RAINIER AUDUBON SOCIETY

Hawks & Raptors Field Class
2023-03-04 09:00 - 2023-03-05 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Different class each day, or you can sign up for both!

Pack a hat, gloves and warm drink!

Migrating Raptors are fascinating to observe. Please join Kevin O’Malley and Barbara Petersen for a winter raptor viewing adventure. The Skagit Field Class will be held on Saturday March 4th & Suday March 5th from 9-11 & 12-2. This is a time when many migrating raptors move through the Skagit Valley. It might be cold, so dress in many layers. We will spend two separate blocks of time birding with a lunch break in between. Most of the time we will be close to our cars, and will drive from one destination to another during each two-hour birding adventure. During the day you will have the opportunity to walk on easy trails and view raptors through a spotting scope. We will meet at a location TBA near Edison, WA. We will be wearing masks and driving in separate cars.

The cost will be $55 per person and will include four hours of birding each day. We will take a total of 8 participants. We have the option to separate into two small groups. Teenage children (and those 10 years and up who are really into Birding) can attend with an adult. Refunds will be given as credit unless I can fill the spot. Most people just donate the funds if they must cancel. Please contact Kevin O’Malley at omalley23@gmail.com for more information, payment options and to sign up.

Soos Creek Park Habitat Enhancement
2023-03-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Gary Grant Park, 13600 SE 208th Street, Kent
Meet along the Soos Creek Trail; 1/4 mile south of the Gary Grant parking lot (13600 SE 208th Street, Kent)

Please sign up in advance. Here’s the link . https://pg-cloud.com/KingCountyParks/

Wear work clothes and bring your work gloves.

Questions? Contact Crescent Calimpong at ccalimpong@kingcounty.gov

FYI: Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is no longer required to participate in King County Parks Volunteer Events. In consultation with Public Health – Seattle & King County and other regional leaders, Executive Dow Constantine ended the Emergency Proclamation and lifted the vaccine mandate for employees and volunteers.

We want to continue keeping our community safe. Feeling sick? Please stay home. Please do not attend if anyone in your household is suspected of having or has tested positive for COVID-19.

Masks are optional and welcome.

Joe Miles

Friends of Soos Creek Park

friendsofsooscreekpark@q.com

Check us out on Facebook !!!

Black River Riparian Forest Field Trip
2023-03-19 15:30 - 17:00 | Black River Riparian Forest, 600 Oakesdale Ave. SW, Renton, Washington, 98057, United States
by /Suzanne Knrom

If you’d like to see the nesting herons at Black River before the cottonwoods leaf out, this will be the time to do it. Once the trees are leafed out, the nests will be very difficult to see. When we were there last month, we saw 30-40 herons, and counted 18 nests from last year. The birds are pairing up, repairing last years’ nests, and building new ones now. It’s possible that some have started incubating their first eggs. We’ll know if that’s the case if we see herons sitting in their nests, as opposed to standing.

You are welcome to join us. Details —

Black River Riparian Forest field trip —

Date/time: Sunday, March 19, 3:30 – 5:00 pm

Meet: In the Oakesdale Center parking lot, 600 Oakesdale Ave. SW, Renton 98057. The best place for us all to gather at 3:30pm is near the Northwest Kidney Center. (Sorry, no bathroom access on Sundays.)

If you have binoculars, be sure to bring them. Also, if you’d like to take photos, you’ll need a lens for long distances (equivalent to about a football field away). We’d really appreciate getting copies of your photos!

Two important notes:

If this is your first visit to this wildlife sanctuary, we strongly recommend attending our field trip so you’ll know the best viewing areas and safest route. (Taking a different route will give you an entirely different experience and is definitely not recommended.)

In case anyone wants to visit on their own in the future, please do not go alone. Black River Riparian Forest is 96 wooded acres and the vast majority of it is very isolated. I’ll add that if you find yourself in trouble, call 911. However the challenge would be in identifying exactly where you are because there are no markers.

