Upcoming Events Calendar
Birding: Point-No-Point
Meet at 7:15 AM at the Wade James Theater parking lot (950 Main St. in Edmonds, just east of 9th Ave, on the south side of Main St). Please come prepared to carpool. We’ll ferry to the Kitsap Peninsula for sea-watching at Point-No-Point and a short hike at Foulweather Bluff (through forest to a sandy beach and marshy wetland). We’ll eat lunch at Norwegian Point or Buck Lake, and aim for the 2:30 ferry back to Edmonds. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Bruce Bohmke (425-830-6146)
Board of Directors Meeting
If you are interested in attending the Board meeting please contact our Executive Director (director@pilchuckaudubon.org) or current Board President (president@pilchuckaudubon.org) for information on how to attend.
Birding: Wallace Swamp Creek Park
Meet at 9:00am at 19851 73rd Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028 near the parking kiosk.
This 25 acre park features trails through riparian forest along Swamp Creek that will be muddy or even flooded this month, tall rubber boots highly recommended.
There are no restrooms on site.
Please submit your 2026 Field Trip Liability Release before participating, no other registration is required.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
This will be a recurring field trip on the last Saturday of each month.
Trip leader: Linda Phillips (206-291-3663)
Puget Sound Bird Fest Committee Meeting
Our festival planning committee meets once per month via Zoom. Anyone interested in learning more about the committee or joining it is welcome to attend. Contact Brian Zinke (director@pilchuckaudubon.org) for more information.
Birding: Two Loops in Lynnwood
This is a half-day trip. We’ll walk the Lynnwood Golf Course Trail and visit Lynndale Park. The latter portion of the walk requires moderate exertion.
After you have submitted your 2026 Liability Release forms, please contact the trip leader in order to register for the trip.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Douglas Resnick, dresnick1@comcast.net
Birding: Lake Cassidy
Meet at the Swamp Creek Park n Ride at 8:00 AM and we'll carpool northward to the north Lake Cassidy trailhead (Getchell Trailhead), arriving around 8:30 AM. We'll walk south from there looking for wintering passerines, ending the eastern Lake Cassidy dock.
Expect level walking of approximately 3 miles round trip. We should be back to the trailhead around 11/1130, back to the Park n Ride by noon. Dress for weather.
In case of windy weather, we'll stay out of the forest and opt for the Mukilteo Waterfront.
After you have submitted your 2026 Liability Release form, please contact the trip leader in order to register for the trip.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: David Droppers, Lycaenid@gmail.com
Edmonds Christmas Bird Count
View more information on our Christmas Bird Count web page:
Birding: Wallace Swamp Creek Park
Meet at 9:00am at 19851 73rd Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028 near the parking kiosk.
This 25 acre park features trails through riparian forest along Swamp Creek that will be muddy or even flooded this month, tall rubber boots highly recommended.
There are no restrooms on site.
Please submit your 2026 Field Trip Liability Release before participating, no other registration is required.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
This will be a recurring field trip on the last Saturday of each month.
Trip leader: Linda Phillips (206-291-3663)
Birding: Chism Beach Park, Bellevue
This will be a half day field trip. For those coming from the north, we can meet at the Canyon Park Park n Ride at 7:30 AM and meet at Chism Beach Park at 8 AM. We'll bird this relatively unbirded park for 2-3 hours, looking for forest and lake birds. Dress for weather. Path from parking lot to beach is steep!
Beware of Google driving directions - meet at main lot via 98th Ave, not the handicapped lot via 96th Ave.
After you have submitted your 2026 Liability Release form, please contact the trip leader in order to register for the trip.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: David Droppers, Lycaenid@gmail.com
Monthly Program: Birds in Focus: The Art and Technique of Bird Photography
Birds in Focus: The Art and Technique of Bird Photography
Don and Margaret Larkin, of Larkin Nature Photos, will share their experiences, techniques, and composition tips that they have learned over the years for bird photography. Don and Margaret are award winning nature photographers who photograph birds and landscapes.
You can view their work on Instagram (larkinnaturephotos) or on their website (www.larkinnaturephotos.smugmug.com).
Skagit Audubon Presentation: Making Your Space a Bird Haven
Presented by Brian Zinke, Executive Director of PAS
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.
Conservation Committee Meeting
Interesting in attending our Conservation Committee meetings? Please email Ralph Tolle (conservation@pilchuckaudubon.org) for information on how to attend.
We welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about or getting involved with our local conservation efforts.
