16 canvas gallery wrap enlargement of their winning photo; second place, “The Clamper” tripod; and third place: a T-shirt printed with an image of their choosing.
The deadline for submissions is Feb. 20, at 5 p.m.
The winners will be chosen by popular vote. Festival participants can cast their ballots at the MARS booth to vote for their favourite photos in each of the two categories.
An additional Judges Choice photograph will be selected by a panel of judges.
The winner of this award will be invited to attend the release of a raptor.
To enter the contest, submit your photos on a memory stick or CD to Photo Tech Foto Source at 110-1260 Shoppers Row, Campbell River. Entry forms will be provided by Photo Tech.
Contestants may keep their 8x10 photo but will be asked to sign a release to allow MARS to use their photo in future fundraising events and publications, including facebook and the website, www.wingtips.org
The eighth annual Bald Eagle Festival takes place on Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Maritime Heritage Centre in Campbell River.