RAINIER AUDUBON SOCIETY

Black River Riparian Forest Field Trip
2023-03-19 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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

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 !!!

Hawks & Raptors Field Class
2023-03-04 09:00 - 2023-03-05 14:00
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.

Black River Riparian Forest Field Trip
2023-02-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Black River Riparian Forest, 600 Oakesdale Ave. SW, Renton, Washington, 98057, United States
by /Suzanne Knrom

2/23/2023 Update:

Hi all,

The weather looks good for Friday’s field trip so we are definitely on for that date. With a predicted high of 39 degrees, it’ll be cold so layers and sturdy shoes are highly recommended to stay warm. Bring binoculars if you have them.

You’re in for a real treat — especially if the herons are there. Our Pacific herons (aka Fannini) are a unique subspecies, with most living in the Salish Sea and British Columbia’s Fraser Valley regions. Unlike most great blue heron subspecies, Pacific herons don’t migrate. Habitat loss/development and bald eagle predation have profoundly affected their population over the past 30 years.

Where we’re meeting and other details are in my 2/16 email below. We’re looking forward to seeing you Friday!

Suzanne

2/16/2023

Nesting has begun at Renton’s Black River Riparian Forest. I visited this past weekend and we saw about 30 herons. Some were even standing in nests and one was pointing his/her beak skyward to let the others know that they were looking for a mate.

Just before sunset, the herons in the main nesting area rose up and moved to two trees along the edge of the pond for the night. It was an absolutely stellar day.

We were there for an hour, starting at 4:14 (sunset was at 5:30).

We counted a total of 18 nests from last year’s season (2022): 15 nests are in the eastern section of the forest across the pond (the “Protected Forest”), and 3 nests are in western section of the forest. All were toward the middle of the dense mix of cottonwoods and alders so will be obscured by foliage once the trees leaf out late next month.

The number of herons there now is the same as we saw last year. I find the consistency really interesting, as it could indicate that these specific herons are committed to Black River for nesting. Twenty years ago, with 135 active nests, Black River had quickly grown to become the fifth largest great blue heron colony in the state. But adjacent development depleted the richness of the habitat, and a pair of bald eagles relentlessly raided the nests for several years in a row (we named the pair Bonnie and Clyde). I can’t help but wonder if some of these birds are offspring of those herons from the halcyon days of the late 1990’s – early 2000’s.

We’d love for you to join us on our field trip. We’ll spend time watching the herons, who are probably well into the early activities of the nesting season. This is an ideal time to visit, as the cottonwoods will not leaf out until late March. Once that happens, it will be much harder to see the herons and their nests.

We’ll also be touring the north side — another rich wetland habitat but very different from the Protected Forest. You can join us for the full tour or just focus on the herons, which will be our first part of the tour.

The condition of the vegetated trail is good. You’ll want to wear sturdy shoes, ideally weatherproof. If it’s been especially rainy, there’ll probably be a few muddy spots.

Details —

Date/time: Friday, February 24, 3:00 – 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 3pm is near the Northwest Kidney Center.

Three of us from Herons Forever will be leading the field trip. I established the nonprofit in 1989. In the 1990s I was very fortunate to cross paths with Dr. Kate Stenberg (through King County at the time) and Patricia Thompson of WDFW (recently retired). Their expertise, along with Rainier Audubon and Seattle Audubon, helped save this very special place from more profound impacts of development.

Important note: 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.

We would love for you to join us on February 24th. You’re welcome to bring others who would enjoy this. Kindly rsvp.

Suzanne Krom, PresidentHerons Forever

Better Birding Series: We will be exploring Audubon’s Bird Migration Explorer and BirdCast.
2023-02-21 19:00 - 20:30
About BirdCast

Cindy Flanagan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Better Birding: Tracking Migration using BirdCast and Audubon Bird Migration ExplorerTime: Feb 21, 2023 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/85784469800?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 857 8446 9800Passcode: [REDACTED] tap mobile+12532050468,,85784469800#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US+12532158782,,85784469800#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location +1 253 205 0468 US +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +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) +1 719 359 4580 US +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: 857 8446 9800Passcode: [REDACTED] your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kcSPe8dC7L

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in June
2023-02-20 19:00 - 20:00 | United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave.South, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
by Dan Streiffert

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

I 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.

I 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.

This will be a hybrid meeting. Join us by Zoom or come to the church.

For more about Malheur Refuge, watch this!

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge: Past, Present and Future

Video Note

This 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.