I hope you can join us! Please let me know if you can make it.

Suzanne

20 Years of Field Research on the White-headed Woodpecker in Washington
2023-03-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
by Jeff Kozma

In 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.

For 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!

Jeff Kozma

Jeff 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

This will be a Zoom only meeting as Jeff is doing this from Yakima!

The presentation will start at 7 pm.

Dan Streiffert is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: 20 Years of Field Research on the White-headed Woodpecker in WashingtonTime: Mar 20, 2023 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/81063281046?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 810 6328 1046Passcode: [REDACTED] tap mobile+12532050468,,81063281046#,,,,982175# US +12532158782,,81063281046#,,,,982175# US (Tacoma)

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Duwamish Waterway
2023-04-08 08:30 - 12:30 | Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave S,, Tukwila,, Washington, 98168, United States
Leader: Barbara Petersen

Tukwila Community Center

Join Barbara for a morning exploration of birding spots near the Duwamish River. You will want to return to these places often in the spring when they can be quite busy with bird activity. Common sightings include Osprey, Bald Eagle, Green Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Western Tanager, even Bullock’s Oriole if the timing is right. We’ll visit North Wind’s Weir, Cecil Moses Park, Duwamish Hill Preserve, Duwamish Gardens and the river path at Tukwila Community Center.

Meet at the Tukwila Community Center in front of the main entrance by 8:30 a.m. and will finish there about 12:30 p.m. We’ll walk less than a half a mile on paved trails. Bring drinks, snacks, binoculars, scopes and cameras as needed to enhance this half day outing. We’ll sharpen our spotting skills as a few of these spots have a lot of traffic noise. To sign up, email Barbara at bpbatfan@aol.com or call / text 253-389-3204 and leave a message.

Migratory Bird Festival
2023-04-13 08:00 - 2023-04-16 17:00 | Burns, Oregon, Burns, Oregon
https://www.migratorybirdfestival.com/

Basic Birding Class at Seahurst Park
2023-04-15 08:30 - 2023-04-16 10:30
Kevin O’Malley & Barbara Peterson will be teaching a birding basics class for beginners & expert birders wanting to further their knowledge about birding. Class will focus on bird language, behavior, habitats, nests & bird tracks. You will learn to talk about what birds you are seeing and hearing.Binoculars are not mandatory. Small class size of 8

More Info & Registration online at:

https://southsoundnatureschool.org/

In Search of Meadowlarks: Birds, Farms, and Food in Harmony with the Land
2023-04-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
by John Marzluff

As 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.

John 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.

Dr. 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.

Professor 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.

His 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,

This will be a hybird meeting. Come in person or join us with Zoom.

Dan Streiffert is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: In Search of Meadowlarks: Birds, Farms, and Food in Harmony with the LandTime: Apr 17, 2023 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/85745489671?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 857 4548 9671Passcode: [REDACTED] tap mobile+12532158782,,85745489671#,,,,440994# US (Tacoma) +12532050468,,85745489671#,,,,440994# US

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Nature Journaling
2023-04-23 15:00 - 16:30
TBD

Click here to Join the Zoom Workshop

Passcode: [REDACTED]

All ages and experiences are welcome. No registration is necessary.

Questions? Contact Cindy Flanagan cindy.flanagan@rainieraudubon.org

Spring Birding: Ask an Ornithologist
2023-04-26 09:00 - 10:00
Have you ever wondered why birds look different throughout the year, or how you can spot breeding behavior? Join us for an open Q&A session with renowned ornithologist Dr. Kevin McGowan. Learn the answers to your questions and gain insights into the spring migration season! Submit questions in advance when you register or live during the webinar.

Register for Spring Birding Webinar

Rainier Audubon's May Birdathon
2023-05-01 00:00 - 2023-05-31 23:59
The Month of May is Birdathon!

The goal of this year’s birdathon is to raise money to expand our Bird Nest Box Project to the newly redisigned Green River Natural Resource Area (GRNRA).

