BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//RAINIER AUDUBON SOCIETY - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://rainieraudubon.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for RAINIER AUDUBON SOCIETY REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20220313T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20221106T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20230312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20231105T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260420T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260420T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20260202T013645Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260322T155800Z UID:10003181-1776711600-1776715200@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:"Mighty and Tiny:  The Territorial World of Hummingbirds" DESCRIPTION:by Alyssa J. Sargent \n\n\n\nWhat does a day in the life of a hummingbird entail? Where do they travel\, and which rival is worth attacking? Does it pay off to stay near home\, saving energy for inevitable battle\, or to fly further afield—facing new perils—to find food? Cutting-edge technologies can help us to answer these questions. In my PhD\, I study hummingbirds in Colombia using “on-board” devices\, which we equip to the birds themselves; these tiny electronics allow us to map where individual hummingbirds disappear to\, how active they really are\, and how thick the competition can get at a given feeder. Come join me and take a peek\, up close\, at the swashbuckling lives of the world’s smallest birds! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlyssa J. Sargent is a PhD candidate and National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow at the University of Washington\, where she’s a part of the Behavioral Ecophysics Lab. In her current work\, she studies the swashbuckling\, drama-packed lives of hummingbirds in Colombia. Alyssa loves to come up with creative ways to share her research with people—including a bilingual board game\, “Hummingbird Sugar Rush” (“Fiebre de Azúcar en Colibríes”)—to teach people about the decisions hummingbirds must make every day. Throughout her career\, she’s studied birds in Australia\, Portugal\, Ecuador\, Canada\, Puerto Rico\, and numerous states. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/mighty-and-tiny-the-territorial-world-of-hummingbirds/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/white-necked-jacobin-profile-scaled-e1774194586747.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260316T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260316T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20250919T031714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260222T025317Z UID:10003171-1773687600-1773691200@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:The Joy of Spring and Summer Birds DESCRIPTION:by Thomas BancroftBirds are amazing. Here in Washington\, they range in size from minute hummingbirds to swans and eagles. Some stay here all year; others fly incredible distances in their migration. Thrushes have songs like a woodwind quartet\, while hawks and vultures squawk and screech. These creatures always leave me with a sense of awe. Their hollow bones and air sacks make them light enough to fly\, and their cardiovascular system is far more efficient than the best mammalian athletes. Evolution has blessed the world with more kinds of birds than mammals\, heck\, more perching birds than mammals. This isunquestionably the age of birds. This talk will explore birds that are in Washington during the spring and summer. We will look at common ones\, hard-to-identify ones\, and some rare or more difficult-to- discover ones. Songs\, distributions\, and migrations will all be topics to ponder. Oh\, and then how have they evolved? Our journey will jump from Puget Sound lowlands over the top of the Cascades to Eastern Washington\, all with the goal of leaving us mesmerized by our feathered friends.Perhaps we can make some sense of why birds leave us with wonder\, awe\, and incredible joy.Thomas Bancroft’s lifelong passion for birds and nature has been the driving force behind his illustrious career. His earliest memory is of his mother helping him identify Black-capped Chickadees. He was five. Growing up on a farm\, he was constantly immersed in the beauty of nature. This love for the natural world led him to pursue these interests in undergraduate and graduate school. Thomas holds a Ph.D. in Biology and an M.A. in Zoology\, both from the University of South Florida. He led a research program on Everglades conservation for over a decade\, during which time he helped craft restoration and management plans for this spectacular wild area. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/the-joy-of-spring-and-summer-birds/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Perching-Bird-Collage-scaled-e1771728231507.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260216T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260216T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20260121T211711Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T003159Z UID:10003179-1771268400-1771272000@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Why Washington Matters to Waterfowl DESCRIPTION:by Kyle Spragens \n\n\n\nFor a variety of reasons\, the ducks\, geese\, and swans that rely upon Washington’s waters and wetlands every year\, are often taken for granted or unnoticed. Using insights and stories from projects across the Pacific Flyway\, you will come away with a deeper appreciation and the urge to take a longer look at these migratory masters of the marsh. \n\n\n\nKyle Spragens is the WDFW Waterfowl Section Manager\, coordinating monitoring and research activities statewide. He serves on the Pacific Flyway Study Committee charged with status assessments and harvest regulation responsibilities throughout the Pacific Flyway states. Currently he is the U.S. Chair for the Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture Management Board and looks for an opportunity to talk about waterfowl whenever folks are interested. To find out more please visit: https://pacificbirds.org/about-pacific-birds/our-people/kyle-spragens/ \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3 Billion Birds Lost URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/why-washington-matters-to-waterfowl/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-at-1.11.33-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260119T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260119T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20251218T195827Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251218T195937Z UID:10003177-1768849200-1768852800@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Saving the Nisqually Delta DESCRIPTION:by Janine Gates \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSaving the Nisqually Delta is an inspiring drama that captures the voices and efforts of environmentalists who fought proposals by ports\, counties\, cities\, and corporations to industrialize the delta. It also recognizes those who are currently caring for the Nisqually River watershed\, from its headwaters at Mount Rainier National Park to the Nisqually Reach.  \n\n\n\nSignificant threats to industrialize the Nisqually Delta were thwarted by effective citizen activism\, but today\, the Nisqually Delta is still at risk. The cumulative impact of urban and industrial encroachment still threatens the Nisqually Delta and its ecosystem. \n\n\n\nSince publication\, I have been busy giving slide show presentations throughout the Nisqually watershed and beyond. I have lots of stories to share\, and I am grateful to all the organizations and local businesses who have hosted me. I’m booked at events through February 2026!  \n\n\n\nFor more information\, go to my Saving the Nisqually Delta website\, https://savingnisquallydelta.com\, Instagram: @Ja9Olympia\, or Facebook: Saving the Nisqually Delta.  URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/saving-the-nisqually-delta/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Saving-the-Nisqually-Delta-book-cover.