Videos from Malheur In June 20, 2023 Presentation

Dan Streiffert is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Malheur in JuneTime: Feb 20, 2023 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

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Dial 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: [REDACTED] your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdqZnZFMaL

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Burien Bird Fest
2023-02-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave., Burien, Washington, 98166, United States
Bird Walks: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM.

Presentations: Our 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM presentations will also be live streamed with registration on our website.

11:00 AM: Feathers & Friends (Family Nature Hike) with Tiny Trees Preschool

12:00 PM: Owls in Seattle with Ed Dominguez from Seward Park Audubon Center

1:00 PM: Bird Watching & Home Habitats with Kelsey Hansen from WDFW’s Habitat at Home and Watchable Wildlife program

There will be crafts and hands-on activities outside the building all day as well as a door raffle with prizes donated by Wild Birds Unlimited in Burien.

Please find our 2023 flyer attached to this email as both a PDF and JPG for you to share with your community! Spread the info far and wide! All are welcome! We do currently have advanced registration for our bird walks and presentations open on our website at: https://envsciencecenter.org/bird-fest/ . Half of the spots are open for advanced registration and the other half will be open to day of participants.

The 26th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count
2023-02-17 00:00 - 2023-02-20 23:59
TheCornellLab

Spend time in your favorite places watching birds–then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit them to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world.

Project Goal

Each February, for four days, the world comes together for the love of birds. Over these four days we invite people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many birds as they can find and reporting them to us. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.

What’s Changed?

In 2020 we designed a new website to help make your 4-day count easy, clear, and inspiring! In an effort to spread the love of birdwatching even further, we’ve moved away from using the Charley Harper image (pictured below). Instead, we use pictures of birds and people from around the world participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count. No matter what corner of the world you live in or visit, we want to share in your joy of birdwatching.

How to Participate

Winter Wings Festival
2023-02-17 00:00 - 2023-02-20 23:59 | Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls, Oregon., 3201 Campus Drive, Klamath Falls, Oregon, 97601, United States
The Winter Wings brings together birders and photographers to learn and explore with top notch professionals and enthusiastic local guides. The Klamath Basin is renowned for its massive wintering population of Bald Eagles, but is prime habitat for many other raptors including owls, as well as a diversity of waterfowl.

What’s New for 2023?★ Festival runs Friday through Monday (instead of Thursday through Sunday)★ Free Friday afternoon presentations with updates on the Klamath Basin and stakeholder initiatives★ Lots of new programs and presenters including new keynoters, pro photographers, and raptor workshops★ Vendors (Friday afternoon through Saturday) include new optics and camera vendors plus many of your favorite local vendors★ Free children’s activities again on Saturday★ Our first ever Sunday night reception gives you the chance to mingle with new birding and photography friends!★ New photo contest prizes

The 2023 Festival will feature singer/songwriter and raptor specialist Jen Hajj and award-winning photographer Ray Hennessy.

Join us for an extensive array of field trips, workshops, presentations, and receptions that highlight the wonders of the Klamath Basin in winter. #winterwingsfestiva

For information call 877-541-BIRD (2473) or email to info@winterwingsfest.org

Registration opens around mid-December 2022; check website for details.

Fresh Water and Saltwater Birds
2023-02-12 08:30 - 13:00 | Lake Fenwick, Washington, 25828 Lake Fenwick Rd, Kent, Washington, 98032, United States
Join us for a morning walk around Lake Fenwick to look for wintering waterfowl and woodland birds. We’ll practice spotting, listening for, and identifying the species we encounter. Then we’ll move on to Redondo Beach to scan Poverty Bay for saltwater birds. We may walk part of the boardwalk there, and check the edges of nearby Wooten Park if time allows.

Let’s meet in the middle parking lot at Lake Fenwick, the next lot north of the fisherman’s lot, at 8:30AM. Bring layers for the weather, snacks and water as needed.

To sign up email Barbara Petersen at bpbatfan@aol.com, or leave a voice message at 253 389 3204.

Photos by Jay Galvin

Sandhill Cranes & Winter Birds Field Class
2023-02-04 09:00 - 13:00
Pack your winter hat and a warm drink!

South Sound Nature School’s Ridgefield Field Class will be Saturday, February 4th, 9:00-1:00. Meet leader Kevin O’Malley and Barbara Petersen at the refuge on Saturday morning. Experiencing birds in different habitat is an important tool to becoming 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 songbirds, raptors, wintering waterfowl, and other local species. Please dress warm as 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. 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 that are really into Birding) can attend with an adult. Please contact Kevin O’Malley at omalley23@gmail.com for more information, payment options and to sign up.

