World Migratory Bird Day

Light pollution attracts and disorients nocturnally migrating birds, making them more likely to land in areas where they are more vulnerable to collisions and other dangers. At least 100 million birds die every year from colliding with buildings in the United States alone. Artificial light also impacts birds in the breeding and winter seasons, disrupting feeding and other vital behaviors. Because artificial light affects birds in so many ways, it is impossible to know just how many birds are impacted by light pollution every year around the globe. Throughout the year we will spread the message to “dim the lights for birds at night” and highlight the steps that individuals, communities, and governments can take to reduce the impact of light pollution on our shared birds. Contact us at info@environmentamericas.org with any questions. Continue Reading →

Better Birding Series: How to use Merlin, the Bird ID App

Are you newer to birding? Do you have photos of birds you cannot identify? Do you wonder who is singing that bird song? Join us as we explore how to use an amazing bird identification app—Merlin. Cornell Lab of Ornithology created this app for use on your phone or computer. We will walk you through the app’s Bird ID Wizard, show you how to use the bird song and call identifier, help you figure out how to upload your photos on the app, and explore bird lists in your area and abroad. Continue Reading →

Gardening for Birds

This webinar will explore how to bring more birds to your home with native plants. Find out how to create a Pacific Northwest bird habitat that provides birds with food, shelter, and nesting sites year-round. Whether you are in a house, a tiny home, or an apartment, your outdoor space can become a sanctuary for you and the birds. We will have three master gardeners come in and share some of their tips and answer your questions about gardening for birds. Continue Reading →

Rainier Audubon’s May Birdathon

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

Seen & Heard: April 2022 – CBC Results

The 41st edition of the Rainier Audubon Christmas Bird Count looked like a typical CBC in the Midwest or East Coast rather than a Pacific Northwestern count. Sub-freezing temperatures greeted CBC leaders in the morning, snow blanketed the ground, and ice covered any standing water. The forecast called for a cold and slushy day, but the atmosphere was merciful and outside of some light afternoon rain, the weather was mundane and dry. However, the weather played an integral role in count totals. Continue Reading →

Free Cornell Lab of Ornithology Webinar

Spring is approaching! And with it comes wonderful opportunities to experience birds during migration. eBird is here to help you get the most out of spring birding. Join our webinar and discover the power of eBird—just in time for peak birdwatching. During this live Q&A, eBird team members will answer your questions and explain how to find and report birds, share checklists, add photos or recordings, and more. Submit questions in advance during registration or live during the webinar Continue Reading →