Upcoming Events Calendar
Birding: Blaine/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 as well as where we are able to stop for birding, and also we want to be environmentally conscious. We’ll head to Blaine Marine Park to meet the trip leader at 8:30 AM and search Drayton Harbor and Birch Bay for waterfowl and shorebirds, including Long-tailed Duck, Black Turnstone, Harlequin Duck, and all three scoter species – as well as possible 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)
Monthly Program: Conserving the Threatened Seabird Community of the Juan Fernandez Islands, Chile
Guest speaker: Peter Hodum
The Juan Fernandez Islands are a remote oceanic archipelago located about 400 miles off the central coast of Chile. The islands are globally recognized for their unique biodiversity, having been designated a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve and a Chilean National Park. Included in the rich biodiversity of the islands is a seabird community comprised of 6 breeding species, 4 of which are endemic to Chile, including 2 endemic to a single island, Isla Alejandro Selkirk. All four of the species endemic to Chile are also listed globally as Vulnerable. In this talk, Peter will share an overview of the islands and the long-term conservation efforts that he and his colleagues have taken alongside the local community to improve the conservation status of these globally threatened seabirds.
Birding: Port Townsend
Meet at 7:15 AM in Edmonds at the Wade James Theater parking lot. The theater’s address is 950 Main St., Edmonds, just east of 9th Ave, on the south side of Main St. Please come prepared to carpool — the number of cars impacts safety as well as where we are able to stop for birding, and also we want to be environmentally conscious. This popular winter trip focuses on various sites around Port Townsend, including Marrowstone Island, Fort Flagler, Fort Worden and Kah Tai Lagoon. We aim to return on the 4:00 or 4:40 p.m. ferry. Pack a lunch and dress for the weather, including possibly windy conditions.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Frank Caruso (774-238-0698)
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: East Lake Washington
We'll carpool to several sites along the eastern shore of Lake Washington, starting at the mouth of the Cedar River on the southmost side. We may add a couple of points on Mercer Island if there's time.
We'll meet at the Bothell Park n Ride at 7:30 AM. There should be plenty of parking at each site if people wish to drive themselves. Bring snacks/water and dress for the weather.
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
Birding: Monroe to Carnation
Meet at 8:00 AM at the Monroe Park and Ride, 17433 on Highway 2, next to the Evergreen Fairgrounds. Please come prepared to carpool – the number of cars impacts safety and where we are able to stop for birding, and also we want to be environmentally conscious. We’ll explore the Snoqualmie River Valley, and stops may include Lake Tye, Crescent Lake, Tolt-McDonald Park, Sikes Lake and the Snoqualmie River Trail. Each car needs a Discover Pass. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leaders: Jeff Hambleton (425-923-0227) and Rex Guichard (206-999-7618)
Stanwood Snow Goose & Birding Festival
Learn more at the festival website: https://www.sahs-fncc.org/?page_id=4270
Birding: Winter Birds of 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)
Class: Under the Skin with Bird Bones and Skeletons
1-week class conducted over Zoom
March 4
7:00-8:00pm
Instructor: David Lukas
Birds are exquisitely designed creatures of the air, but have you ever thought about how the underlying structure of a bird's bones and skeletons help birds move and fly? Flight is not just a matter of flapping your wings harder, it actually requires many special adaptations and compromises that impact all aspects of a bird's life.
In this fascinating presentation we will learn about some of the adaptations we can observe when we look at a bird's skull, beak, eyes, wings, legs, and feet. Many of these features are hidden by feathers, yet they uniquely shape every aspect of what we see when we watch birds. Expect to come away with a new understanding and appreciation for the hidden mechanics of how birds eat, sleep, and move, along with an understanding of how feathers interact with a bird's skeletal structure.