Desert Oasis: The Birds of Lake Abert
2023-02-01 18:30 - 20:00
As Oregon’s only hypersaline lake and one of just three such lakes in the western U.S., Lake Abert is a vital ecosystem within the high desert and an essential stop for migratory birds travelling along the Pacific Flyway from Patagonia to Alaska.

At it’s full capacity, Lake Abert covers 64 square miles below the iconic Abert Rim. When conditions are optimal in this delicate ecosystem, Lake Abert can support hundreds of thousands of birds whose arrival at the lake coincides with peak brine shrimp and alkali fly populations.

Zoom Webinar sponsored by the Oregon Natural Desert Association

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Skagit Valley field trip
2023-01-22 07:30 - 17:00
by Jay Galvin

Join Rainier Audubon for a trip north to visit the Skagit Valley. Species we expect to see include BaldEagle, Northern Harrier, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Snow Geese, American Wigeon andpossibly 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 22, 2023 at 7:30 AM at the Kent Station, near Panera Bread. Park in the lot or nearbyparking garage.521 2nd Pl N Suite 101, Kent, WA 98032https://goo.gl/maps/ATtKwd8aNCzx946T8

Participants will be limited to the first 9 who sign up. There will be three cars with a leader in each car.

Contact Call Jay Galvin at 253-939-3094 or email him at gjgalvin@comcast.net to be included.

Raptors of Washington
2023-01-18 19:00 - 21:00
(Jan. 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, and 15th)

Nineteen species of raptors regularly occur in Washington State. These birds are fascinating, and their behaviors unique. Each species has many distinctive features. Birders find this group intriguing, and many people want to see each of them, learning more about their behaviors.

This course will help you become familiar with the eagles, hawks, harriers, falcons, vultures, and kites that make our state their homes. We will cover the characteristics, behaviors, and biology that will help you identify these marvelous birds. Learn to identify these remarkable birds and gain some knowledge of their natural history. The course will span all the species regularly found in Washington. The focus will be on learning characteristics and information that will help you name them and not just on-field marks.

Slides and homework will allow you to practice these skills.

One field trip is possible, and detailed information on possible field trips you can do on your own will be provided, including stops and what to look for at each place.

We will frequently review the information to help you solidify your knowledge and feel comfortable with your new abilities.

Topics discussed during this course:

Eagles: Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Osprey

Hawks: Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Northern Goshawk,

Red-shouldered Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk

Falcons: American Kestrel, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Gyrfalcon

Vultures: Turkey Vulture

Kites: White-tailed Kite

The goal is to help you learn to identify raptors, know what to look for when you see one and have a good understanding of their distribution and behavior.

Class Meetings:

Five sessions, each will be 90-100 minutes; (Jan. 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, and 15th)

Raptor Birding Skills: Size and Shape, Behavior, Habitat, Color Pattern, calls.

Buteos – Begin working through these species – Review of the first lecture.

Accipiters, Harriers; Review of Buteos

Falcons & Review of Harriers, Accipiters, and others

Eagles, Vultures, Kits, and Lots of Review – Putting it all together.

The presentations will be done using Zoom and you will be provided with a link to the zoom call before each session. This class will use Google Classroom to provide additional information, copies of the presentations, videos of the presentations, and lots of supplemental material that will help you learn these raptors and about them. Google Classroom is free, and you will need to have a Gmail account orregister your email with Google. Google Classroom is free.

About the instructorRainier Audubon is fortunate to have Thomas Bancroft offer this course. Thomas Bancroft has been a birder and ecologist all his life and has a Ph.D. in Ornithology.He has birded in 48 states, several Canadian provinces, and on six continents. Tom began birding at a very young age in Pennsylvania, climbing into the kitchen sink to observe birds outside the window at his mother’s feeder. Just before moving to Seattle, he served as Chief Scientist for National Audubon. Tom is a published author, an avid photographer, and has a wonderful sense of humor.

For more information about the Raptor course, contact Rainier Audubon Education Chair Cindy Flanagan cindy.flanagan@rainieraudubon.org

Cost

$85 Rainier Audubon Members$100 Non-members

Become a member here.

Registration is closed. If you would still like to join the class, please contact Cindy Flanagan, skip the registration, and pay using the information below.