The new design losses some upland bird habitat, but increases the potential for shorebirds and other waterfowl. We hope to both add new boxes and service the existing ones, We could also raise money for a live camera for the Barn Owl nest.

Special One-day Events:

May 7 – Bird the Streiffert’s backyard from 7am – 12pm. A light brunch and coffee will be available. Asking for $10/person donation. Please send an email to dan_streiffert@hotmail.com to let us know how many are comming. Address 10102 SE 270th PL, Kent, WA 98030, 253-394-2328

May 31 – Birdathon Field Trip to Eastern Washington with Barbara Petersen – See More

IIt’s fun and easy to participate. Simply count as many bird species in one day as you can! Choose any day in May. Have family, friends, and co-workers sponsor you, then go birding! Afterwards, send your sponsors a list of the birds you saw, and they will donate X amount for each species (i.e. $1 or another amount). Or they can donate a flat fee. 100% of the proceeds support Rainier Audubon activities in south King County.

You choose how you want to participate. Stay at home and count species at your feeder, visit your favorite birding spots or create your own Birdathon experience. Do you love photography? You could share pictures of the birds with your sponsors. Or do you like a friendly competitive game? Perhaps do a fun challenge by matching their donations!

Sponsors are happy to support your efforts, and many look forward to being sponsors again. They especially enjoy your list of bird species seen.

While you can choose any day in May, we encourage you to do Saturday, May 13th., which is the Global Big Day.Why do the Birdathon?It’s fun, and Rainier Audubon needs your support! Membership dues to Rainier Audubon only covers a portion of the costs of running a successful Audubon chapter.Birdathon is our largest fundraiser. We depend on it, and you, to provide a stable funding base for our many activities and services such as: programs and speakers fees, environmental education activities, conservation committee activities, printing and mailing our newsletter, and general administrative costs. With your support, we can continue to provide these loved services and wouldn’t have to cut back any of our activities due to lack of funds!It’s simple. Collect sponsors and count bird species in your backyard or on walks. The Sponsor Sheet is included below.

Download the Sponsor Sheet

Make a Donation Now

Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival
2023-05-05 00:00 - 2023-05-07 23:59 | https://www.fws.gov/refuge/grays-harbor, 1000 Airport Way, Hoquiam,, Washington, 98550, United States
Celebrating the natural world and the spring shorebird migration!

Each spring, hundreds of thousands of shorebirds stop to rest and feed along the Washington Coast and in the Grays Harbor estuary during their migration northward. Coming from as far south as Argentina, these Arctic-bound shorebirds are among the world’s greatest migrants. Some birds travel over 15,000 miles round trip! The concentration of birds during spring migration offers people a great chance to view a number of shorebird species. With luck you will also see the birds fly together in beautiful formation “murmurations” while trying to escape a Peregrine Falcon.

www.shorebirdfestival.com

Stewardship Continuing Education Series #3‍ - Homegrown National Park with Doug Tallamy
2023-05-05 16:00 - 17:00
Don’t miss this Virtual presentation with Doug Tallamy! “Homegrown National Park”® is a grassroots call-to-action to regenerate biodiversity and ecosystem function by planting native plants and creating new ecological networks.” Its goal is to recruit anyone with land, from home gardeners to farmers, to grow new habitat by planting native plants. All are welcome to attend!

Green River College's Long Term Birding Study
2023-05-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
by Danny Najera

American Dipper

Come 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.

Danny 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.

Science Division Co-Chair with Katy Shaw.

https://www.facebook.com/GreenRiverHoneybees – See GRCC honeybees on Facebook here!

https://www.greenrivercollegefoundation.org/honeybees – Donations to our honeybee program

https://www.facebook.com/GRCBiologyClubPublic/ – Our Green River Biology Club

This will be a hybrid meeting. So come to the church in person or join us by Zoom.

