RAINIER AUDUBON SOCIETY

Green Valley in Early Summer
2024-06-02 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
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

Rainier Audubon Nature Festival 2024
2024-06-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Flaming Geyser State Park, 23700 SE Flaming Geyser Rd, Auburn, Washington, 98092, United States
Free Pass Day at Flaming Geyser!

Birding and nature walks.

Best Trails in Flaming Geyser State Parkhttps://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/washington/flaming-geyser-state-park

More information coming soon.

East of Cascades Birding Field Class
2024-06-11 00:00 - 2024-06-13 23:59
Rare Birds Unique Landscape

Exploring the foothills near North Bend
2024-06-18 08:00 - 16:00
With Roger Orness

Join popular leader and avid birder Roger Orness on a trip exploring the foothills near North Bend. Target species will be Peregrine Falcons, but there are sure to be many other species to enjoy.

Trip limited to 11 People

Sign up with Roger at 253-312-6561

Swift Night Out – Vaux’s Swifts in Selleck, WA
2024-09-06 19:00 - 21:30
Leaders: Dolly Owen, Ken Schroeder

Join us for a “Swift Night Out” in the small town of Selleck, WA to see the amazing Vaux’s Swifts return for the evening to their brick-chimney, communal roost site. Each September, thousands of migrating Vaux’s Swifts stop off for a well-deserved rest on their long journey south from Canada. While the number of Swift’s returning to this site is weather dependent, we can expect to see many hundreds or even thousands of birds after sunset.

We will meet in Selleck in front of the abandoned schoolhouse building. This is at the intersection of SE 252nd Street, and 357th Ave SE. The Google Maps link below is close to the schoolhouse.

Meet: Selleck, WA Schoolhouse

35538 SE 252nd St, Ravensdale, WA 98051

Google Maps Link

Bring: Snacks, drinks, and a lawn chair. Binoculars are optional.

Access: Easy access with no walking required. Bring along your lawn chair for comfortable viewing.

Sign-up: Call or email Ken Schroeder to sign-up or for more information.

kenschroeder@msn.com 253-939-7470

More Information:

Counting Vaux’s Swifts at the Selleck Schoolhouse

https://www.vauxhappening.org/

Getting off of the beaten path
2024-09-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SW, Auburn, 98001, 98001, United States
By Dave Cowell

Red-eyed Vireo

Have 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.

In 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

Fall Birds, Fall Color with Steve Johson
2024-10-12 08:00 - 12:00
Sign up early for this popular annual trip with Steve. 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, warm clothes and your Discover Pass. A scope is very welcome.

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

https://goo.gl/maps/BxnYcdDhbSivzyUS7

Sign-up: Call or email Steve Johnson, 253- 941-9852. johnsonsj5@msn.com

In-person Nature Journaling Outing - Cedar River Salmon
2024-10-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Renton Public Library, 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, Washington, 98057, United States
These outings are informal gatherings. We will gather in an area and people can explore together or individually. The last 30 minutes of our session, we will come together and share our experiences. Minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by an adult.

What to bring: Whatever you want to use to record information:

a pencil/pen, some paper and a clipboard or a journal,

color such as watercolor or colored pencils (optional)

something to sit on if you need, like a thermal foam pad or a portable seat (optional)

To register for in-person outings, please email Cindy atcindy.flanagan.nature.studio@gmail.com

Nature Journaling Zoom Meeting
2024-10-20 15:00 - 17:00, 2024-11-17 15:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-15 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-26 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-03-23 15:00 - 17:00
Our Zoom link is the same link each month.https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81031877091?pwd=[REDACTED]

The Northern Hawk Owl Project – Insights into the Movements of an Enigmatic Species of Owl
2024-10-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SW, Auburn, 98001, 98001, United States
By Hannah Toutonghi

Northern 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!

Hannah 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.

Clark Lake Park - Half Day bird walk with Barbara Petersen
2024-10-27 09:00 - 12:00
Join Barbara Petersen’s bird walk for a 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 or two miles at a leisurely place searching for waterfowl, raptors and autumn passerines. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras, warm layers, water and snacks.

Meet: Join us at Clark Lake Park at 12520 SE 240th St. in Kent at 9:00 AM

Clark Lake Park · 12520 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98031

In-person Nature Journaling Outing - Saltwater State Park
2024-11-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Saltwater State Park, 25205 8th Pl S,, Des Moines, Washington, 98198, United States
We will explore the brackish waters of McSorley Creek and Puget Sound and look for winter migrants these waters attract including the Harlequin Ducks and more.What to bring:JournalPencil/PenAnything you want to use to add color (optional)BinocularsThere are picnic tables to sit on but you might want a blanket or thermal foam to sit on.To register, email Cindy Flanagan cindy.flanagan.nature.studio@gmail.com

What is a Raptor Anyway?
2024-11-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SW, Auburn, 98001, 98001, United States
By Thomas Bancroft

Birders 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.

We 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.

After Thanksgiving birding trip
2024-11-29 08:00 - 14:00 | Redondo Heights Park and Ride, 27454 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, Washington, 98003, United States
Leader: Steve JohnsonWe’ll visit hotspots from Lake Fenwick to Brown’s Point, checking parks and beaches in King County and Pierce County for birds of the sea and forest. Expect to walk short distances from the cars. People who wish to leave early may do so.

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

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

Sign-up: Call or email Steve Johnson, 253- 941-9852. johnsonsj5@msn.com

Conservation in Human-Dominated Landscapes
2024-12-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SW, Auburn, 98001, 98001, United States
By Peter Hodum

As 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.

Dr. 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.

Christmas Bird Count 2024
2024-12-29 00:00 - 23:59
While the month of November may spell Thanksgiving and pumpkin pie to some, it is also the month to plan ahead for the annual Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) taking place throughout all of North America and beyond. We have scheduled Rainier’s CBC for Sunday, December 29th, 2024. Mark your calendars!The origin of Christmas Bird Counts dates back to the year 1900, when Frank Chapman, an ornithologist with the Museum of Natural History in New York City, challenged people to count birds rather than shoot them as was the custom at that time. Today there are more than 2100 active CBC circles across the US, Canada and several Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Rainier Audubon, active in the CBC since becoming a National Audubon chapter in 1980, fielded six birders and counted 73 species on its first official count, known as the Kent-Auburn CBC. This annual survey of birds and their wintering habitats continues to increase the understanding of population trends, and our awareness of habitat change and its impact on birds everywhere.

While this longtime citizen science project is of great value to science, an important part of a CBC is for participants to have fun on this special day! Everyone is invited to participate, and everyone is welcome, whether a new birder of an experienced one. Three ways to help: 1) We have terrific leaders for field teams birding each of the eight areas within the 15-mile diameter Kent-Auburn count circle, so come on out and join a team. Wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring a lunch and snacks. 2) If you live within the Rainier count circle, count birds at home doing a feeder watch. We have forms for recording your sightings which can be sent to our compiler. 3) Another way to participate is to join the count dinner team! These generous folks plan, set up for and prepare a warm meal at the church where our monthly programs take place. All CBC participants are welcome at the dinner at 4PM, where we warm up with hot food, review a tally of bird species seen, and enjoy stories of the day from the field teams.

Sign up today for the 125th Christmas Bird Count! For further information or to sign up, contact Barbara Petersen, 253 389 3204, or bpbatfan@aol.com.

Skagit Valley field trip
2025-01-11 07:30 - 17:00
Join Rainier Audubon for a trip north to visit the Skagit Valley. Species we expect to see include Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Snow Geese, Trumpeter Swans, American Wigeon, possibly American Kestrel and shore birds. This trip would for suitable for those with differing abilities, since a lot of the birding can be done from the car.

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

Meet: January 11, 2025 at 7:30 AM at the Kent Station, near Panera Bread. Park in the lot or nearby parking garage.

521 2nd Pl N Suite 101, Kent, WA 98032

https://goo.gl/maps/ATtKwd8aNCzx946T8

Contact: Call Heather Gibson at 206-226-2050 or email at hedder_swedder@yahoo.com to be included.

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - 2024
2025-01-20 19:00 - 20:00
By Dan Streiffert

In 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.

April 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.

Despite all the dry weather, Malheur always provides entertainment especially when you least expect it.

Sandhill Cranes & Winter Birds Field Class
2025-02-01 09:00 - 2025-02-02 13:00
(two different classes 9:00 – 1:00 but you can sign up for both)

SOUTH SOUND NATURE SCHOOL

Ridgefield NWR Field Trip

Trip Open for Registration!https://southsoundnatureschool.org/ridgefield-nwr

Pack your winter hat and a warm drink!

The Ridgefield Field Class will meet near the refuge on Saturday morning. Experiencing birds in different habitat is an important tool to being a better birder. At Ridgefield we will see a variety of habitats. The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) consists of approximately 5300 acres – a lush mixture of wetlands, grasslands, riparian corridors, and forests. This variety of habitats, combined with a mild and rainy winter climate, make for an ideal environment for bird species including song birds, raptors, wintering waterfowl, and other local species. Please dress warm during the day we will get out of our cars and walk on easy trails to experience birds in their habitat.

The cost will be $55 per person and will include 4 hour (Richfield) or 4 hour birding explorations on our Skagit Valley Raptors Filed Class. We will take a total of 8 participants. Refunds will be given as credit unless I can fill the spot, most people just donate the funds. Teenage children (and those 10 years and up that are really into Birding) can attend with an adult.

Burien Bird Festival
2025-02-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave., Burien, Washington, 98166, United States
““This free festival is a great experience for all bird lovers from beginning to seasoned bird watchers.”

Nature Journaling Zoom Meeting
2025-02-16 15:00 - 17:00
By Cindy Flanagan

Cold winter walks are anything but dormant. Take pause at any shrub or deciduous tree that has shed its leaves and indulge in its fabulous twiggery. Yes, twigs. They hold wonderful clues that help you in identification. We in the Pacific Northwest are fortunate to have a diverse range of deciduous trees from towering giants like the Big Leaf Maple to small understory shrubs like the Vine Maple. Knowing just 7 key features of twigs can make your winter walk really fun and open up a whole world of curiosity for you. Here are a few twigs our Rainier Audubon Nature Journaling group explored during our online session in January.

Not only can you spend your chilly time oohing and ahhing about twigs. There is more excitement coming our way. Twig rituals in nest making are almost upon us. The Great Blue Herons (GBH) are getting ready to use their fine architecture and carpentry skills to build their condos of nests. Watching GBH nest building is easy to observe from a distance. How does the GBH choose its twigs? How big or small are they and does that depend on the stage of nest building? Do only the males bring sticks? What species of wood works best? These are some of the questions our Rainier Audubon Nature Journalers group has been exploring. In February, we will continue to explore herons and their nesting behaviors, especially nestmaking. Come join in. All you need is a pencil and some paper. Let’s dive into these nests!

Our Zoom link is the same link each month.https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81031877091?pwd=[REDACTED]

Collaborative Management of Heron Colonies
2025-02-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SW, Auburn, 98001, 98001, United States
by Chris Anderson

Chris 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.

Chris 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!

Winter Birdwatching Walk at Lake Fenwick and The Old Fishing Hole
2025-02-22 09:00 - 12:00
Leader: Barbara Petersen

Please join us for a slow-paced walk around Lake Fenwick to watch wintering waterfowl and woodland birds. We’ll meet (rain or shine) in the middle parking lot on Lake Fenwick Rd at 9:00 AM. That’s the second parking lot you’ll find 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, which is a short drive away. It is also an easy walk on the trail around the pond. A variety of waterfowls, 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 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.

Bird Photography Tips for Beginners
2025-03-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SW, Auburn, 98001, 98001, United States
by Dave Cowell

There 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.

In 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.

Duwamish Waterway
2025-03-29 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. 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 Winds Weir, Cecil Moses Park, and Duwamish Hill Preserve. We will also explore 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 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.

Basic Birding Class Ellensburg
2025-04-19 08:30 - 11:00