Pay using Paypal or Credit Card

Member?
Member $85.00 USD
Non-member $100.00 USD

Another Test
2023-01-18 17:00

Another Time Zone Test
2023-01-17 18:00 - 18:30

SEATTLE’S ADAPTABLE URBAN COOPER’S HAWKS
2023-01-16 19:00 - 20:00 | United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave.South, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
by Ed Deal

Ed Deal with Cooper’s Hawk

Thirty years ago, Cooper’s Hawks began colonizing urban and suburban landscapes throughout the US, developing a tolerance for living in proximity to humans. Ed Deal, from Seattle’s Urban Raptor Conservancy, will provide insights into these common but elusive raptors.

The Seattle Cooper’s Hawk Project is one of several studies in large US cities (e.g., Milwaukee, Albuquerque) and the only all-volunteer, community science project. Since 2012 the group has monitored the local Cooper’s Hawk population nesting density and annual nest productivity. A color-ID banding program helps us track fledgling dispersal, longevity, and adult breeding site and winter site fidelity.

Study results show annual increases in nesting pairs, high nest success rates, high fledgling productivity, little evidence of migration, strong site fidelity and mostly short natal dispersal distances. In 2012 we documented 26 nesting attempts, with 22 successful nests producing 70 fledglings. In 2022 volunteers monitored 61 nesting attempts within the Seattle city limits. Forty-eight nests succeeded, producing 167 fledglings.

Successful nest productivity is consistently high, averaging 3.6 fledglings per successful nest. To date we have banded almost 500 Coops and accumulated over 640 repeat sightings. 46% of our banded birds are resighted. Our population has nearly tripled in just 10 years. It will be interesting to see when they reach carrying capacity.

You would think someone born in Cooper Hospital and raised in Audubon, NJ would be a child prodigy birder. But Ed’s mid-life conversion involved taking Bud Anderson’s Hawk ID class in 1991. He went on to volunteer on Fall Migration hawk banding projects in the Goshutes Mtn, NV, Florida Keys and Cape May, NJ, in addition to Diamond Head, Chelan Ridge and Entiat Ridge in WA. He volunteered on Falcon Research Group’s entire 17-year study of nesting Peregrine Falcons in the San Juan Islands and completed his 29th year monitoring & banding nesting Peregrines in the Seattle area. For the last 11 years he has worked with a group of volunteers studying the expanding urban population of Cooper’s Hawks in Seattle. He holds a Federal Master Raptor Banding Permit. He is a graduate of the Seattle Audubon Master Birder Program and a recovering lister.

This will be a hybrid meeting.

George Galvin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: RAS January 2023 Membership MeetingTime: Jan 16, 2023 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/85988024910?pwd=[REDACTED]

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Timezone Test
2023-01-09 21:00 - 21:30

2nd New Time Zone Test
2022-12-23 19:00 - 20:00

New Time Zone Test
2022-12-23 18:00 - 19:00

Seattle Urban Carnivore Project
2022-12-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave SWA 98001, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
by Mark Jordan and Katie Remine

This meeting has been changed to Zoom Only!

Have you ever wondered what life is like at the top of the food chain in a big city? The Seattle Urban Carnivore Project aims to find out by monitoring the carnivores of the greater Seattle area. During this presentation, you’ll learn about our work, the variety of carnivores that share our home, and what we all can do to peacefully coexist with them.

Urban spaces and the suburbs that sprawl around them are growing worldwide, pushing some carnivore species into more remote regions, while forcing others to adapt to higher human densities. Increasing contact between humans and carnivores potentially leads to more human-carnivore interactions and increased concerns about risks to humans, whether real or perceived. Continued survival of urban carnivore populations, as well as a sense of security for the public, requires increased understanding of and coexistence with these species.

Mark Jordan is an Associate Professor of Biology at Seattle University and co-lead of the Seattle Urban Carnivore Project. He received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Puget Sound and his Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from UC Berkeley. His research interests include urban ecology, population monitoring of carnivores, and the genetics of species of conservation concern.

Katie Remine works as the Living Northwest Conservation Manager in the Wildlife Conservation division at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. Katie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in African Studies from Colorado College and completed her Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation and Management through Imperial College London. She coordinates Woodland Park Zoo’s involvement in Pacific northwest wildlife conservation, including projects to recover local endangered species and projects to help communities coexist with local wildlife from carnivores to pollinators. Katie is a co-lead of the Seattle Urban Carnivore Project.

Meeting opens at 6:40 pm. Program starts at 7:00 pm.

The meeting tonight will be Zoom Only!