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251215T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251215T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20250919T031106Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T021147Z UID:10003170-1765825200-1765828800@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Malheur NWR - 2025 DESCRIPTION:by Dan Streiffert \n\n\n\nMeeting Cancelled! \n\n\n\nDan Streiffert is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.\n\n\n\nJoin Zoom Meeting – Starts at 7 pm \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/86845665547?pwd=iylC7JzctWO4rFJD6KoxEnBIPM8KWV.1 \n\n\n\nMeeting ID: 868 4566 5547 \n\n\n\nPasscode: 188932 \n\n\n\nFor the past several years the low accumulation of snowpack and rainfall has resulted in a continual reduction in the size of Malheur Lake\, to the point where the lake has nearly disappeared. But this changed in 2025 with a 150% snowpack. As a result\, there is now enough deep water at the Narrows for Harney and Malheur Lakes to merge. This is both good and bad news. \n\n\n\nThe good news is an abundance of waterfowl throughout the spring with an extension of the nesting season to the point where many of the birds have had 2 – 3 broods of chicks. \n\n\n\nThe bad news is that with water everywhere\, the birds are spread out all over the area\, much of which has flooded making it hard to reach.  The flooding was so bad that the north end of Burns flooded the week before the Migratory Bird Festival that was ultimately cancelled. \n\n\n\nBut there were a few special spots for birding.  Just 3 miles south of the headquarters on the Center Patrol Road (CPR) is Wright’s Pond.  This has never had any water in it in all the years I have been going to Malheur.  This year\, due to the snowpack and modifications in the water canals\, the area became a large lake.   By the end of May 2025\, the lake was full of Avocets and Stilts nesting on numerous islands in the lake. And by this time the birds had become use to the cars and were relatively close to the road. All the nests were about to overflow with new chicks.   And I had to leave the next day. But there was one nest with new chicks… \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSee More URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/malheur-nwr-2025/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/54433421135_915163cbc3_c.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251117T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251117T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20250919T024756Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T234805Z UID:10003169-1763406000-1763409600@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Birding in Northern Peru DESCRIPTION:by Marie and Craig Johnson\, Barbara Peterson \n\n\n\nCraig Johnson\, Marie West-Johnson\, Barbara Peterson – Just birders who love to travel the world to see unusual and endemic birds in many diverse habitats\, meet new people\, and experience new cultures.    \n\n\n\nPuple-throated Sunangle\n\n\n\nNorthern Peru is home to colorful tanagers and hummingbirds\, along with many endemic birds.  We stayed at Waqanki Lodge where fruiting trees and beautiful landscaped gardens attracted tanagers and hummingbirds.  We also visited an easily accessible crevice with roosting oilbirds.  Oilbirds are the ONLY nocturnal frugivore bird in the world.   \n\n\n\nThe centerpiece of our trip was our four night stay at the Owlet Lodge located in the Abra Patricia Reserve.  This is a priority site for the critically endangered Long-whiskered Owlet.  The Rusty-tinged and Chestnut Antpittas can also be coaxed into view at this lodge.  The flying jewel here is the Marvelous Spatula-tail\, an extraordinary hummingbird with a range restricted to a single Andean Valley near the Huembo Interpretation Center. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/birding-in-peru/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Blue-necked-Tanager-900.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251020T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251020T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20250917T024635Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T234924Z UID:10003168-1760986800-1760990400@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Ecology of Our Endangered “Regal” Hawk DESCRIPTION:If you’ve driven through the arid shrub-steppe landscape in eastern Washington and caught a glimpse of an impressive hawk in striking white and rust-colored plumage you’ve probably been treated to an increasingly rare sighting – that of our largest soaring hawk\, the Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlease join us as we explore unique aspects of the breeding ecology\, winter ecology\, and migration of this iconic hawk\, and how we are working to recover this endangered species. \n\n\n\nJim Watson is a Wildlife Research Scientist with the Washington Department of Fish andWildlife (WDFW) and the lead researcher for statewide raptor studies. He has spent the past 50 years studying raptors in the western United States and abroad. Jim’s research focus includes raptor population dynamics\, migration ecology\, and management of raptors in human landscapes. His recent work evaluates impacts of wind energy and lead contaminants on golden eagles and ferruginous hawks. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/ecology-of-our-endangered-regal-hawk/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ferruginous-Hawk.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250915T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250915T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20250812T173057Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250815T214916Z UID:10003161-1757962800-1757966400@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Using Native Plants to Attract Insects to our Gardens DESCRIPTION:by Alex Juchems \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBird populations are on the decline as reported in the 2025 US State of the Bird report. The report describes how 229 bird species in the US are at a critical point\, requiring immediate conservation to avoid extinction. At the same time\, insect species worldwide are declining at an alarming rate of 9% each decade as reported in the journal Science. The journal also reported that over the last 150 years\, the world has lost up to 10% of insect species which equates to 500\,000 species that have gone extinct on our watch.The relationship of these two trends\, and how one birder’s journey to moth enlightenment offers hope that we can reverse the decline of both birds and insects\, is what our speaker Alex Juchems will share at the September 15th Rainier Audubon meeting.Alex has been a member of Rainier Audubon Society for nearly 25 years. He has served RAS as a Board member\, Christmas Bird Count coordinator\, and Bird-a-thon coordinator. Most recently Alex provided field support for Puget Sound Bird Observatory’s shore bird surveys as part of the Nature Conservatory’s estuary study at Port Susan Bay near Stanwood\, Washington.He is also one of many RAS birders assisting PSBO in collecting data for their secretive bird surveys. He is currently serving on the Board of the Foothills Trail Coalition\, providing habitat conservation support along the 22-mile trail. He lives and gardens with his family in Bonney Lake. \n\n\n\n\nBird Friendly Backyards URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/using-native-plants-to-attract-insects-to-our-gardens/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MG_6095Yellow-headed-Blackbird-scaled-e1755017321721.