David Lukas is a well-known naturalist and author based in the Methow Valley. He has written seven books and contributed chapters to another forty books on a tremendous range of nature topics. He has also led thousands of natural history tours, classes, workshops, and presentations. David's most recent project is producing a weekly nature newsletter at www.lukasguides.com
Class participants will have access to the Zoom recording for 3 weeks after 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: North Creek and Tambark Creek
This is a half-day trip. We’ll visit North Creek Park and Tambark Creek Park, which are south of the city of Mill Creek. This should be an easy walk. Boots recommended. Further details will be provided to registered participants.
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
Monthly Program: How Birds Fly
In-person only at Snohomish PUD building (2320 California St, Everett, WA 98201)
Guest speaker: Peter Cavanagh
Peter will talk about his book How Birds Fly: The Science and Art of Avian Flight. The book brings the science of avian flight to life in accessible, common-sense language with almost 400 of his photographs, illustrations, and diagrams. It includes descriptions of many aspects of bird flight including evolution, anatomy, aerodynamics, take off and landing, in flight maneuvers, and migration.
Peter is a scientist, author, and bird photographer who lives in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. He is drawn to the study of bird flight by his experiences as an instrument-rated private pilot, his professional training in anatomy and biomechanics, and his passion for nature and the outdoors. His images have been featured in the Audubon Society’s Top 100 Bird Photographs of the Year. Peter has traveled widely to photograph birds on every continent. His work can be found at www.petercavanagh.us and on Instagram @petercavanaghbirds.
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.
Class: Avian Engineers: How Birds Build Nests (Session #1)
4-week class conducted over Zoom
April 20, 27, May 4, May 11
7:00-8:30pm
Instructor: Connie Sidles
Long before humans ever thought of building even simple shelters, birds were constructing elaborate nests made of everything from tree bark to sheep's wool. No doubt they inherited the basic skills from their dinosaur ancestors, but in the millennia following the dinosaurs' demise, birds evolved nests that required needlework, weaving, bricklaying, excavating, and rafting skills - all using only their bills and feet. Come along with master birder Connie Sidles as she introduces you to these wondrous architects of nature.
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.
Class: Avian Engineers: How Birds Build Nests (Session #2)
4-week class conducted over Zoom
April 20, 27, May 4, May 11
7:00-8:30pm
Instructor: Connie Sidles
Long before humans ever thought of building even simple shelters, birds were constructing elaborate nests made of everything from tree bark to sheep's wool. No doubt they inherited the basic skills from their dinosaur ancestors, but in the millennia following the dinosaurs' demise, birds evolved nests that required needlework, weaving, bricklaying, excavating, and rafting skills - all using only their bills and feet. Come along with master birder Connie Sidles as she introduces you to these wondrous architects of nature.
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.
Class: Avian Engineers: How Birds Build Nests (Session #3)
4-week class conducted over Zoom
April 20, 27, May 4, May 11
7:00-8:30pm
Instructor: Connie Sidles
Long before humans ever thought of building even simple shelters, birds were constructing elaborate nests made of everything from tree bark to sheep's wool. No doubt they inherited the basic skills from their dinosaur ancestors, but in the millennia following the dinosaurs' demise, birds evolved nests that required needlework, weaving, bricklaying, excavating, and rafting skills - all using only their bills and feet. Come along with master birder Connie Sidles as she introduces you to these wondrous architects of nature.
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.
Class: Avian Engineers: How Birds Build Nests (Session #4)
4-week class conducted over Zoom
April 20, 27, May 4, May 11
7:00-8:30pm
Instructor: Connie Sidles
Long before humans ever thought of building even simple shelters, birds were constructing elaborate nests made of everything from tree bark to sheep's wool. No doubt they inherited the basic skills from their dinosaur ancestors, but in the millennia following the dinosaurs' demise, birds evolved nests that required needlework, weaving, bricklaying, excavating, and rafting skills - all using only their bills and feet. Come along with master birder Connie Sidles as she introduces you to these wondrous architects of nature.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Canyon Park and Points East
This is a half-day trip. We’ll visit the Canyon Park Wetlands in Bothell, then drive to a couple of sites to the east. This should be an easy walk. There will likely be some traffic noise. Boots recommended. Further details will be provided to registered participants.
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: Fir Island
Meet at 8:00 AM at the Quil Ceda Village Walmart lot west of Marysville (I-5 exit 200). Park away from the store, to the east, toward I-5. Please come prepared to carpool – the number of cars impacts safety and where we are able to stop for birding, and also we want to be environmentally conscious. We’ll explore Wylie Slough, Fir Island Farm Reserve (AKA Hayton) and other spots on Fir Island. These are rich areas for wintering Snow Geese, swans and other waterfowl, as well as shorebirds and raptors. Each car needs a Discover Pass. 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)
Birding: Winter Birds of 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: Stanwood & Camano
Meet at 8:00 AM at the Quilceda Village Walmart lot west of Marysville (I-5 exit 200). Park away from the store, to the east, near Quilceda Blvd. (next to I-5). Please come prepared to carpool – the number of cars impacts safety as well as where we are able to stop for birding, and also we want to be environmentally conscious. Organize into carpools and meet the leader at 8:30 AM at Hamilton Landing Park, 26810 98th Ave NW in Stanwood. We’ll explore great birding spots on Camano, including English Boom, Barnum Point and Iverson Point. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Pam Pritzl (360-202-9694)
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: North Whidbey
Meet at 8:00 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 as well as where we are able to stop for birding, and also we want to be environmentally conscious. Fidalgo Island and North Whidbey Island offer a variety of lake and waterfront settings, including March Point, Campbell Lake, Rosario Beach, Deception Pass and Dugualla Bay. Each car needs a Discover Pass. 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)
Birding: Dune Peninsula/Point Defiance
Meet at the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center and we'll carpool south, starting at Dune Peninsula. Our (my) goal is Ancient Murrelets, as well as the several other alcids that may be found there. Lots of other seabirds should also be found, as well as some shorebirds. We'll then make the drive around Point Defiance and stop at several lookouts, as well as walk the forest to pick up some forest species. Bring snacks/lunch and dress for the weather.
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
Birding: Marysville and Tulalip
Meet at 8:00 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 affects safety as well as where we are able to stop for birding, and also we want to be environmentally conscious. This is a great time to see waterfowl and other wintering species — possible stops include Jennings Park, Ebey Waterfront Trail and Tulalip Bay. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Rex Guichard (206-999-7618)
Monthly Program: Birdie Big Year: Elevating Women Birders
Guest speaker: Tiffany Kersten
Tiffany didn't set out to do a Big Year, but after a series of unanticipated and serendipitous events, she suddenly found herself amidst one. As a sexual assault survivor, she spent 2021 traveling to all corners of the Lower 48 States, tallying birds and gifting personal safety alarms to women she met along the way. Her goal was to see 700 species, and to raise awareness of women's safety in the outdoors. She ended up surpassing her goal and setting a new record of 726 species. In her presentation, Tiffany will lead us through the fear, empowerment, struggles, and healing that all played vital roles in the personal growth she experienced on this wild adventure.
Tiffany Kersten is a Wisconsin native. She holds a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Northland College, and has spent over a decade as an environmental educator, teaching about bird migration with the Cape May Bird Observatory, monitoring shorebirds on Cape Cod, banding Honeycreepers in Hawaii, and finally landing in South Texas where she worked at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and then managed the McAllen Nature Center. After completing her Lower 48 States Big Year in 2021, she founded her own company, Nature Ninja Birding Tours. She guides primarily in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, and offers international tours as well.