Dan Streiffert is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Green River College’s Long Term Birding StudyTime: May 15, 2023 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/84408852931?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 844 0885 2931Passcode: [REDACTED] tap mobile+12532158782,,84408852931#,,,,440620# US (Tacoma) +12532050468,,84408852931#,,,,440620# US

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Rainier Audubon Society's 2nd Annual Nature Festival
2023-05-27 09:00 - 15:00 | Flaming Geyser State Park, 23700 SE Flaming Geyser Rd, Auburn, Washington, 98092, United States
No food service available. Bring your own picknic!

Also, no drinkable water is available. Bring your own water!

2023 Nature Festival Schedule of Events

9 AM Guided Bird Walk – Joe Miles, Steve Johnson

10 AMVideo – The Water Ouzel – A joint presentation by Dan Streiffert and John Muir (From “The Mountains of California Chapter 13”) https://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/writings/the_mountains_of_california/chapter_13.aspx

Guided Bird Walk – Joe Miles, Steve Johnson

11 AMGuided Bird Walk – Joe Miles, Steve Johnson

Native Plant Walk – Native Plant Society (Franja Bryant)

12 PM

Video – Native Plants for Backyard Birds by Marie West- Johnson

1 PMGuided Nature Walk – Barbara Petersen

Native Plants walk by Native Plant Society (Franja Bryant)

2 PM

Video – Flaming Geyser Denizens – Jay Galvin

Follow this page for recent updates and scheduled events,

We have been approved to use the lodge for the Festival this year.

Birdathon Field Trip to Eastern Washington
2023-05-31 00:00 - 23:59
Join Barbara Petersen for a fundraising field trip to Eastern Washington!

Raise Birdathon money for Rainier Audubon’s Nest Box Project expansion!

Gather your own Birdathon sponsors for this trip, OR sponsor Barbara by pledging 25 cents per species found on the trip (or any donation amount). All funds will be used to purchase supplies for additional nest boxes as we expand this beneficial RAS project beyond Emerald Downs, Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Clark Lake Park to other properties. We’ll bird spots on Snoqualmie Pass, in Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Vantage, Frenchman’s Coulee, and near Wanapum Dam. With a goal of 75 species, we’ll look for Mountain and Western Bluebird, Mountain Chickadee, Say’s Phoebe, White-throated Swift, Pygmy and White-breasted Nuthatch, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and some lovely scenery.

Meet at 7:00AM at South Renton Park & Ride, 205 S 7th St, just north of Grady Way and Renton Village Shopping Center, to form carpools. Bring binoculars, scopes, cameras, layered clothing for varying weather conditions, lunch, snacks, beverages, sunscreen. We’ll likely stop for dinner on the way back, return to P&R as late as 8 or 9:00 PM.

Email Barbara at bpbatfan@aol.com or voice message/text 253 389 3204 to sign up for this special Birdathon Field Trip!

Green Valley in Early Summer
2023-06-10 08:00 - 13:00 | Auburn Safeway, 101 Auburn Way S,, Auburn, 98002
Leader: Steve Johnson

In June, the migrant birds should be singing on their territory near Auburn and in the beautiful Green Valley east of Auburn. We’ll visit Academy Drive, Green Valley Road, and Flaming Geyser State Park. We may see and hear warblers, thrushes, vireos, Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Virginia Rail, flycatchers, and more. We may walk up to 2 miles on trails and roads.

People who bring their own cars, and want to leave early may do so.

Bring: Lunch, snacks, drinks, hiking shoes. Scopes welcome.

Meet: Auburn Safeway at Auburn Ave & Main at 8:00 AM.

Directions: Take Hwy 18 to Auburn, and exit at Auburn Ave (hwy 164). Turn north exit at Auburn Ave (hwy 164). Turn north (right) on Auburn Way and drive 3 blocks north. Safeway sign and gas station is on the left. Park in the lot just beyond the gas station straight out from the right entry door at Safeway at 8:00 am.