George Galvin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: RAS Dec. 2022 Membership MeetingTime: Dec 19, 2022 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/89726126067?pwd=[REDACTED]

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Test Event
2022-12-13 23:00 - 23:30

Clark Lake Park - Half Day bird walk with Barbara Petersen
2022-12-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Clark Lake Park, 12520 SE 240th Sreet, Kent, Washington, 98031, United States
Join Barbara Petersen’s bird walk 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 returning migrants. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras, warm layers, water and snacks.

Winter Birds of Nisqually
2022-11-26 09:00 - 12:30 | Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, 100 Brown Farm Road, Olympia, Washington, 98516-2302, United States
Great Blue Heron

Kevin O’Malley, lead naturalist and birder at South Sound Nature School, will teach a birding basics class along with Rainier Audubon member Barbara Petersen. The class is for beginner and intermediate birders wanting to further their knowledge and skills and will focus on identification and behavior of winter birds found at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Join us for this outdoor walk the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Birding is a fascinating recreational activity. You will learn more about the birds you hear and see. The Nisqually Refuge has forest, wetland, and tidal estuary habitats offering great bird diversity. Binoculars are recommended but not required. This small class is geared toward ages 16 and up, a great outing for family members visiting for the holiday.

Please register at https://southsoundnatureschool.org (under the Adult Programs tab) or by emailing Kevin at omalley23@gmail.com. Pay with check or cash. Maximum 8 participants.

Sandhill Cranes of the Pacific Flyway by Gary Ivey
2022-11-22 19:00 - 20:00
North Cascades Audubon Society

Zoom meeting only

In this presentation Dr. Gary Ivey will talk about the Sandhill Crane populations that breed and stage in Washington State and the broader Pacific Flyway. He will discuss the migration routes, wintering and breeding areas of the three subspecies that use the state. He will speak about their behavior and biology and also their conservation needs in the Flyway. To join us for the presentation please register by clicking this link. Dr. Ivey works with the International Crane Foundation as a Research Associate and is an expert on Sandhill Cranes in the Pacific Flyway. He has worked with wildlife for over 35 years, concentrating his work on water birds, waterfowl and wetland conservation. He currently serves as President of The Trumpeter Swan Society and is leading efforts to restore breeding Trumpeter Swans to Oregon. He served for 20 years as a biologist at several western refuges, including 15 years at Malheur Refuge. He studied nesting ecology of Sandhill Cranes for his Master’s thesis and wintering ecology of Sandhill Cranes for his PhD, both at Oregon State University. He is working to further conservation of cranes. Trumpeter Swans and other water birds in Western North America.

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Madagascar, a place like nowhere else.
2022-11-21 19:00 - 20:00 | United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave.South, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
by Dennis Pauslon

MADAGASCAR
January 2016

MADAGASCAR
January 2016

MADAGASCAR
January 2016

MADAGASCAR
January 2016

MADAGASCAR
January 2016

Madagascar is the world’s fourth-largest island, situated off East Africa in the Indian Ocean. Isolated since it drifted away from India 88 million years ago, a very large percentage of its plants and animals are endemic, occurring nowhere else—95% of reptiles, 92% of mammals, 89% of plants, and 41% of birds. Dennis Paulson spent 18 days there in January 2016 and will share some of his wonderful experiences.

Dennis Paulson lives in Seattle, Washington. Until retirement, he was the Director of the Slater Museum of Natural History at the University of Puget Sound. His books on birds include Exotic Birds, Shorebirds of the Pacific Northwest, Shorebirds of North America: The Photographic Guide, Birds of the Puget Sound Region: Coast to Cascades, and Field Guide to the Birds of Washington. He has traveled all over the world to study and photograph birds and dragonflies and likes nothing better than teaching about them. He is a naturalist as well as a biologist and has written an additional half-dozen books about dragonflies and other aspects of nature.

This is a hybrid meeting. Come to the church in-person or via Zoom link below.

George Galvin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Nov. Rainier Audubon Membership meetingTime: Nov 21, 2022 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/83921683286?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 839 2168 3286Passcode: [REDACTED] tap mobile+12532050468,,83921683286#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US+12532158782,,83921683286#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Tacoma)

Orca Recovery Day
2022-11-19 10:00 - 15:00 | Riverview Parks, 937 Hawley Rd,, Kent, Washington, 98032, United States
Thank you for your patience while we rescheduled our Orca Recovery Day / Duwamish Alive event! We are excited to announce that we have rescheduled the event to November 19th, 2022!It will be held at the same time and location (see below). To help us prepare for the event, we ask that everyone register on the following link: http://eepurl.com/dFpVRX

*If you registered for the October event, please register again*

At the event:You will be able to participate in a light activity work party (planting), outreach tables, educational presentations.From Noon – 1pm we have dedicated a whole hour for a educational lunch break (PIZZA and DRINKS provided). During this time you will be able to meet each group and learn about their organization and how they are helping the Southern Resident killer whales!