Birding: Samish Flats
Meet at 7:30 AM at the Quil Ceda Village Walmart lot west of Marysville (I-5 exit 200). Park away from the store to the east near Quil Ceda Blvd. (next to I-5). Please come prepared to carpool – the number of cars impacts safety and where we are able to stop for birding, as well as the environment. We will explore Padilla Bay and Samish Bay and the nearby flats, looking for wintering hawks, falcons, owls, shrikes and waterfowl. Dress for the weather and pack and lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leaders: Dianne Marie Murray (206-769-6271) and Denny Bolton (425-241-6892)
Birding: Seattle and Shoreline
This is a half-day trip. We’ll visit Bitter Lake, Llandover Woods Greenspace, and Twin Ponds Park. This walk requires moderate exertion.
After you have submitted your 2026 Liability Release forms, please contact the trip leader in order to register for the trip.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Douglas Resnick, dresnick1@comcast.net
Birding: Blaine and Semiahmoo
Meet at 7:00 AM at the Quil Ceda Village Walmart lot west of Marysville (I-5 exit 200). Park away from the store, to the east, near Quil Ceda Blvd. and I-5. Please come prepared to carpool – the number of cars impacts safety and where we are able to stop for birding, as well as the environment. We’ll head to Blaine Marine Park to meet the trip leader at 8:30 AM and then search Drayton Harbor and Birch Bay for waterfowl and shorebirds, including Long-tailed Duck, Black Turnstone, Harlequin Duck, all three scoter species and (in some years) Yellow-billed Loon, Long-billed Curlew and Hudsonian Whimbrel. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Graham Hutchison (425-890-0723)
Birding: Wallace Swamp Creek Park
Meet at 9:00am at 19851 73rd Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028 near the parking kiosk.
This 25 acre park features trails through riparian forest along Swamp Creek that will be muddy or even flooded this month, tall rubber boots highly recommended.
There are no restrooms on site.
Please submit your 2026 Field Trip Liability Release before participating, no other registration is required.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
This will be a recurring field trip on the last Saturday of each month.
Trip leader: Linda Phillips (206-291-3663)
Birding: Reifel Bird Sanctuary
Meet at 7:00 AM at Quil Ceda Village Walmart lot west of Marysville (I-5 exit 200). Park away from store to the east near Quil Ceda Blvd. and I-5. Please come prepared to carpool. We’ll have a two-hour drive, crossing the border into Canada before arriving at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, where many species -- including raptors, passerines and shorebirds-- are possible. After about three hours of walking and birding the level trails (some benches are available), we’ll eat our lunches there before heading home. Admission per person is $10 Canadian (about $7.25 in US dollars) or $8 Canadian for seniors (about $5.79 US) -- you can pay in US dollars or by credit card. Be sure to bring your passport or Enhanced Driver’s License. Learn more about the site at www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com. We will have a group reservation (do not book an individual reservation). Dress for the weather and pack a lunch. If any last-minute changes are needed, e.g. due to unexpected changes at the border, this posting will be updated – please check the Pilchuck Audubon trip webpage shortly before the trip to confirm the plan.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Teri Martine (terimartine@me.com or 206-522-2920)
Puget Sound Bird Fest Committee Meeting
Our festival planning committee meets once per month via Zoom. Anyone interested in learning more about the committee or joining it is welcome to attend. Contact Brian Zinke (director@pilchuckaudubon.org) for more information.
Birding: Boe Road, Stanwood
This is a half day field trip. Meet at the Swamp Creek Park n Ride at 11:30am.
We'll carpool northward to Boe Road and explore the new levees installed and all the changes in bird behavior they have instigated. Be prepared for level walking and standing for periods of time, as we set ourselves up for the incoming tide. Dress for the weather and bring whatever snacks you may need. Additional optional side trip to Stanwood Water Treatment Plant afterwards.
After you have submitted your 2026 Liability Release form, please contact the trip leader in order to register for the trip.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: David Droppers, Lycaenid@gmail.com
Sno-Isle Libraries Online presentation: Are You Ready for Weird Duck Season?
Are you ready for Weird Duck Season? Join us and presenter Brian Zinke with Pilchuck Audubon Society!
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!
Registration is required to receive a reminder email with the Zoom link 24 hours before the event begins. If you register less than 24 hours before the event, your confirmation email will include the Zoom link.
This event will not be recorded for later viewing.
Learn more on the Sno-Isle Libraries website.
