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The impressive forest, estuary, wetlands, and Puget Sound shoreline of this 108-acre park provide habitat for a variety of birds, including forest songbirds, woodpeckers, and waterfowl. Led by Jon Houghton, this walk will focus on finding forest migrants that frequent the maturing second growth forest while building essential skills for beginners. Bring binoculars if you have them - limited loaners may be available.

This is a challenging hike. The trail is a little over a mile each way and is steep in places with about 500 vertical feet down and up; sturdy shoes are recommended. Pishing or playback of vocalizations may be used sparingly to attract birds. We should be back at the trailhead about 9:30am.

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Join Jack Stephens to bird some short trails at the Willow Creek Fish Hatchery and the Wildlife Habitat & Native Plant Demonstration Garden, and a short walk uphill to a paved path for a good view of the marsh from the south and a couple of ponds. The Edmonds marsh also has level paved walkways and boardwalk. We will drive between the marsh and the hatchery/garden area to avoid walking along highway 104. Less than two miles. Playback might be used sparingly by walk leader. Bring binoculars.

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Join Alec Roseto to bird around the Union Bay Natural Area's main loop. The loop is around 1 mile of relatively flat terrain which passes deciduous groves, grassland, ponds, and a couple overlooks onto Lake Washington. This walk will focus on general birding and answering any questions you have about local species, habitats, and rarities around the state of Washington! If time permits or anyone wants to continue the walk after 930am, we can also walk around the short loop of Yesler Swamp next to the main parking lot, which would add another .5 miles. Please bring binoculars if you have them and any other tools you use to bird. Playback will not be used on this walk.

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Join Bev Bowe for a guided birding walk along the service road and paved path of Yost Park. Much of the service road is paved, and the remainder is usually hard packed. While not entirely level, the slope is short from the parking lot to the main portion of the service road. Birding from the service road allows some viewing into the mid canopy and even the top of some trees of the ravine. Yost Park provides habitat for numerous species of resident and migratory birds including Cooper’s Hawks, Pileated Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Pacific Wrens, and a variety of other forest birds. While there are no benches, we plan to be no further than 0.25 miles from the cars. Option to bird a little farther on a gently sloping dirt trail near the end of the service road.

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Join Bruce Bohmke for this walk in an undeveloped, forested county park located within Edmonds. The trails include a wider, relatively level path and some narrower trails that include some short elevation changes which can be muddy if it has rained. Will include crossing the street that bisects the park. “Pishing” or playback may be used by the walk leader. Total walking likely less than 1.5 miles.

Location: Edmonds Library

In partnership with the Edmonds Library, we'll celebrate the theme, "Hope Is the Thing with Feathers." We'll share stories and songs and movement as we honor and learn about these beautiful and important creatures!

After stories, a bird-themed craft will be offered.

Suitable for preschoolers and toddlers.

Location: Patio area between Frances Anderson Center and Edmonds Library, as well as the lower floor of the Frances Anderson Center.

Browse the informational booths, kid’s activities, and local artists and merchants.

Location: Edmonds Plaza Room. Registration is not required, but space is limited so please arrive early to get a seat. Doors open at 10 am.

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Birds are amazing. In Washington, they range in size from minute hummingbirds to swans and eagles. Some stay here all year; others fly incredible distances in their migration. Thrushes have songs like a woodwind quartet, while hawks and vultures squawk and screech. These creatures always leave me with a sense of awe. Bird’s hollow bones and air sacks make them light enough to fly, and their cardiovascular system is far more efficient than the best mammalian athletes. Evolution has blessed the world with more kinds of birds than mammals, heck, more perching birds than mammals. Our time, right now, is unquestionably the age of birds.

This talk will explore birds in Washington during the spring and summer. We will look at common, hard-to-identify, and rare or difficult-to-discover ones. Songs, distributions, and migrations will all be topics to ponder. Oh, and then how have they evolved? Our journey will jump from Puget Sound lowlands over the top of the Cascades to Eastern Washington, all to leave us mesmerized by our feathered friends.

Perhaps, we can understand why birds give us wonder, awe, and incredible joy.

Thomas Bancroft is a writer, teacher, and conservationist based in Seattle. He earned his Ph.D. in biology with a focus on birds. He has held leadership positions at the National Audubon Society and The Wilderness Society, where he advocated for integrating science in land policy and stewardship. WSU Press recently published his book, “Beyond the Wonder: An Ecologist’s View of Wild Alaska.”

Location: Edmonds Plaza Room. Registration is not required but space is limited.

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Brand new to looking at birds and unsure of your next step? Curious about birding groups but nervous about joining a field trip? Join Bev Bowe for a class meant for beginners, with lots of encouragement and great info on how to start your journey as a birdwatcher. We will cover what equipment you need vs. want, where to go to see the birds .even what to wear when outdoors (you won’t need that multi-pocket vest!). We will talk about the many field guides and birding apps. This class is geared toward new birders and we will have a question period toward the end of class if you have specific concerns. Don’t be shy – this experienced birder loves introducing people to this fun pastime! This class is followed by a morning field trip the next day (Sunday) to Yost Park so we can find some interesting birds!