Sign-up: Call or email Steve Johnson,

253- 941-9852. johnsonsj5@msn.com

Native Plants as Bird Feeders - the Relationship of Birds, Bugs and Trees
2023-07-02 11:00 - 11:30 | Les Gove Park, 1140 Auburn Way S., Auburn, Washington, 98002, United States

Friends of Soos Creek Park Volunteer Opportunity
2023-07-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Gary Grant Park, 13600 SE 208th St, Kent, Washington
Soos Creek Park Habitat Enhancement

9 AM to Noon

Meet along the Soos Creek Trail; 1/4 mile south of the Gary Grant parking lot (13600 SE 208th Street, Kent)

Please sign up in advance. Here’s the link . https://x.gldn.io/e/GYZw8zkClBb

Wear work clothes and bring your work gloves.

Questions? Contact Lina Rose lina.rose@kingcounty.gov T: 206-477-6101 | M: 206-491-5014

FYI: Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is no longer required to participate in King County Parks Volunteer Events. In consultation with Public Health – Seattle & King County and other regional leaders, Executive Dow Constantine ended the Emergency Proclamation and lifted the vaccine mandate for employees and volunteers.

We want to continue keeping our community safe. Feeling sick? Please stay home. Please do not attend if anyone in your household is suspected of having or has tested positive for COVID-19.

Masks are optional and welcome.

Joe Miles

Friends of Soos Creek Park

friendsofsooscreekpark@q.com

Check us out on Facebook !!!

SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve's Frog Frolic
2023-09-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve, 21656 184th Ave SE, Renton, Washington, 98058, United States
This year we are delighted to be bringing Frog Frolic back to life after a long hiatus due to Covid-19. This signature event celebrates community and habitat conservation and will be held on Saturday, September 16th, from 1 – 4 pm.

We will be hosting this year’s Frog Frolic on a much smaller scale than in years past, but we will have some traditional Frog Frolic activities for visitors to enjoy. This year the Frog Frolic will include a bog tours, conservation partner booths educating on how to make your home a habitat for wildlife, stories told by King County Librarians, children’s games, science activities, and crafts to help get everyone into the spirit of frolicking!

A small silent auction sparks friendly rivalry over treasured local experiences and gift baskets. There will be a beer garden, a food truck, and non-alcoholic beverages for youth and those who are driving or who do not imbibe.

Malheur NWR - 2023
2023-09-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
by Dan Streiffert

Includes photos from the Migratory Bird Festival in April, a couple of weeks in June, and an evening with the Great Horned Owlets at Headquarters.

Fall Color and Fall Birds
2023-10-07 08:00 - 13:00 | Redondo Heights Park and Ride, 27454 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, Washington, 98003, United States
Leader: Steve Johnson

American Goldfinch

Visit picturesque parks and beaches in King County and Pierce County during a great time of year to look for returning fall birds.

We will travel to local parks and beaches along Puget Sound, searching for many species of sea birds and forest birds. This is a good time of year to encounter scenic views and fall color. Expect to walk short distances from the cars. People who wish to leave early may do so.

Bring: Lunch, beverages, and warm clothes. A scope is very welcome.

Meet: 8:00AM at the Redondo Heights Park and Ride, 27454 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003

Bird Photography in the Land of The Morning Calm
2023-10-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
By Dave Cowell

Dusky Thrush

Birding, 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.

As 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.

Photography 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.

White-naped Cranes

Fort Steilacoom weekly field trip with TAS (Dates to be determined)
2023-11-01 09:00 - 17:00
Dates to be determined

Friends of Soos Creek Tree Planting
2023-11-11 09:00 - 12:00
Meet along Soos Creek Trail, 1/4 mile south of Gary Grant Parking Lot (13600 SE 208th St, Kent, WA. Everyone’s Welcome.

Here’s the linkto sign up in advance… Or just sign up at the event.

Wear work clothes and bring your work gloves.

Questions? Contact Nick Musso(425) 414-1717 nmusso@kingcounty.gov

Joe MilesFriends of Soos Creek Parkfriendsofsooscreekpark@q.com

Check us out on Facebook !!!