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250519T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250519T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20241027T170244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T041741Z UID:10003143-1747681200-1747684800@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Insights on the Endangered Species Act DESCRIPTION:By Dr. Todd Wildermuth \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nThe Endangered Species Act turned 50 years old in 2023 and appears to be entering a phase of intense stress. Though some species have recovered and others have been prevented from sliding into extinction\, many trendlines are not positive for the ESA. In the physical world of living things\, troubled species are getting more troubled\, and many common species are becoming less common. In the parallel world of written laws and regulations\, key policymakers are seeking ways to limit the ESA’s implementation. Where does that leave us? What actions can we take? And if the ESA has long struggled to do its job\, what reforms do we need most? This presentation takes on those questions by reaching back to the ESA’s beginnings\, exploring the Act’s course of the past 50 years\, and ending with the most recent proposals to amend ESA regulations or suspend their enforcement. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTodd A. Wildermuth is an associate teaching professor of law at the University of Washington School of Law\, as well as policy director of the School’s environmental clinic. He teaches courses on natural resources law\, wildlife law\, ocean and coastal law\, and endangered species management. Since 2019\, he has been a member of the Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. He lives with his family in Seattle. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/insights-on-the-endangered-species-act/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Facebook-May-2025-Final.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250421T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250421T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20250119T035422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250329T020624Z UID:10003150-1745262000-1745265600@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Meet Bella and Darwin: Parrots in Conservation Education DESCRIPTION:by Zachary Szablewski \n\n\n\nClick on photos for larger view. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYellow naped Parrot\n\n\n\n\n\nWild parrot species in Central America and South America are threatened by human activities. Efforts are underway to reduce these threats and help these beautiful birds thrive in their natural habitat. Our speaker\, Zach Szablewski will discuss a current project to re-introduce Yellow-naped amazon parrots back into natural forest reserves in Costa Rica.Two live parrots\, Bella and Darwin\, will both educate and entertain us. Zach will explain how to enrich the lives of companion parrots that are not suitable for release into the wild. Please join us for this event. Families with children are welcome.Zach has worked as a restoration biologist at Rocky Mountain National Park and as a volunteer researcher and field biologist across the United States and in Costa Rica. His varied experience includes studies of threatened wildflowers in Texas\, endangered cacti in our Southwest\, and Harbor seals in our own Puget Sound. His most current work with parrots\, frequently takes him to Costa Rica.All of our Program Nights are open to the general public. You do not need to be a member. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/general-parrot-information-and-the-reintroduction-of-the-yellow-naped-parrot-program/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SW\, Auburn\, 98001\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Yellow-naped-parrot-2-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250317T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250317T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20241027T165752Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T011944Z UID:10003141-1742238000-1742241600@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Bird Photography Tips for Beginners DESCRIPTION:by Dave Cowell \n\n\n\nThere are more folks than ever photographing birds these days. Many of them with expensive cameras and big lenses. This talk isn’t geared for them.   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn this presentation I’ll cover some photography basics that apply to all types of cameras and discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of photographing birds with a point and shoot versus a single lens reflex or mirrorless cameras. I’ll also cover how to best set your camera up for success in different scenarios you might find yourself in and some different “rules” when it comes to composition.  URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/malheur-nwr/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SW\, Auburn\, 98001\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/March-25.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250217T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250217T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20250119T042441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250119T042446Z UID:10003151-1739818800-1739822400@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Collaborative Management of Heron Colonies DESCRIPTION:by Chris Anderson \n\n\n\nChris will discuss how heron colonies are collaboratively managed between the state and local municipalities. He will touch on general heron life history. Additionally\, he will explain how everyone can help with their local heron nesting sites. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Anderson is the District Wildlife Biologist for the King County area with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Chris works with WDFW and his team to document area wildlife. They also provide for non-game and game species management efforts. This includes working with tribal co-managers. They handle wildlife conflict scenarios and work with local government and non-government entities in wildlife management and monitoring efforts. Washington has a diverse array of habitats and species – there is never a dull moment! URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/collaborative-management-of-heron-colonies/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SW\, Auburn\, 98001\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/50500425921_957897d703_c.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250120T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250120T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20241027T163804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T042142Z UID:10003139-1737399600-1737403200@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - 2024 DESCRIPTION:By Dan Streiffert \n\n\n\nIn 2024 I managed to make three trips to the Malheur Wildlife Refuge. The first in April\, for their Migratory Bird Festival.  The second the last two weeks in May. And the last in September for the Fall migration. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApril was very dry due to almost no snowpack on Steens Mountain resulting in almost no water for irrigating the hay fields which is normally a big draw for the migrating birds.  Fortunately\, it rained a lot for the next two months making everything green by the end of May.  By September\, everything had dried up again. \n\n\n\nDespite all the dry weather\, Malheur always provides entertainment especially when you least expect it. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/january-program-night-tbd/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/53752844307_e8843baebc_c-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241216T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241216T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20240821T022925Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241122T040205Z UID:10003121-1734375600-1734379200@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Conservation in Human-Dominated Landscapes DESCRIPTION:By Peter Hodum \n\n\n\nAs the proportion of the world’s human population living in urban environments continues to increase\, the vital role that cities can play in conserving biodiversity is frequently overlooked or dismissed. However\, cities have the potential to contribute to regional biodiversity by acting as important sanctuaries and refuges for native species\, including threatened and endangered species. In this presentation\, Peter Hodum will provide an overview of how urban landscapes can actively support regional biodiversity and discuss findings from his student-led research focused on urban bird ecology and environmental justice efforts in the greater Tacoma area. \n\n\n\nDr. Peter Hodum is a professor in the Biology and Environmental Studies and Science departments at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma\, WA\, and the Senior Advisor for Chile Programs at Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge\, a conservation non-profit organization. His research focuses primarily on the conservation and ecology of threatened seabirds\, landbirds and island ecosystems in Chile and Washington State.  