Upcoming Events Calendar
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
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: 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)
Class: Grouse (Session #1)
![[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.
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)
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
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.
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)
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: Grouse (Session #3)
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.
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.
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: 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)
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: 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: 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: 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)
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.
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.
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: 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.
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)
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: Everett & Marysville
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. and I-5. Please come prepared to carpool. We’ll explore waterfront areas as well as wooded parks, including Jennings Park, Ebey Waterfront, Everett 12th St. NE and the 10th St. Marina, Baywood Nature Trail, and Mother Nature’s Window Park in Marysville. 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)
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: Esperance and Edmonds
This is a half-day trip. We’ll visit Esperance Park, Chase Lake, and Pine Ridge Park. 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
Everett Public Library Presentation: Lights Out for Birds - How Reducing Nighttime Light Saves Migratory Species
Presented by Brian Zinke, Executive Director of PAS
Each year, millions of birds migrate across our region under the cover of darkness. But increasing levels of artificial light at night are disorienting these travelers, drawing them into cities where they face fatal collisions with buildings, windows, and other structures.
Join us for an illuminating presentation on the Lights Out initiative, a growing effort to reduce light pollution during peak migration. In this presentation, we’ll explore why birds are vulnerable to nighttime light, examples of successful Lights Out programs, and practical steps we can take here in western Washington to help our birds navigate the night skies safely.
Birding: Fir Island & Skagit 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, toward I-5. Please come prepared to carpool – the number of cars impacts where we are able to stop for birding, as well as safety and the environment. August is prime time for southbound shorebird migration and favorable tides are predicted for this date, so we’ll take advantage and again focus on shorebird hot spots on Fir Island and Skagit Flats. 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)
Class: Shorebirds (field trip)
![[Class Field Trip] Shorebirds](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e26548136a3b75d3852e239/1718312560495-RB9FH4KEIA7SIHT0ADZK/A+mix+of+Western+Sandpipers%2C+Dunlins%2C+and+Short-Billed+Dowitchers+-+Mick+Thompson.jpg)
August 22
9:00am-5:00pm
Instructor: David Droppers
This field trip is an optional add-on to the online shorebirds class taught by David on August 5, 12, and 19. Locations for the field trip will include Oak Harbor Marina, Channel Drive, Wylie Slough (and other locations on Fir Island). Additional locations are probable as tide and time allows.
Class size limited to 15 participants.
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: Shorebirds (Session #3)
3-week class conducted over Zoom
August 5, 12, 19
7:00-8:30pm
Instructor: David Droppers
Shorebirds are not popular with beginning birders because they're so similar, so variable, and such a challenge. Shorebirds are popular with experts for the exact same reasons! So don't be intimidated by this fascinating, and frankly cute, group of birds that grace our shores (and other habitats) for brief periods of the year. We'll focus on identification, but moreso, teach you tricks that we'll make tackling shorebirds much less intimidating. A field trip to the coast during shorebird migration will help solidify what we learn in class. Move from beginner to expert so you can get excited about shorebird season!
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.
Class: Shorebirds (Session #2)
3-week class conducted over Zoom
August 5, 12, 19
7:00-8:30pm
Instructor: David Droppers
Shorebirds are not popular with beginning birders because they're so similar, so variable, and such a challenge. Shorebirds are popular with experts for the exact same reasons! So don't be intimidated by this fascinating, and frankly cute, group of birds that grace our shores (and other habitats) for brief periods of the year. We'll focus on identification, but moreso, teach you tricks that we'll make tackling shorebirds much less intimidating. A field trip to the coast during shorebird migration will help solidify what we learn in class. Move from beginner to expert so you can get excited about shorebird season!
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: Fir Island & Skagit 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, toward I-5. Please come prepared to carpool – the number of cars impacts where we are able to stop for birding, as well as safety and the environment. Our primary targets will be shorebirds, and we’ll aim to hit hot spots at optimum tide. Destinations will depend on recent sightings but will likely focus on Hayton Reserve and Channel Drive. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leaders: Frank Caruso (774-238-0698) and Bruce Bohmke (425-830-6146)
Birding: Fir Island, Channel Drive, and more!