Clark Lake Park- Half Day bird walk with Barbara Petersen and Heather Gibson
2023-11-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Clark Lake Park, 12520 SE 240th Street, Kent, Washington, 98031, United States
Join Barbara and Heather’s for a late fall exploration of Clark Lake Park. The park offers a variety of habitat types and bird species. Follow trails to the lake and through forest, wetland, meadow and even an old orchard.

We’ll walk one to two miles at a leisurely pace searching for waterfowl, raptors and other species wintering here. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras, warm layers, water and snacks.

Who are You Calling a Bird Brain?
2023-11-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
By Kim Adelson

For 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.

Kim 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.

Wildlife Rehabilitation and Falconry in Washington
2023-12-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
by Jen Mannas

Jen 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.

Jen 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.

She 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.

Christmas Bird Count
2023-12-30 08:00 - 16:00 | United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave.South, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
Join us for out Christmas Bird Count!

What is the Christmas Bird Count?

The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is an annual survey that began in the early 1900s.

History of the Christmas Bird Count | Audubon

2023 Christmas Bird Count Saturday, December 30, 2023

The Rainier Audubon CBC will be running as normal. Field leaders will be taking teams out in the field. We will also have the Backyard Bird Count for those in the count circle who want to bird at home. And we will be doing an in person potluck and tally celebration. Regarding Covid-19, we will be following the State, King County and National Audubon mandates.

Register to be on a survey team.

Email Jay Galvin jay.galvin@rainieraudubon.org

Or

Sign up at our in-person Monthly Presentation Nights (November 210 at the Federal Way United Methodist Church (see below for address).

Download RAS CBC Checklist

Participate in our CBC Backyard Bird Watch

Join the CBC by counting birds on your own in your yard. You can choose what time of day you would like to do your survey—morning, afternoon or even nighttime.

Download RAS Backyard Bird Checklist

Download RAS Winter Birds

How to participate in the CBC Yard Survey

If you live in the Rainier Audubon CBC Circle, you can count birds at home for the CBC. Your data will be submitted to National Audubon.

If you live outside of the Rainier Audubon CBC Circle, you can still do a survey and we will add your information to our Rainier Audubon CBC files. The data will not be submitted to National Audubon because your survey location is outside of the count circle.

Rainier Audubon CBC Circle Map

Join us for our celebration at 5:00 PM at the United Methodist Church (see below).

Join us in person at the CBC Dinner and Tally Celebration Saturday, Dec. 30 at 5PM. Our fabulous CBC Count Dinner team will provide the meal.

Where: Federal Way United Methodist Church (see below)

How the count data is used

We send our data to National Audubon. Hundreds of Audubon chapters nationwide is compiled. The data is used by scientists and researchers to better understand bird distribution and population trends. This information helps to identify conservation priorities. We also use our CBC data for local conservation projects.

Lake Fenwick/Old Fishing Hole
2024-01-13 09:00 - 12:00
Please join us for a slow-paced walk around Lake Fenwick in west Kent to observe wintering waterfowl and woodland birds. We’ll meet (rain or shine) in the middle parking lot on Lake Fenwick Rd at 9:00AM. That’s the second parking lot you’ll encounter from either direction. Come outside with us for this opportunity to use birding skills, and maybe add new skills, as we identify species on the water and in the trees and shrubs by sight and by sound. The more eyes and ears the better as we collaborate to find out who lives here during late fall and winter.If time allows, we’ll move on to Kent’s Old Fishing Hole a short drive away, also an easy walk on the trail around the pond. A variety of waterfowl, passerines, and occasional wetland birds use this location. Let’s see what species we find foraging in the fishing hole and surrounding habitat in late fall. We’ll wrap up around noon. Several layers of clothing are suggested in order to adjust to the weather, and snacks or hot beverages as needed.To sign up email Barbara Petersen at bpbatfan@aol.com, leave a voice message at 253 389 3204, or just join us that morning. All are welcome.