His work also focuses strongly on community-centered and equitable conservation\, including how communities can be more effectively and authentically involved in conservation. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/conservation-in-human-dominated-landscapes/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SW\, Auburn\, 98001\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Hodum_pugetsound_21230276-Medium.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241118T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241118T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20240821T022650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241029T223301Z UID:10003120-1731956400-1731960000@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:What is a Raptor Anyway? DESCRIPTION:By Thomas Bancroft \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBirders love to look for raptors\, and we often talk about these birds. But what arethey? For sure\, hawks\, eagles\, and falcons\, but what about owls? Some say “vertebrate”eaters with talons and a hooked beak\, but does that eliminate kites that eat a lot ofinsects? What about shrikes\, which seem like ferocious hunters but don’t have talons?Lots to think about. \n\n\n\nWe will explore how the definition of raptor has changed since I started birding inthe mid-1960s. To me\, though\, a fascinating topic is how birds have adapted to exploitnew foods. More than 75% of terrestrial life went extinct when the meteor hit at the endof the Cretaceous period. Since then\, life has evolved to fill niches (opportunities) made byclimate and continental drift. As new life forms evolved\, something emerged to eat it\,and pondering why and who is mind-boggling. Recent genetic work shows that falconsare not very closely related to hawks\, eagles\, and kites. Their closest relatives are parrotsand passerines rather than those other “raptors” with talons. Then\, what do we do withvultures?We will explore what a raptor is\, but we will do it with a tongue-in-cheek approach.Thinking about how birds have adapted to opportunities and evolved to exploit thoseniches will fill us with wonder. The evolution of birds we call raptors isincredible; how different evolutionary lines converge to exploit vertebrate prey isstunning. Talons\, hooked beaks\, and a focus on vertebrate prey evolved multiple times\,and then some groups with these traits drifted in a new direction.The science of these birds is rapidly changing\, and what was thought in the 1970swhen I was in graduate school changed dramatically by the early 2000s and istransforming yet again. This talk will synthesize thousands of scientific papers publishedin the last 50 years. When you buy a new bird book\, you might have noticed that thesequence of families and species changed from earlier versions. That change alsohappens in our eBird checklists as the taxonomy is updated. We will concentrate onraptors of Western North America\, but we will peek at some from Australia\, Africa\,Panama\, and Brazil. This evening will leave you with much to ponder and a new way ofconsidering that word\, raptor.Thomas Bancroft has been a lifelong birder and naturalist. He holds a Ph.D. in Biologyand an M.A. in Zoology from the University of South Florida. His research focused onbirds and their conservation. Thomas served in leadership roles for several conservationorganizations\, where he championed the use of scientific information in U.S. publiclands policy and stewardship decisions and was often interviewed for TV\, radio\, andprint media. He is a frequent speaker and writes regularly for the Mountaineers\,Washington Ornithological Society\, and Audubon chapters. His photographs haveappeared in numerous books and publications\, including Audubon\, Birding\, AmericanBirds\, and Mountaineer Magazine\, as well as at the Smithsonian Natural History andthe Burke Museums. Washington State University Press recently published his bookBeyond the Wonder: An Ecologist’s View of Wild Alaska. The Press called his book “abeautiful meditation on nature—one that highlights the importance of untamed placesand the role they play in crafting a better world.” Bancroft received the Mountaineers2020 Service Award for his volunteer work. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/what-is-a-raptor-anyway/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SW\, Auburn\, 98001\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2023-05-06_0056.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241021T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241021T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20240821T022105Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240920T233723Z UID:10003119-1729537200-1729540800@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:The Northern Hawk Owl Project – Insights into the Movements of an Enigmatic Species of Owl   DESCRIPTION:By Hannah Toutonghi \n\n\n\nNorthern Hawk Owls (Surnia ulula) are one of the least studied birds in North America due to their remote range in the northern boreal forests. Little is known about how far individuals travel\, whether leaving their natal grounds for the first time or after they have established a winter territory. They are enigmatic\, feisty\, and incredibly charismatic owls. This talk by Hannah Toutonghi delves into her research of using novel telemetry methods to see if we can\, for the first time\, get a glimpse inside the life of how hawk owls move throughout the landscape. Please come with your curiosity and questions about this nomadic denizen of the Northwoods! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHannah is a field ornithologist from the greater Seattle area\, who has focused her research efforts on studying raptor migration and breeding birds in the boreal forest over the last several years. She has previously worked at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory\, the Natural Resources Research Institute\, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory\, and the Institute for Bird Populations. Hannah completed her master’s degree through the University of Minnesota Duluth\, and now works as a data scientist at the Ocean Research College Academy in Everett\, Washington. Throughout her field work experience and graduate school\, she has realized how important it is to get students interested in the natural world. She is an avid birder and feels lucky to return to the pacific northwest to both enjoy and study the birds in this region.  URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/the-northern-owl-project-insights-into-a-enigmatic-species-of-ow/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SW\, Auburn\, 98001\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_3348-2-1-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240916T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240916T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20240821T035506Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240901T040727Z UID:10003122-1726513200-1726516800@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Getting off of the beaten path DESCRIPTION:By Dave Cowell \n\n\n\nRed-eyed Vireo\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHave you ever gotten a little tired of birding all of the popular areas? If you’ve answered yes\, you’re not alone.  In this presentation\, I’ll speak about how I go about finding some of the off beaten areas I’ve found myself roaming around in looking for birds. Of course I’ll be sharing some images made over the years of expected and a few unexpected finds.  \n\n\n\nIn 1986 I left my Upstate NY home for life in the military. Somewhere between then and now I picked up a camera and a love of birds. Both are still with me to this day URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/getting-off-of-the-beaten-path/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SW\, Auburn\, 98001\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC_9001.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240520T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240520T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20240425T022342Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240425T022347Z UID:10003116-1716231600-1716235200@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Hummingbirds: Masters of the Air DESCRIPTION:by Connie Sidles \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith their ability to hover in place\, fly upside-down or backwards\, and cross seas without stopping\, hummingbirds seem immune to the ordinary laws of physics. Their jewel-tone feathers flash in the sun brighter than rubies or emeralds. Their wings flap faster than the eye can see. Their courtship flights defy gravity. These tiny dynamos of the avian world both fascinate and flummox us. Find out more about one of the fiercest birds in the animal kingdom\, as master birder Connie Sidles shows you the wonders of hummingbirds. \n\n\n\nConnie Sidles is a master birder and long-time member of Birds Connect Seattle\, where she served on the board and is chair of the Publications Committee. She currently serves on the Conservation Committee. Connie is on the faculty of the University of Washington as an instructor in continuing education programs. She teaches classes for BCS\, as well as many other Audubon societies across the country. Connie is a published author with more than 600 published articles and is founder and president of Constancy Press. She has written four books about nature\, focusing on her favorite “backyard” Montlake Fill\, aka Union Bay Natural Area on the UW’s campus. She is excited to be back with Rainier Audubon to share her love of birds with one of the most enthusiastic groups of birders she knows. “I feel like I’m coming to my home away from home\,” she says. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/hummingbirds-masters-of-the-air-2/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Anna_Kuhn2.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240415T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240415T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20231129T001010Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240415T150207Z UID:10003095-1713207600-1713211200@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Do Crows Have Language? DESCRIPTION:by Douglas Wacker \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCrows – by Bri McCloskey.\n\n\n\nCrow – by Bri McCloskey.\n\n\n\n\nHumans are fascinated by crows because they share many of our characteristics. They’re smart\, social\, and make a variety of vocalizations. However\, do they have a language like humans? In this talk\, we’ll explore some past work on crow vocal communication\, language in general\, and recent Corvid research conducted with undergraduates at the University of Washington Bothell. We’ll discuss what some of those caws might mean and talk about how we’re starting to address the question of whether crows have something akin to language. \n\n\n\nDoug Wacker (by Kim Walker)\n\n\n\nDr. Doug Wacker is an Associate Professor of Animal Behavior at the University of Washington Bothell\, where he works with undergraduates studying crow and raven  social behavior and communication. He has studied a local communal roost of ~16\,000 American Crows on the Bothell campus since 2012. He lives in Lake Forest Park\, Washington with his two children\, Eilidh and Delphinia\, his wife Kim\, and two indoor-only cats. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/do-crows-have-language/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/thumbnail_image002.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240318T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240318T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20240216T050417Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240216T051525Z UID:10003110-1710788400-1710792000@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Birding Close To Home DESCRIPTION:by Dave Cowell \n\n\n\n\n\nGreat-Horned owl fledgling\n\n\n\nWe are fortunate to live in a very bird rich area. From the mountains to the coast\, we can find birds filling a totally different niche all within the the same day. We are spoiled with choice.  In this presentation\, I’ll share some of the birds I’ve seen and images I’ve made in western Washington since picking up my first digital camera 20 years ago. \n\n\n\nYellow-Rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler\n\n\n\nAs a child I spent much of my time exploring the woods and stream that ran behind our Upstate New York home. The time spent in those woods and on that little stream instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for wild spaces. Photography builds on that appreciation and has helped me further my understanding of birds lives. It has fed my soul and provided an outlet to help balance a sometimes confusing and chaotic daily life.  The challenge of trying to create nice images of wildlife living their daily life is my goal. I’m grateful for the chance to share images and experiences in the field with like minded people who love and respect these birds and their natural places. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/birding-close-to-home/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC_9476.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240219T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240219T203000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20230819T200356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240128T235405Z UID:10001234-1708369200-1708374600@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:"The Bosque" - Late Fall Beauty DESCRIPTION:by George Galvin \n\n\n\nNestled next to the Rio Grande River in Central New Mexico sits a series of marshes and low- lying fields known as the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge. Due to its location\, next to a year- round water source and ample food supply\, the Bosque attracts many species of birds and mammals. The late fall and winter see large numbers of geese as well as Sandhill Cranes wintering over at the Bosque. \n\n\n\nJay Galvin will share some of the several thousand photos that he took in early December of this magical place. \n\n\n\n\nSandhill Cranes\n\n\n\nSnow Geese\n\n\n\nSnow Geese\n\n\n\nSandhill Cranes URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/february-program-night/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/7E9A1325-copy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240115T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240115T203000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20230819T195022Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231231T164521Z UID:10001231-1705345200-1705350600@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Conversations with Secretive Birds and what We've Learned DESCRIPTION:by Cindy Easterson \n\n\n\n\n\nSeeking Elusive Wetland Bird Species – Puget Sound Bird Observatory’s Regional Wetland Secretive Bird Monitoring Project \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter listening to wildlife professionals at a Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture meeting (https://pacificbirds.org/) in 2016 discuss how little was known about the status of secretive birds that inhabit local area wetlands\, Puget Sound Bird Observatory (PSBO) initiated a wetland bird monitoring project. After reviewing available distribution and abundance data on several wetland obligate species PSBO identified a data gap between what was being recorded in species maps and anecdotal observations and launched