The Profile

October 2026  ·  Vol. 53, No. 10

Since 2006, PAS has supported Snohomish County elementary school teachers with the Zalesky Classroom Conservation Grants. Annually, we award multiple grants of up to $500 for conservation and science-related learning activities and/or materials that enhance and enrich a classroom program.

We encourage elementary school teachers in Snohomish County (public and private schools) to apply. Recipients may reapply in subsequent years. For an application and more information about the grants, please visit:

Learn more →

10/7, 14, 21 — Online Class (7pm)

Grouse

Instructor: Connie Sidles

Cryptically colored but elaborately ornamented, shy but showy, hard to see but easy to hear, bizarrely exotic but common on our menus - the grouse of Washington are a collection of contradictions. Come hear master birder Connie Sidles take you into the hidden world of gallinaceous birds: grouse, turkeys, ptarmigans, chukars, and partridges. In this three-part class, you'll learn about the fascinating history of the wild members of the chicken family and how to ID our local residents. Learn more & register →

10/8 — Monthly Program (7pm)

Deep Birding: Exploring the Past, Present, and Future of Birds in a Rapidly Changing Climate

Guest speaker: Steve Hampton

From large-scale habitat changes associated with European colonization to rapid climate change today, the birds of North America have faced, and will face, dramatically changing habitats across the continent. Examining the past, present, and future of our birds, we will explore why some are adapting, and some are not. 

 Register to attend via Zoom →

10/13 — Mill Creek Garden Club Presentation (11am)

Making Your Space a Bird Haven

Presented by Brian Zinke

Since 1970, we have lost 30% of our birds in North America. A large driver of that is habitat loss and degradation. But here’s where you can be a hero in this story. You can landscape your yard, patio, or community space in a way that will provide crucial resources for both migratory and residential birds. And it will be just as beautiful, if not more so, than our traditional lawns and landscapes. In this presentation, you’ll learn what birds need to thrive, how to provide those resources so you can attract birds to your space, and how to keep those birds safe once you've enticed them to your space. Learn more →

10/23 — Sno-Isle Libraries Online Presentation (4pm)

Are You Ready for Weird Duck Season?

Presented by Brian Zinke

Winter in the PNW can bring some gloomy weather to the area, but it also brings us all those weird and wonderful waterfowl! Nicknamed “Weird Duck Season,” winter in western Washington is a great time to be out birding and looking at all the ducks that spend their winters here. You might be surprised to find how many species we get here and how accessible duck watching can be! Learn more →

Give Migrating Birds a Break

During this fall migration season, turn off unnecessary lights, direct outdoor lighting downward, use only the brightness needed, and choose warmer-colored bulbs. Encourage your neighbors, businesses, schools, and community organizations to do the same.

Learn more & take action →

Penny Creek Natural Area Update

A Mill Creek City Council majority voted on Tuesday, September 22nd, to take more steps toward acquisition of the Penny Creek Natural Area.

Learn more →

Presidents Report

On September 22, the Mayor of Edmonds read a proclamation regarding Lights Out at the City Council meeting. I was allowed to make a few comments. Many thanks to all of you that contacted the Mayor to support this. Before the meeting the Mayor told me that about 120 people contacted him to support the Lights Out proclamation. Read more →

Swifts Night Out Draws a Crowd, and the Swifts Delivered

This year's event had everything —  rain, predator attacks, and plenty of swifts and people! Read more →

10/13 — Spencer Island (8am - 1pm)

10/20 — Mid-Whidbey (7am - 4:30pm)

10/24 — Boe Road, Stanwood (10am - 2pm)

10/27 — Reifel Bird Sanctuary (7am - 4pm)

10/31 — Wallace Swamp Creek Park (9am - noon)

11/3 — Blaine and Semiahmoo (7am - 5pm)

11/7 — Seattle and Shoreline (8am - noon)

Trip Report - Esperance & Edmonds

Trip Report - Everett Sewage Lagoons

Photo credits:

Dusky Grouse by Brian Zinke; 

Steve Hampton courtesy Steve Hampton;

Anna's Hummingbird by Mick Thompson;

Surf Scoter by Mick Thompson;

Penny Creek Natural Area from eBird;

Bill Derry by My Edmonds News;

Swifts Night Out by Brian Zinke;

Common Raven by Mick Thompson;

Great Egret by Emilia Baram

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