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. We’ll walk the trail along the Everett Sewage Ponds (a great spot for waterfowl) and then onto Spencer Island. Eat lunch at Langus Riverfront Park and after lunch, for those interested, a stop at the 12th St NE overlook (if open) to check for more shorebirds and waterfowl. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Jeff Hambleton (425-923-0227)
Birding: Meadowbrook and Matthews Beach
We’ll visit Meadowbrook Pond and Meadowbrook Playfield Park, as well as nearby Matthews Beach Park, all of which are in Seattle. This should be an easy walk, though not short. Boots recommended. Further details will be provided to registered participants.
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: Winter Birds of 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 2025 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)
Everett/Marysville Christmas Bird Count
Join us for the 126th annual Christmas Bird Count!
Help us collect valuable data about our local birds! We have been conducting this count since 1974, which gives us a great set of long-term data.
Edmonds Christmas Bird Count
Join us for the 126th annual Christmas Bird Count!
Help us collect valuable data about our local birds! We have been conducting this count since 1984, which gives us a great set of long-term data.
Learn more about the CBC and sign up on our webpage below:
CANCELLED - Birding: Lake Terrell, Sandy Point & Lummi Flats
CANCELLED due to flooding
Meet at 8:30 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, and also we want to be environmentally conscious. Organize into carpools, head north on I-5, take the exit for Bow Hill Rest Area (milepost 238) and meet the leader there at 9:15AM. We will visit Lake Terrell (ducks and swans), Sandy Point (seabirds and shorebirds) and the Lummi Flats (raptors, owls, ducks and shorebirds). Each car needs a Discover Pass. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Pam Pritzl (360-202-9694)
Birding: Monroe to Carnation
Meet at 8:00 AM at the Monroe Park and Ride on U.S. 2 for a trip through the Snoqualmie River Valley. Please come prepared to carpool – the number of cars impacts safety and where we are able to stop for birding, and also we want to be environmentally conscious. Birding stops will include Lake Tye, Crescent Lake, Tolt-McDonald Park, Sikes Lake and the Snoqualmie River Trail. Each car needs a Discover Pass. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Doug Cooper, dvcjcoop@gmail.com
Birding: Scriber Creek in Lynnwood
This is a half-day trip. We’ll visit various birding sites near Scriber Creek in Lynnwood. This is a fairly easy walk in one direction and a bus ride in the other. There will be some traffic noise. Boots recommended. Further details will be provided to registered participants. After you have submitted your 2025 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: Fir Island
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, toward I-5. Please come prepared to carpool – the number of cars impacts safety and where we are able to stop for birding, and also we want to be environmentally conscious. We’ll explore Wylie Slough, Fir Island Farm Reserve (AKA Hayton) and other spots on Fir Island. These are rich areas for wintering Snow Geese, swans and other waterfowl, as well as shorebirds and raptors. Each car needs a Discover Pass. 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)
Birding: Winter Birds of 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 2025 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: Union Bay Natural Area (Seattle)
Bring your visiting family to show them the legendary Union Bay Natural Area (Montlake Fill). Let's give thanks to the birds, the birding community, and the efforts that can make a landfill into one of the best birding spots in Seattle!
Meet at Lot E16 at the Center for Urban Horticulture. Expect about a mile of walking on gravel walkways.
After you have submitted your 2025 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
PAS Board 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: Point-No-Point
Meet at 7:15am 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 – the number of cars affects safety as well as where we are able to stop for birding, and also we want to be environmentally conscious. 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 perhaps Buck Lake, and aim for the 2:30pm 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)
Online Class: Winter Waterfowl (Session #4)
Lesser Scaup by Mick Thompson
Instructor: Connie Sidles
Everybody knows a Mallard, right? And Northern Shovelers are those guys with big bills, while Buffleheads are the little black-and-white "rubber duckies.” But do you *really* know your waterfowl, even the so-called easy ones? Can you identify each species by gender, in eclipse, in flight, and by voice? Western Washington is the winter home for more than three dozen different species of swans, geese, and ducks. It’s possible to know them all, in all their guises. Let master birder Connie Sidles take you on a virtual journey through our state’s waterways to discover the ins and outs of our winter waterfowl in four Zoom classes.