a scoping project in 2016 to assess the presence of four wetland obligate species—American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)\, Sora (Porzana carolina)\, Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola)\, and Green Heron (Butorides virescens)—and two wetland associated species for which there are population concerns\, Marsh Wren (Cistolothorus palustris) and Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii). A fifth wetland-obligate species\, Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)\, was added in 2022 as a part of a collaborative effort with Birds Canada\, who had initiated a similar marsh bird study in British Columbia. With the support of a large community of volunteer citizen scientists\, this project has grown to roughly 160 habitat-specific wetland sites being surveyed across Whatcom\, Skagit\, Snohomish\, King\, Pierce\, Thurston\, Mason\, Kitsap\, and Island Counties. \n\n\n\nBirds are a major taxon that can serve as environmental indicators. They have high public appeal and are relatively efficient to sample. Marsh bird abundance and distribution over space and time indicate habitat quality and can be used as measures of restoration success. However\, typical landscape-scale monitoring efforts such as the Breeding Bird Survey or Christmas Bird Count do not fully capture many of these elusive wetland species. While the seven species chosen for this monitoring are not considered species of high conservation concern (e.g.\, USFWS 2021)\, the lack of accurate population data can allow these species to be forgotten when assessing habitat quality and ecosystem health. \n\n\n\nThis presentation to Rainier Audubon Society will help to share the story of these birds and hopefully encourage some  members to join our efforts to better understand these elusive species. \n\n\n\nCindy Easterson\, Bio \n\n\n\nCindy Easterson has a passion for birds and finds gratification in studying their behaviors\, habits and needs. She delights in sharing this interest with others and mentoring volunteer field biologists to support the documentation and assessment of local bird populations and wildlife habitat. She manages PSBO’s Regional Wetland Secretive Bird Monitoring project in addition to providing oversight for a wide variety of other avian monitoring projects. She has supported bird banding efforts with PSBO’s Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) station at Morse Reserve and provided training assistance and skill development at workshops for bird identification\, bander training\, and a variety of bird survey methods. \n\n\n\nCindy has served on the Board of Puget Sound Bird Observatory (PSBO) since 2010 filling the roles of both Secretary and Treasurer. She holds an integrated Bachelor of Arts and Science Degree with a focus on Wetland Science from the University of Washington. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/conversations-with-secretive-birds-and-what-weve-learned/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_3957_edited-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231218T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231218T203000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20230819T195931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231129T010451Z UID:10001233-1702926000-1702931400@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Wildlife Rehabilitation and Falconry in Washington DESCRIPTION:by Jen Mannas \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJen Mannas is a Wildlife Biologist for Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife\, who oversees two statewide programs: Wildlife Rehabilitation and Falconry. She has a master’s degree in Wildlife Management from Montana State University and has been in the Wildlife Biology field for almost 20 years. \n\n\n\nJen has had the privilege to work with mammalian and avian species across the United States and in Antarctica\, including marine mammals\, wolves\, mountain lions\, raptors like the California Condor\, seabirds including Brush-tailed Penguins\, and miscellaneous waterfowl.  \n\n\n\nShe has been involved with wildlife rehabilitation throughout her career\, including the PAWS Wildlife Center and SR3\, Washington’s first rehabilitation program specializing in marine mammal care. Her job duties include permitting wildlife rehabilitators and falconers\, helping permittees stay in compliance\, and spreading the word about both programs. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/wildlife-rehabilitation-and-falconry/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Jen-and-owl.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231120T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231120T203000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20230819T192813Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T040953Z UID:10001230-1700506800-1700512200@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Who are You Calling a Bird Brain? DESCRIPTION:By Kim Adelson \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor hundreds of years\, birds have been considered stupid and incapable of advanced thought or learning; this is why the phrase “bird brain” is commonly used to denote persons who are dolts or simpletons. But… Do birds really deserve this bad rap? Are they truly less intelligent than mammals? THEY ARE NOT! In fact\, recent research has consistently demonstrated that some birds have remarkably strong cognitive skills\, comparable to monkeys and even\, in some cases\, apes. Some can form abstract concepts; some display prodigious memories; some make and use tools; and some can make complex inferences. Watch this presentation and you will discover the surprisingly strong mental abilities exhibited by a wide variety of birds.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKim Adelson is the President and Education Chair of the Black Hills Audubon Society. She regularly gives presentations on birds\, the effects that climate change is having upon them\, and how to attract them to one’s yard. She was a college professor for more than 30 years\, teaching at the University of Minnesota\, Ohio Wesleyan University\, and Canterbury University in Christchurch\, New Zealand. Kim has a master’s degree in evolutionary biology and a doctorate in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Kim got the “birding bug” about 30 years ago\, when she and her husband moved into a house in the woods and had 42 species of birds in their yard. She travels extensively to see birds – highlights include Namibia\, Australia\, and Indonesia to birdwatch. Kim moved to Washington 10 years ago\, fulfilling a life-long dream to do so. She is passionate about preserving our beautiful habitat and the wildlife it contains.  URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/who-are-you-calling-a-bird-brain/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231016T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231016T203000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20230819T192449Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230924T151342Z UID:10001229-1697482800-1697488200@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Bird Photography in the Land of The Morning Calm  DESCRIPTION:By Dave Cowell \n\n\n\n\n\nDusky Thrush\n\n\n\nBirding\, let alone bird photography\, in South Kore Korea is not a popular past time\, which is unfortunate. At about the half way point on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway it’s a wintering ground for several endangered and vulnerable cranes\, a stopover for migrants and a permanent home for many of our feathered friends. During this presentation I’ll share a few of the birds I’ve photographed on the peninsula\, including White-naped and Red-crowned Cranes and the conditions that have provided them their winter home. In conclusion\, I’ll also discuss a little bit about what has become a somewhat controversial and contentious topic in recent years\, bird photography ethics. \n\n\n\nAs a child\, I spent much of my time exploring the woods and stream that ran behind our Upstate New York home. The time spent in those woods and on that little stream instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for wild spaces\, especially riparian areas.  \n\n\n\nPhotography adds to that appreciation and has helped give me some insight into birds lives. It has nourished my soul and provided an outlet to help balance a sometimes confusing and chaotic daily life.  The challenge of trying to create compelling images of wildlife living their daily life is my goal. Connecting and sharing these images and stories with others is a bonus.  I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to share with like minded people who love\, respect and depend upon these birds and natural places to enrich our lives. \n\n\n\nWhite-naped Cranes URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/october-program-night/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DSC_4964.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230918T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230918T203000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20230819T191757Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230827T214454Z UID:10001228-1695063600-1695069000@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Malheur NWR - 2023 DESCRIPTION:by Dan Streiffert \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncludes photos from the Migratory Bird Festival in April\, a couple of weeks in June\, and an evening with the Great Horned Owlets at Headquarters. URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/malheur-nwr-2023/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-04-12_0317-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Dan Streiffert":MAILTO:dan.streiffert@rainieraudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230515T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230515T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20230403T232236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T125920Z UID:10001192-1684177200-1684180800@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Green River College's Long Term Birding Study DESCRIPTION:by Danny Najera \n\n\n\n American Dipper\n\n\n\nCome find out what we are doing at Green River College to help our students become more knowledgable about birds and better stewards for our lands. Using Birds\, GPS\, and Nature immersion in higher education. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDanny Najera is an entomologist by training specializing in honeybees\, but is loves the PNW ecosystems. He is spearheading a long term ecological study on the campus propery of Green River College (7 miles of trails along the green river and nearby forest). This includes tracking mushrooms\, wildflowers\, and birds in some detail. He is an avid hiker with a love of the wonderland trail and hopes to help this next generation reconnect with nature. \n\n\n\nScience Division Co-Chair with Katy Shaw. \n\n\n\nhttps://www.facebook.com/GreenRiverHoneybees – See GRCC honeybees on Facebook here! \n\n\n\nhttps://www.greenrivercollegefoundation.org/honeybees – Donations to our honeybee program \n\n\n\nhttps://www.facebook.com/GRCBiologyClubPublic/ – Our Green River Biology Club \n\n\n\nThis will be a hybrid meeting. So come to the church in person or join us by Zoom.\n\n\n\nDan Streiffert is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. \n\n\n\nTopic: Green River College’s Long Term Birding StudyTime: May 15\, 2023 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) \n\n\n\nJoin Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/84408852931?pwd=a3JjZEZ0NHlxcDYxZGd1Y1lrbm5VQT09 \n\n\n\nMeeting ID: 844 0885 2931Passcode: 440620One tap mobile+12532158782\,\,84408852931#\,\,\,\,440620# US (Tacoma) +12532050468\,\,84408852931#\,\,\,\,440620# US \n\n\n\nDial by your location+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)+1 253 205 0468 US+1 719 359 4580 US+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)+1 669 444 9171 US+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)+1 360 209 5623 US+1 386 347 5053 US+1 507 473 4847 US+1 564 217 2000 US+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)+1 646 931 3860 US+1 689 278 1000 US+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)+1 305 224 1968 US+1 309 205 3325 US+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)Meeting ID: 844 0885 2931Passcode: 440620Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kcdzvTg3Iw URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/green-river-colleges-long-term-birding-study/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/image-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230417T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230417T203000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20230308T043015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230402T171549Z UID:10001187-1681758000-1681763400@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:In Search of Meadowlarks: Birds\, Farms\, and Food in Harmony with the Land DESCRIPTION:by John Marzluff \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a wildlife scientist and birder\, I think about our relationship with\, and effects on\, nature. As I searched for meadowlarks and other open country birds among farms and ranches\, I learned how these species flee the plow and how many farmers adjust their actions to lessen this exodus. I birded and talked with farmers on their lands from Nebraska to California to Costa Rica. Here I bring news to you from these farms that show how some birds are extirpated while others evolve to live among the crops we need for our own sustenance. I focus on the actions of many farmers that coexist with nature because “it is the right thing to do.” You’ll learn about wine producers that welcome barn owls to their vineyards to help control rodents\, organic producers that fallow some land each year to the benefit of yellowthroats\, ranchers that employ intensive\, rotational grazing to coexist with predators and trout\, and a rancher that traded cows for tourists. One of humanity’s grand challenges is to conserve nature while providing for a growing and increasing affluent population. The lessons I’ve learned from agrarians and the scientific literature suggests strategies that we can each employ to help meet this challenge. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJohn Marzluff is James W. Ridgeway Professor of Wildlife Science at the University of Washington. His graduate (Northern Arizona University) and initial post-doctoral (University of Vermont) research focused on the social behavior and ecology of jays and ravens. He continues this theme investigating the intriguing behavior of crows\, ravens\, and jays. His current research focuses on the interactions of ravens and wolves in Yellowstone. He teaches Ornithology\, Governance and Conservation of Rare Species\, Field Research in Yellowstone\, and Natural and Cultural History of Costa Rica. \n\n\n\nDr. Marzluff has mentored over 40 graduate students and authored over 170 scientific papers on various aspects of bird behavior and wildlife management. He is a member of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Recovery Team for the critically endangered Mariana Crow\, a former member of the Washington Biodiversity Council\, a Fellow of the American Ornithologist’s Union\, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science\, and a National Geographic Explorer. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProfessor Marzluff has written six books and edited several others. His Welcome to Subirdia (2014 Yale) discovers that moderately settled lands host a splendid array of biological diversity and suggests ways in which people can steward these riches to benefit birds and themselves. \n\n\n\nHis most recent In Search of Meadowlarks (2020 Yale) connects our agriculture and diets to the conservation of birds and other wildlife. Copies will be available at the meeting for $20\, \n\n\n\nThis will be a hybird meeting. Come in person or join us with Zoom. \n\n\n\nDan Streiffert is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. \n\n\n\nTopic: In Search of Meadowlarks: Birds\, Farms\, and Food in Harmony with the LandTime: Apr 17\, 2023 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) \n\n\n\nJoin Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/85745489671?pwd=ekhFMlF3aS8yNTNacnV2Tm5hRndwUT09 \n\n\n\nMeeting ID: 857 4548 9671Passcode: 440994One tap mobile+12532158782\,\,85745489671#\,\,\,\,440994# US (Tacoma) +12532050468\,\,85745489671#\,\,\,\,440994# US \n\n\n\nDial by your location+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)+1 253 205 0468 US+1 719 359 4580 US+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)+1 669 444 9171 US+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)+1 386 347 5053 US+1 507 473 4847 US+1 564 217 2000 US+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)+1 646 931 3860 US+1 689 278 1000 US+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)+1 305 224 1968 US+1 309 205 3325 US+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)+1 360 209 5623 USMeeting ID: 857 4548 9671Passcode: 440994Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kc3WUqTsLj URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/in-search-of-meadowlarks/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/meadowlarkonpostwide-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230320T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230320T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20230106T022228Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230310T164232Z UID:10001171-1679338800-1679346000@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:20 Years of Field Research on the White-headed Woodpecker in Washington DESCRIPTION:by Jeff Kozma \n\n\n\n\n\nIn Washington\, the White-headed Woodpecker is listed as a species of concern due to its association with old-growth ponderosa pine forests.  Although White-headed Woodpeckers have recently been documented inhabiting early to mid-seral managed forests\, information is limited regarding their reproductive success and general ecology in these forests.  \n\n\n\nFor the last 20 years\, Jeff Kozma\, a wildlife biologist for the Yakama Nation\, has been studying the ecology of White-headed Woodpeckers in managed ponderosa pine forests along the eastern Cascades in Yakima and Kittitas Counties.  Jeff will present brief highlights from his research including nest-site characteristics\, reproductive success\, and nestling provisioning (i.e.\, who feeds the kids and what are they feeding them).  He will also present a summary of findings from a long-term banding study he has been conducting since 2011 investigating adult longevity.  If you ever wanted to know more about the White-headed Woodpecker\, this presentation is for you!  \n\n\n\nJeff Kozma\n\n\n\nJeff received his B.S. Degree in Environmental Forest Biology from the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse and his M.S. Degree in Wildlife Science at Texas Tech University where he studied the use of Chihuahuan Desert arroyos and adjacent uplands by migrant and breeding birds in southern New Mexico. After graduating\, he began working as a Wildlife Biologist at the Yakima Training Center where he monitored Sage-grouse\, performed raptor and non-game bird surveys\, and was involved with restoration of seeps\, springs\, and riparian areas. He is currently working as a Wildlife Biologist for the Yakama Nation where he has been studying the reproductive biology of White-headed Woodpeckers and other cavity-nesting birds in managed forests since 2003\, as well as reviewing timber sales on the ceded lands of the Yakama Nation to help protect habitat important to state and Federally listed wildlife \n\n\n\nThis will be a Zoom only meeting as Jeff is doing this from Yakima!\n\n\n\nThe presentation will start at 7 pm. \n\n\n\nDan Streiffert is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. \n\n\n\nTopic: 20 Years of Field Research on the White-headed Woodpecker in WashingtonTime: Mar 20\, 2023 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) \n\n\n\nJoin Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/81063281046?pwd=aHFrMWN6RlVwQUlKSFBsc3crUTVoZz09 \n\n\n\nMeeting ID: 810 6328 1046Passcode: 982175One tap mobile+12532050468\,\,81063281046#\,\,\,\,982175# US +12532158782\,\,81063281046#\,\,\,\,982175# US (Tacoma) \n\n\n\nDial by your location+1 253 205 0468 US+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)+1 719 359 4580 US+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)+1 669 444 9171 US+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)+1 305 224 1968 US+1 309 205 3325 US+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)+1 360 209 5623 US+1 386 347 5053 US+1 507 473 4847 US+1 564 217 2000 US+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)+1 646 931 3860 US+1 689 278 1000 USMeeting ID: 810 6328 1046Passcode: 982175Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kJUW53OK4 URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/20-years-of-field-research-on-the-white-headed-woodpecker-in-washington/ LOCATION:Federal Way United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WHWO_male-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230220T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230220T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T080845 CREATED:20220816T015916Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230220T161152Z UID:10001060-1676919600-1676923200@rainieraudubon.org SUMMARY:Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in June DESCRIPTION:by Dan Streiffert \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nRose-breasted Grosbeak\n\n\n\nI have been going to Malheur NWR for about 15 years now and still think it has the best birding in the Pacific Northwest. Most years I go in April for the Migratory Bird Festival in Burns\, Oregon. Last year I spent the month of June there hoping for opportunities to photograph newborn chicks – particularly the Sandhill Cranes and Burrowing Owls. \n\n\n\nI spent the month as a volunteer with the Friends of Malheur\, working half-time at ther Visitor Center and spending my free time mostly photographing wildlife. Join us to see the results. \n\n\n\nThis will be a hybrid meeting. Join us by Zoom or come to the church. \n\n\n\nFor more about Malheur Refuge\, watch this! \n\n\n\n\nMalheur National Wildlife Refuge: Past\, Present and Future\n\n\n\n\nVideo Note\n\n\n\nThis presentation is done in Power Point and includes several videos. These do not play very well in Zoom. So I have added them in a Post\, so that you can view them either before the Zoom meeting or after. \n\n\n\n\nVideos from Malheur In June 20\, 2023 Presentation\n\n\n\n\nDan Streiffert is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. \n\n\n\nTopic: Malheur in JuneTime: Feb 20\, 2023 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) \n\n\n\nJoin Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/88166018083?pwd=TnFQZ2JuMllDaml0WmsyK1hqcysrQT09 \n\n\n\nMeeting ID: 881 6601 8083Passcode: 380391One tap mobile+12532158782\,\,88166018083#\,\,\,\,380391# US (Tacoma) +12532050468\,\,88166018083#\,\,\,\,380391# US \n\n\n\nDial by your location+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)+1 253 205 0468 US+1 669 444 9171 US+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)+1 719 359 4580 US+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)+1 305 224 1968 US+1 309 205 3325 US+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)+1 360 209 5623 US+1 386 347 5053 US+1 507 473 4847 US+1 564 217 2000 US+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)+1 646 931 3860 US+1 689 278 1000 USMeeting ID: 881 6601 8083Passcode: 380391Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdqZnZFMaL \n\n\n\nAdd to: \n\n\n\nGoogle Calendar \n\n\n\n Outlook Calendar (.ics) \n\n\n\n Yahoo Calendar URL:https://rainieraudubon.org/event/malheur-national-wildlife-refuge/ LOCATION:United Methodist Church\, 29645 51st Ave.South\, Auburn\, Washington\, 98001\, United States CATEGORIES:Monthly Program Night ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rainieraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-04-18_DLS_0308.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Dan Streiffert":MAILTO:dan_streiffert@hotmail.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR