Swift Night Out – Vaux’s Swifts in Selleck, WA
2025-09-12 18:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Backup Date: Friday, September 19 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pmLeaders: Dolly Owen, Ken SchroederJoin 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 May, thousands of migrating Vaux’s Swifts stop off for a well-deserved rest on their long journey to northern Canada. While the number of Swift’s returning to this site is weather dependent, and can vary from day-to-day, we expect to see hundreds or even thousands of birds after sunset. We meet in Covington and carpool to Selleck to minimize our impact on this small community. Participants can also meet in Selleck. In case of rain, we will reschedule the outing to the following week. See the links below for more details.Meet:6:00 pm at Fred Meyer’s North Parking Lot, Covington, 16735 SE 272nd St, Covington, WA 98042Directions: We will meet in the north parking lot of Fred Meyers’s in Covington. This is the same shopping center for the Covington Costco. From HWY 18 take the WA-516/SE 272nd ST exit toward Covington. This street is also called Kent-Kangley Road. Just east of the bridge there is a Wendy’s on the right. Either turn right at Wendy’s or at the next stoplight at 168 th PL SE. Find us close to the restaurant parking lot, near Fred Meyer’s.Bring: Snacks, drinks, lawn chair, and a warm jacket. 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 253-939-7470More Information:https://rainieraudubon.org/advocacy/couting-vauxs-swifts-at-the-selleck-schoolhouse/https://www.vauxhappening.org/

Selleck Schoolhouse Chimney

Rainier Audubon Nature Festival 2025
2025-06-07 09:00 - 16:00 | Flaming Geyser State Park, 23700 SE Flaming Geyser Rd, Auburn, Washington, 98092, United States
Join us for the 2025 Rainier Audubon Nature Festival at Flaming Geyser State Park.

This wonderful state park is only 15 minutes east of downtown Auburn, on Green Valley Road. The event is Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.Our feature presentation is a live bird show. “The Falconer” will present several raptors, including a hawk, falcon, owl, vulture, and an eagle. Other activities include presentations on native plants, mushrooms, bats, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife conservation, gardening, astronomy, geology, and local birds.The kids can paint birdhouses at the crafts station while you parents enjoy the exhibits. Bird lovers of all ages can learn how to attract our avian friends using nest boxes and feeders, and bird identification, and native plant walks will be held throughout the day. Amateur astronomers will have telescopes available to safely view sunspots outside the park lodge.Bring the family and your binoculars along for a day of “Birding and Learning.” This is a FREE ENTRY day at Flaming Geyser State Park. No Discover Pass is required.

No food or potable water is available at the park!

All presentations and activities start at the park Lodge.

Indoor PresentationsTimeGeology of FGSP10:00 – 10:15“The Falconer” : Live Birds11:00 – 12:45Astronomy: “The Sun”1:00 – 1:30Astronomy: “Dark Skies”1:30 – 2:00The American Kestrel2:00 – 2:30Nature ExhibitsAll dayOutdoor ActivitiesTimeBird Identification Walk9:00 – 10:00Geology of FGSP Walk10:15 – 11:00Bird Walk1:00 – 2:00Native Plant Walk2:00 – 3:00Kestrel Nest Hole Walk2:30 – 3:30Solar Telescope ViewingAll Day

Flaming Geyser State Park

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

Photos and videos of the parkhttps://flic.kr/s/aHsmHGT2XD

Washington Ornithological Society/Western Field Ornithologists ANNUAL CONFERENCE
2025-06-05 00:00 - 2025-06-08 23:59 | Yakima Convention & Event Center Yakima, WA
Yakima Convention & Event CenterYakima, WA

https://wos.org/annual-conference/current-year/REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Western Field Ornithologists (WFO) and Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) areteaming up for the 2025 Annual Conference.

Nestled between the majestic Cascade Mountains and the serene Columbia River, Yakima Valley offers an unparalleled diversity of habitats perfect for birding enthusiasts. From alpine tundra and evergreenforests to desert canyons, grasslands, and riparian woodlands, this region is a haven for avian species and their admirers. Whether you are drawn to the open pine forest or marsh wetlands, Yakima andits neighboring counties provide ideal conditions for seeing a wide range of birdlife in action.

The 2025 program will combine the best of both organizations including:

* Stump the Experts: Bird Quiz Night with Dennis Paulson and Shep Thorp* Sound Identification Team Challenge with Nathan Pieplow* Educational workshops and presentations of original scientific research* Full-day and half-day birding field trips will cover a diverse range of habitats from the wetlands and shrub-steppe of lower elevations to the open forests on the eastern slopes of the Cascades* Over 190 species of breeding birds and migrants are possible through various trips* Woodpeckers are a particular highlight, with 11 of 12 of breeding woodpeckers possible in Washington on field trips* Yakima and Kittitas Counties have a high diversity of owls; up to nine owl species could be possible on various field trips

REGISTRATION IS OPEN AND YOU CAN SECURE YOUR HOTEL ROOMS TODAY! VISIT THE WOS CONFERENCE HOTEL INFORMATION PAGE FOR HOTEL RATES AND RESERVATION INFORMATION.

https://wos.org/annual-conference/current-year/

Eastside of Cascades Birding Field Class - Rare Birds Unique Landscape
2025-06-03 00:00 - 2025-06-05 23:59