The following organizations will have educational booths:– Green River Coalition – Riparian/Streambank Restoration– Orca Conservancy – All About ORCA!– MidSound Fisheries – All about SALMON!– Long Live the Kings – Specific to KING SALMON!

You will have time and ability to visit the educational booths, plant a tree, and learn how you can become a steward of the river and the ORCA!The choice is completely up to you!When: November 19th, 2022 (Saturday)Time: 10am – 3pmWhere: Riverview Parks, KENTAddress: 937 Hawley Rd. Kent, Wa. 98032

Wear closed-toed shoes, dress for the weather, and bring personal water/drinks.Provided: All tools, supplies, N95 masks, and snacks!

Connect on our Facebook event! facebook.com/greenrivercoalitionPLEASE SHARE THIS EVENT WITH FREINDS AND FAMILY

~*LETS COME TOGETHER AND HELP THE ORCAS*~

Partner organizations: Kent Parks, Orca Conservancy, Mid-Sound Fisheries, Long Live the Kings, and Whale ScoutsThis site and event are funded by:WRIA 9 and the King County Flood Control District, The Rose Foundation and Puget Soundkeeper

Fall Color and Fall Birds, continued
2022-11-05 09:00 - 13:00
by Steve Johnson

Long-billed Dowicher

The last one was so much fun, we’re doing it again! Let’s hit some of the places we missed on our October field trip. There are more picturesque parks and beaches to check out in King and Pierce County and it’s a great time of year to look for returning fall 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.

Contact Steve Johnson at 253-941-9852 or cell 253-766-9989 to be included.

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

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

https://goo.gl/maps/3wr2t2fuB15e6S997

Migratory Bird Explorer
2022-10-26 16:00 - 17:00
Last month, Audubon announced the Bird Migration Explorer, a first-of-its-kind, interactive, digital platform that visualizes the heroic annual journeys of 458 North American migratory species. The culmination of years of collaboration and scientific contributions from hundreds of researchers and institutions, the Explorer will transform the way we approach the toughest conservation challenges and our relationship with the birds we all love.

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:

Click Here to JoinNote: This link should not be shared with others; it is unique to you.Password: [REDACTED] to Calendar Add to Google Calendar Add to Yahoo CalendarOr join by phone:

US: +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 646 518 9805 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782Webinar ID: 959 0982 0593Password: [REDACTED]

Avian Ad Libs
2022-10-17 19:00 - 20:00 | United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave.South, Auburn, Washington, 98001, United States
by Robert Howson

Perhaps you’re one of those who consider science and humor to belong in two separate camps which, due to language differences, are committed to never speaking to each other. But cartoonist Gary Larson went a long way in disproving that myth. Through his rather warped sense of humor he allowed us not only to appreciate the contributions of science but also enabled us to better understand ourselves by bringing down our defenses so we could laugh at ourselves as seen through the eyes of cows, insects, dragons, and yes, even birds.

At our next Audubon meeting I’ll be making a similar effort, only this time, not through skillfully drawn cartoons but through photographs of birds I’ve taken over the years. Since birds generally do not contort themselves into positions dreamt up by people such as Larson, you’ll have to bring a healthy dose of your own imagination to blend the real and the fanciful together. And just in case your particular brand of humor doesn’t match up with my own, you’ll at least enjoy identifying the subjects I’ve sought to ridicule by subjecting them to my own brand of humiliation.

Hope to see you Monday evening, October 17, so we can spend the evening together in person and enjoy a look at Avian Ad Libs.

Robert Howson has been birding since he was in grade school in Northern California. Forty four years ago he and his wife Carolyn moved to Kirkland and have extended their birding adventures from there to much of our country. This year he passed the 700 mark for species seen in North America when he recorded the Mangrove Cuckoo in the southern part of Florida. He is an educator, having taught in grade school, high school, and college where some, but certainly not all, appreciated his attempts at humor.

Join us in person or by Zoom!

George Galvin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Oct. 17 Membership MeetingTime: Oct 17, 2022 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/83565043652?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 835 6504 3652Passcode: [REDACTED]