Class: Grouse (Session #3)
![[Online Class] Grouse](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e26548136a3b75d3852e239/1760caaf-6b49-4268-9bf9-912d6effb0f0/Screenshot+2026-01-22+203514.png)
3-week class conducted over Zoom
October 7, 14, and 21
7:00-8:30pm
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.
Class participants will have access to the Zoom recordings for 3 weeks after the last session of the class.
Pilchuck Audubon members can receive 20% off registration. The discount code can be found in your most recent membership confirmation email/letter. Need help finding the code? Email Brian (director@pilchuckaudubon.org) to request the discount code.
Board of Directors Meeting
If you are interested in attending the Board meeting please contact our Executive Director (director@pilchuckaudubon.org) or current Board President (president@pilchuckaudubon.org) for information on how to attend.
Birding: Mid-Whidbey
Meet at 7:00 AM at the Quil Ceda Village Walmart lot west of Marysville (I-5 exit 200). Park away from the store, to the east, near Quil Ceda Blvd. (next to I-5). Please come prepared to carpool — the number of cars impacts safety and where we are able to stop for birding, as well as the environment. We’ll wind our way to west-side sites on Whidbey Island, ranging from Rosario Beach to Swantown/Bos Lake and perhaps (depending on conditions and time) as far south as Crockett Lake. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leaders: Dianne Marie Murray (206-769-6271) and Denny Bolton (425-241-6892)
Class: Grouse (Session #2)
3-week class conducted over Zoom
October 7, 14, and 21
7:00-8:30pm
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.
Class participants will have access to the Zoom recordings for 3 weeks after the last session of the class.
Pilchuck Audubon members can receive 20% off registration. The discount code can be found in your most recent membership confirmation email/letter. Need help finding the code? Email Brian (director@pilchuckaudubon.org) to request the discount code.
Mill Creek Garden Club presentation: Making Your Space a Bird Haven
Presented by Brian Zinke, Executive Director of PAS
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 at Mill Creek Garden Club
Meeting is in the meeting room at Shawn O’Donnell’s Grill and Irish Pub. Parking is in the rear of the building, and conference room is on the lower level.
Birding: Spencer Island
Meet at 8:00 AM at the gravel parking lot at the Everett Sewage Lagoons (or park at nearby Langus Riverfront Park and walk to the gravel lot). From the south, take Exit 195 from I-5 to East Marine View Dr. to SR 529, Ross Rd. and Smith Island Rd. past Langus Riverfront Park and around curve to the gravel lot. From the north, take Exit 198 from I-5 to SR 529, then exit for Langus Riverfront Park along frontage road to Ross Rd. and Smith Island Rd. This is a walk on the trail along the Everett Sewage Lagoons and then onto Spencer Island -- areas often rich in waterfowl, raptors and passerines. We’ll eat lunch at Langus Riverfront Park. After lunch, we will head over to the 12th Street NE viewpoint for a different perspective on the settling ponds and mud flats. We will officially end at 12th Street. Depending on recent sightings, some may choose an optional visit to the Everett waterfront. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Jeff Hambleton (425-923-0227)
Class: Grouse (Session #1)
3-week class conducted over Zoom
October 7, 14, and 21
7:00-8:30pm
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.
Class participants will have access to the Zoom recordings for 3 weeks after the last session of the class.
Pilchuck Audubon members can receive 20% off registration. The discount code can be found in your most recent membership confirmation email/letter. Need help finding the code? Email Brian (director@pilchuckaudubon.org) to request the discount code.
Birding: Sequim
Meet at 7:15 AM at the Wade James Theater Parking Lot at 900 Main St. in Edmonds, just east of 9th Ave., to take the 7:55 ferry to Kingston. Please come prepared to carpool – the number of cars impacts safety as well as where we are able to stop for birding, as well as the environment. To hit optimal tides, we’ll go first to the most distant area (Three Crabs and Dungeness Landing Park) and then work our way back towards home, at stops including John Wayne Marina and Sequim Bay. We aim to return to Edmonds on the 4:40 or 5:30 ferry. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Frank Caruso (774-238-0698)
Bellingham Bird Week & Audubon Council of Washington (ACOW)
Don't let the name fool you. What began as a formal meeting of the Audubon Council of Washington (ACOW) has evolved into an impactful gathering of chapter leaders, volunteers, and future leaders from across the state. Whether you've been involved for decades or are just beginning your conservation leadership journey, ACOW is a place to connect, learn, and help shape the future of bird conservation in Washington.
Schedule:
October 5-9 – Bellingham Bird Week: Bird walks, community events, and celebrations across the city hosted by North Cascades Audubon Society
October 9 – Washington State Audubon Conservation Council (WSACC) Meeting & Keynote Address
October 10 – ACOW 2026: Workshops, panels, awards, keynote speakers, and conversations focused on advancing bird conservation in Washington
October 11 – Field Trips
Bellingham Cruise Terminal- Dome Room, 355 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Birding: Everett Sewage Lagoons
This is a half-day trip. We’ll visit the Everett Sewage Lagoons. This walk is moderately easy.
After you have submitted your 2026 Liability Release forms, please contact the trip leader in order to register for the trip.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Douglas Resnick, dresnick1@comcast.net
Bird Bonanza — UW Bothell Welcome Week 2026
Come join us for Bird Bonanza, one of our favorite Welcome Week traditions. Whether you’ve been birdwatching your whole life or have absolutely no idea what you’re looking at, this event is for you.
Expect a fun, low-key morning with a bird forward focus! You will meet some cool people and a chance to explore campus in a way you definitely wouldn’t do on your own while meeting the birds in our community!
What to expect:
Tables from local organizations and researchers
Learn about ongoing conservation
Big up new birding skills!
Take photos for the Welcome Week Photo conteset
This event is free and open to all incoming students. No experience, gear, or prior knowledge needed.
This event is put on by UW Bothell Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement, Outdoor Wellness, and Office of Sustainability.
Learn more on the event website.
Everett Public Library Presentation: Growing Native Plants for Birds
Growing Native Plants for Birds
Presented by Brian Zinke, Executive Director of PAS
Want more birds in your yard? Join Pilchuck Audubon Society for an engaging talk on how native plants create the food, shelter, and nesting habitat that local and migratory birds depend on. Learn which native trees, shrubs, and flowers offer the biggest benefits for birds in Snohomish County and Camano Island, how to design a bird-friendly yard at any scale, and simple ways to get started, whether you have a full garden or just a few containers. Bring your questions; time will be included for audience Q&A.
Learn more on the Everett Public Library website.
Zalesky Classroom Conservation Grants Application Period
View the details of our grant program on our grants web page: https://www.pilchuckaudubon.org/zalesky-classroom-conservation-grants
Birding: Semiahmoo
We'll carpool northward to the Semiahmoo Spit in search of returning sea ducks and shorebirds. Field methods/walking will be somewhat weather dependent. Bring lunch/snacks.
Due to the tides that day, we are in no rush to get there early.
I vote we meet at 10:00 AM at the southern end of the Swamp Creek Park n Ride west of Exit 183 on I-5, and carpool from there.
After you have submitted your 2026 Liability Release form, please contact the trip leader in order to register for the trip.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: David Droppers, Lycaenid@gmail.com
Bothell Sustainamania
Come and celebrate at the 14th annual sustainability festival! Bring your family and friends to learn about everyday sustainable actions you can take at home, work, school, and in the community for lasting change. The event will feature:
Touch-a-Truck
Local artisans and businesses
Live music
Community organizations
Repair Café
Games, crafts, and activities
Food trucks
and much more!
We’ll have a booth there, come say hi and learn more about our programs and bring your bird questions!
Learn more on the City of Bothell’s website: https://bothellwa.gov/227/Sustainamania
Birding: Sultan River, Osprey Park (Return of the Salmon Celebration)
Join Jeff and Eileen Hambleton for a morning bird walk along the Sultan River as part of the Return of the Salmon Celebration. We will focus on basics for beginning birders. Bring binoculars if available. This will be a leisurely walk of 1-2 miles on level dirt and gravel trails.
After you have submitted your 2026 Liability Release forms, please contact the trip leader in order to register for the trip. Limited to 12 participants.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip leader: Jeff Hambleton (j.hambleton@comcast.net)
Birding: Point-No-Point
Meet at 7:15 AM at the Wade James Theater parking lot (950 Main St. in Edmonds, just east of 9th Ave, on the south side of Main St). Please come prepared to carpool. We’ll ferry to the Kitsap Peninsula, where stops will include a short hike at Foulweather Bluff (through forest to a sandy beach and marshy wetland) as well as seawatching at Point-No-Point. We’ll eat lunch at Norwegian Point or Buck Lake, and aim for the 2:30 ferry back to Edmonds. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Bruce Bohmke (425-830-6146)