Green Valley in Early Summer
2025-05-31 08:00 - 13:00
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,

johnsonsj5@msn.com 253-941-9852

Join Our Yakima River Canyon Birdwatching Trip - Note Date Changed
2025-05-29 06:00 - 18:00 | Federal Way Hobby Lobby, 35020 Enchanted Pkwy S, Federal Way, Washington, 98003, United States
Join Roger Orness for an all day trip to the Yakima River Canyon. We will focus on birdsof prey.Meet at 6:00AM at Federal Way Hobby Lobby, next to Costco, to form carpools.https://maps.app.goo.gl/kKmaqGmKnm2GWCrj9Bring binoculars, scopes, and cameras. Dress for the weather and bring lunch, snacks,drinks, and sunscreen. We will plan to return by 6:00 PM.Email Roger at r.orness41@gmail.com or call 253-312-6561 to sign up for this special FieldTrip!

Insights on the Endangered Species Act
2025-05-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
By Dr. Todd Wildermuth

The 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.

Todd 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.

Nature Journaling Zoom Meeting
2025-05-18 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-03-23 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-26 15:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-15 15:00 - 17:00
Our Zoom link is the same link each month.https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81031877091?pwd=[REDACTED]

In-person Nature Journaling Outing - Flaming Geyser State Park
2025-05-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Flaming Geyser State Park, 23700 SE Flaming Geyser Rd, Auburn, Washington, 98092, 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

Join the Birdathon Fundraiser Trip to Eastern Washington
2025-05-10 07:00 - 21:00 | South Renton Park & Ride,, 205 S 7th ST, Renton, Washington, 98057, United States
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, MountainChickadee, 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!

Swift Night Out – Vaux’s Swifts in Selleck, WA
2025-05-09 19:00 - 21:30
Backup Date: Friday, May 16 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pmLeaders: Dolly Owen, Ken SchroederJoin 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 May, thousands of migrating Vaux’s Swifts stop off for a well-deserved rest on their long journey to northern Canada. While the number of Swift’s returning to this site is weather dependent, and can vary from day-to-day, we expect to see hundreds or even thousands of birds after sunset. We meet in Covington and will carpool to Selleck to minimize our impact on this small community. In case of rain, we will reschedule the outing to the following week. See the links below for more details.Meet: Fred Meyer’s North Parking Lot, Covington16735 SE 272nd St, Covington, WA 98042Directions: We meet in the north parking lot of Fred Meyers’s in Covington. This is the same shopping center for the Covington Costco. From HWY 18 take the WA-516/SE 272nd ST exit toward Covington. This street is also called Kent-Kangley Road. Just east of the bridge there is a Wendy’s on the right. Either turn right at Wendy’s or at the next stoplight at 168 th PL SE. Find us close to the restaurant parking lot, near Fred Meyer’s.Bring: Snacks, drinks, a lawn chair, and a warm jacket. Binoculars are optional.Access: Easy access with no walking required. Bring your lawn chair for comfortable viewing.Sign-up: Call or email Ken Schroeder to sign-up or for more information.kenschroeder@msn.com 253-939-7470More Information:https://rainieraudubon.org/advocacy/couting-vauxs-swifts-at-the-selleck-schoolhouse/https://www.vauxhappening.org/

Nature Journaling Zoom Meeting
2025-04-27 15:00 - 17:00
Cancelled

Bass Lake Complex Bird Walk
2025-04-26 09:00 - 13:00
Saturday, April 26 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (Primary Date)Saturday, May 1@9:00am – 1:00 pm (Backup Bad Weather Date)Leaders: Ken Schroeder and Dolly Owen

Join leaders Ken Schroeder, and Dolly Owen for a half-day exploration of the Bass Lake Complex Natural Area. We do a one-way walk to explore three different lakes in this lowland basin along a well-maintained trail, for a total of 1.8 miles. There are only a few gentle uphill sections. We go slowly for birding and nature study. With luck we will observe birds, spring flowers and possibly a glimpse of the Mt. Rainier Elk herd. Our walk ends at the mysterious “Sinkhole Lake” with a well-deserved reputation of being bottomless.

The Bass Lake Complex is a ten-minute drive from Flaming Geyser State Park.

Sinkhole LakeWe meet at Sinkhole Lake with four cars at 9:00 am. Two cars are parked here while the other two cars shuttle eight birders to our starting location at Bass Lake. At the conclusion of the hike, we shuttle back to the starting point and go our separate ways. Stopping for lunch at the nearby, and world famous, “Black Diamond Bakery” is optional.We must have a total of four cars that each seat four to shuttle between the starting and ending points. This bird hike is capped at six participants, plus two leaders for a total of eight. We remain together for the entire outing. Bring hiking boots, a water bottle, a few snacks, rain gear, binoculars, an optional hiking pole, and your sense of adventure. If the weather is bad, we will postpone to the following weekend.To sign up, email Ken Schroeder at kenschroeder@msn.com. No need to worry if this outing fills quickly. We can schedule another one in May if you don’t win the lottery this time. Ken is also at 253-939-7470.

In-person Nature Journaling Outing - Auburn Westhill Watershed Forest
2025-04-26 09:00 - 11:00
CANCELLED

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

Meet Bella and Darwin: Parrots in Conservation Education
2025-04-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SW, Auburn, 98001, 98001, United States
by Zachary Szablewski

Click on photos for larger view.

Yellow naped Parrot

Wild 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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]

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
