Birders, rejoice. The Whidbey Audubon Society is offering opportunities this week for the bird-curious to learn more about pelicans, hawks, falcons and other fowl.

Join Kurt Licence, a district wildlife biologist with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, for a presentation on American white pelicans at 7:30 p.m. this Thursday, May 9 at the Coupeville Recreational Hall.

The pelicans have been making appearances on Whidbey since around 2016, according to Licence. Though there hasn’t been any evidence of them breeding anywhere on the island, they seem to prefer visiting Deer Lagoon and Crockett Lake.

The general population has been steadily increasing since the 1980s, Licence said, due to slow decreases of persistent insecticide residues in the environment and in pelican tissues. State and federal protections have also reduced mortality factors, such as outlawing shooting for sport.

But the total population in the state, as well as where the large waterfowl spend their winters, is not yet known.

“That’s still one of the question marks of the species,” Licence said.

The Whidbey Audubon Society has been receiving recent reports of the pelicans, who have been arriving in their breeding plumage, from members.

Licence plans to discuss biology, status, history and other facts about the birds during his upcoming presentation. Those who prefer to attend from home can register for the event and receive a Zoom link.

Bird enthusiasts can also flock to the second annual Wings Over Whidbey Bird Festival this Saturday, May 11 at the Pacific Rim Institute in Coupeville. The festival is being held in conjunction with Prairie Days, an event of the Pacific Rim Institute, which is holding prairie walks and greenhouse tours on May 10 and 11.

Wings Over Whidbey is free to attend and runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presentation topics include bees, butterflies and of course, birds.

People hoping to catch a glimpse of a bird can see glove-trained raptors, like owls, hawks and falcons, from Discovery Bay Wildbird Rescue. Caitlyn Toroman, local master falconer, will also have a booth with live birds to talk about falconry and raptor conservation.

Bird specimens prepared by a taxidermist will also be on hand for those who want an even closer look.

Youngsters can participate in several children’s activities, from readings and signings with authors Susanne Ohrvik and Karen DeWitz to a scavenger hunt. Ohrvik also plans to lead an art workshop for youth at 11:30 a.m. with a focus on birds and nature. A $5 material fee will be collected at the door. Young adults and grown-ups can attend an art workshop at 1 p.m.

Festival attendees can choose to purchase raffle tickets for $2 each, which could win them prizes from Hierophant Meadery, Kingfisher Books, Sweet Mona’s Chocolates, Toby’s Tavern, Whidbey Island Kayaking, Wild Birds Unlimited, among other Whidbey businesses.

A variety of vendors, including Chef in the Black Bandana and Whidbey Pies, will ensure that no one goes hungry.

“It’s going to be a busy day,” said Susan Prescott of the Whidbey Audubon Society.

For more information, visit whidbeyaudubonsociety.org/wings-over-whidbey-festival.

Photo by David Welton A flock of American white pelicans search for food at Deer Lagoon.

Photo provided Cynthia Daily of Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue with a great horned owl.

Photo provided Biologist Kurt Licence poses with a baby eagle.