This class will be recorded and registrants will have access to the recordings until December 3rd.
Registration: $45 for PAS members, $60 for non-PAS members
Birding: Samish Flats
Meet at 7:30am 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 as well as where we are able to stop for birding, and we want to be environmentally conscious. 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: Riverview Wildlife Refuge
This is a new one for me, but it looks like a good one. Expect a mile of walking on a good path, looking for birds in the field, the river, the brush, and of course in the water treatment ponds.
We can set up a shuttle to get people back to their cars, or more ambitious can walk the mile back for a 2 mile round trip bird walk. Meet along 1st street along the long length of available parking.
After you have submitted your 2025 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
Online Class: Winter Waterfowl (Session #3)
Lesser Scaup by Mick Thompson
Instructor: Connie Sidles
Everybody knows a Mallard, right? And Northern Shovelers are those guys with big bills, while Buffleheads are the little black-and-white "rubber duckies.” But do you *really* know your waterfowl, even the so-called easy ones? Can you identify each species by gender, in eclipse, in flight, and by voice? Western Washington is the winter home for more than three dozen different species of swans, geese, and ducks. It’s possible to know them all, in all their guises. Let master birder Connie Sidles take you on a virtual journey through our state’s waterways to discover the ins and outs of our winter waterfowl in four Zoom classes.
This class will be recorded and registrants will have access to the recordings until December 3rd.
Registration: $45 for PAS members, $60 for non-PAS members
Birding: South Whidbey
Meet at 8:00 AM at Eastmont Park and Ride, I-5 exit 189, east side, to catch the 8:30am ferry from Mukilteo. Please come prepared to carpool – the number of cars affects safety as well as where we are able to stop for birding, and also we want to be environmentally conscious. South Whidbey always yields a varied list of sightings — our stops will include Sunlight Beach, Deer Lagoon and Crockett Lake. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Wilma Bayes (425-344-8599)
Birding: Washington Park Arboretum
This is a half-day trip. We’ll visit Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle. This is a fairly easy walk. Further details will be provided to registered participants. After you have submitted your 2025 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
Zalesky Classroom Conservation Grants Application Period Closes
For Elementary School Teachers
Through a generous gift from Phil and Laura Zalesky, Pilchuck Audubon Society is able to recognize and reward innovative educators at the elementary level. The goal of this program is to encourage elementary school students to learn about and develop a desire to conserve and protect our natural resources. This will be achieved by providing funds to Snohomish County elementary classroom teachers to be used to supplement their existing curriculum.
Multiple grants of up to $500 will be made annually to Snohomish County public and/or private school teachers for conservation and science-related learning activities and/or materials (not salaries) that enhance and enrich a classroom program. Grants may be repeated by reapplying in subsequent years.
The final product must involve all students in the classroom and demonstrate achievable and relevant wildlife and conservation goals.
Projects that have been funded in the past include fish hatchery field trips, wetland restoration, recycling projects, building nature trails, speakers, bird study projects, clean water posters, and accessory nature books.
Grant application period:
October 1 - November 1, 2025
Online Class: Winter Waterfowl (Session #2)
Lesser Scaup by Mick Thompson
Instructor: Connie Sidles
Everybody knows a Mallard, right? And Northern Shovelers are those guys with big bills, while Buffleheads are the little black-and-white "rubber duckies.” But do you *really* know your waterfowl, even the so-called easy ones? Can you identify each species by gender, in eclipse, in flight, and by voice? Western Washington is the winter home for more than three dozen different species of swans, geese, and ducks. It’s possible to know them all, in all their guises. Let master birder Connie Sidles take you on a virtual journey through our state’s waterways to discover the ins and outs of our winter waterfowl in four Zoom classes.
This class will be recorded and registrants will have access to the recordings until December 3rd.
Registration: $45 for PAS members, $60 for non-PAS members