Meet at the Quil Ceda Village Wal Mart, in the SE portion of the lot.
David is taking a short hiatus from his butterflies to scout locations for his upcoming shorebird class. While I'll mostly be investigating practicalities like parking availability, walking requirements, etc., we'll absolutely bird, as many adult shorebirds will be returning.
I don't really have a set time I'd like to wrap up, but this will likely be a 6 hour minimum trip. We may travel as far as northern Whidbey Island to places like Bos Lake and Dugualla Bay, but we'll definitely be checking out Channel Drive, Fir Island, and several spots in between.
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
Class: Shorebirds (Session #1)
3-week class conducted over Zoom
August 5, 12, 19
7:00-8:30pm
Instructor: David Droppers
Shorebirds are not popular with beginning birders because they're so similar, so variable, and such a challenge. Shorebirds are popular with experts for the exact same reasons! So don't be intimidated by this fascinating, and frankly cute, group of birds that grace our shores (and other habitats) for brief periods of the year. We'll focus on identification, but moreso, teach you tricks that we'll make tackling shorebirds much less intimidating. A field trip to the coast during shorebird migration will help solidify what we learn in class. Move from beginner to expert so you can get excited about shorebird season!
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: Fobes and Riverview
This is a half-day trip. We’ll visit Riverview Wildlife Refuge in Snohomish and nearby Fobes-Ebey Slough Dike Trail. This walk is fairly easy. 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: Jetty Island
This week’s “Tuesday” trip is on Wednesday to take advantage of the seasonal Jetty Island ferry. Take the couple-minute ferry ride to Jetty Island, which often offers a variety of shorebirds, and sometimes rarities. Advance planning is important: ferry reservations are required and typically sell out early online. Buy a ticket ($4 per person, plus service charge) at https://www.portofeverett.com/visit_the_waterfront/jetty_island/index.php and try for the 10:00 AM out-bound ferry (check in at the dock at 9:45am), and the 3:00 ferry to return to the dock. Be prepared that there is no shade on the island and the weather may be hot: bring water, sunscreen, hat, lunch, and perhaps a camp stool or a pad for sitting on driftwood while watching the lagoon. Parking is available nearby at Jetty Landing Park (total of $3 if you pre-pay using the link on your reservation confirmation). The only restroom on the island is by the ferry landing.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leaders: Dianne Marie Murray (206-769-6271) and Denny Bolton (425-241-6892)
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: Sultan
Meet at the Monroe Park & Ride, 17433 Highway 2 (west of the fairgrounds). Please come prepared to carpool – the number of cars affects where we are able to stop for birding, as well as safety and the environment. We’ll visit Osprey Park for a level two-mile walk in riparian habitat along the Sultan River, where salmon habitat restoration has produced many braided side channels and bridge crossings. Possible species include American Dipper and Spotted Sandpiper. From there it is a short drive to Mann Road/Vos Road along the Skykomish River. Possible species include nesting Western Kingbirds, as well as Lazuli Bunting, Yellow-breasted Chat and Eastern Kingbird. Pack a lunch — we’ll eat in the Hambleton’s backyard, with bird feeders in view. If time allows, after lunch we’ll take a short drive to Lake Chaplain Road, where Virginia Rail is likely and Dusky Flycatcher appeared in 2024.
Adult Release Form / Youth Release Form
Trip Leader: Jeff Hambleton (425-923-0227)
Birding: Redmond and Kirkland
This is a half-day trip. We’ll visit the West Sammamish River Trail in Redmond and Juanita Bay Park in Kirkland. This walk is fairly easy. 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: 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, where 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: Doug Cooper (dvcjcoop@gmail.com or 509-990-7499, but cell may be off) and Sally Jo Sebring (sallyjosebring@frontier.com or 425-299-4231)
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: Sedro-Woolley to Newhalem
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 affects safety and where we are able to stop for birding, and we want to be environmentally conscious. After looking for bitterns and buntings at Northern State Recreation Area, we will visit hotspots along Hwy. 20 through Lyman, Rockport, Marblemount and even Newhalem, where American Redstart and Red-eyed Vireo are possible. 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)