Born and raised in Seattle, in 1995 Bev moved northward into Snohomish County and made her home in Edmonds, where she first began an interest in birding. A graduate of the Seattle Audubon Master Birder Program, Bev believes we are all beginners in this vast birding world, with new discoveries and learning opportunities no matter how advanced or beginner-level a birder one may be. She sees birding as a world where everyone is welcome, and all levels of skill are valued.

For the last ten years Bev has led field trips for Seattle Audubon/Birds Connect Seattle, Whidbey Island Audubon, Puget Sound Bird Fest, and others. In addition, she volunteers her time for various wildlife surveys across the state. One of her favorite things to do is to introduce people to the world of birds, and she considers it a fun honor to do so!

A wildlife Photographer, Bev’s work has been published in “Birds of The World”, The Pilchuck Audubon’s “Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island”, and various other publications. In addition to her birding activities, Bev enjoys reading, road trips, knitting, wimpy hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Location: Edmonds Plaza Room. Registration is not required but space is limited.

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It could be said that bird migration is the world’s greatest natural spectacle. Birds move up and down and around on our globe in numbers exceeding millions every year. Their ability to fly long distances, to migrate day or night, over land or sea, and often in flocks contribute to this spectacle.

High-latitude breeders are the best-known migrants, but even some tropical birds migrate. Why do so many birds leave for the winter when other species living with them don’t? And after spending the winter in a lush and food-rich tropical paradise why do they leave in spring to make a long and dangerous journey back to high latitudes?

This lecture, illustrated by many different bird species, will discuss basic aspects of migration, including the questions of why birds migrate, how diets contribute to migratory behavior, how birds maintain themselves during migration, migration routes, and migration speed, and we’ll look at some champion migrants.

Dennis Paulson has studied nature all of his adult life. He received his PhD at the University of Miami in 1966, then moved to Seattle, where he has lived ever since. Until retirement, he was the Director of the Puget Sound Museum of Natural History at the University of Puget Sound. He has traveled extensively to enjoy and photograph nature in all the world's biomes and written over 75 scientific papers and 10 books about nature, primarily on birds and dragonflies.

Location: Edmonds Plaza Room. Registration is not required but space is limited.

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Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count, or CBC for short, began on Christmas Day in 1900 as an alternative to the tradition at the time: a Christmas bird hunt. Instead of shooting birds, enthusiasts began trying to count as many birds as possible. Fast forward 124 years later, we have an incredible dataset that scientists use to assess the health and trends of bird populations.

Pilchuck Audubon Society sponsors two CBCs: the Everett/Marysville CBC and the Edmonds CBC. The Everett/Marysville CBC began in 1974 and the Edmonds CBC in 1984. Both of these CBCs rank in the top 40 worldwide in terms of participation, out of more than 2,600 CBCs!

Join us as we take a dive into the results of 40 years of data collected by our community for the Edmonds CBC. We’ll look at species trends, participation over the years, and what factors influence numbers on the count day.

We’ll also share how you can get involved in this year’s CBC. Participating in the CBC is an excellent way for you to make a real contribution to bird conservation right where you live. Come learn more about the CBC and how you can sign up to help this year!

Brian Zinke is the Executive Director of the Pilchuck Audubon Society, which serves Snohomish County and Camano Island. His background as a wildlife biologist has taken him across several states where he's worked to conserve multiple federally endangered species and dozens of Species of Greatest Conservation Need. He’s conducted nighttime surveys, roaming the prairies of Kansas and Wyoming in search of black-footed ferrets and snowshoeing in the dense forests of Jackson Hole surveying Great Gray and Boreal Owls. He’s even wedged himself through narrow passages in caves and abandoned mines testing bats and their hibernacula for white-nose syndrome. A published scientist, Brian is passionate about conservation and education, and is excited to share the results and continue the work of those who came before him on the Edmonds CBC.

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Centennial Trail in Snohomish County is built on the old Burlington-Northern railroad line. We’ll look and listen for the birds who live here year-round, such as Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Bewick’s Wren, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and American Goldfinch; plus the birds who join us for the summer to raise their families, such as Warbling Vireo, Swainson's Thrush, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Common Yellowthroat. Neither “pishing” nor playing recordings will be used. This leisurely walk, led by Peter Gurney, will be from the Getchell Road access point to Lake Cassidy and back, which is 3.5 miles round trip. The trail is 10 feet wide and graveled, with benches along the way and no change in elevation. A porta-potty is available in the parking lot.

Arrive at the Edmonds Fish Hatchery (95 Pine St) a little before 7am, at which time Don Norman will lead a walk around the site where we’ll watch for late migrants and breeding species singing.

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Join Bev Bowe for a walk through Yost Park in Edmonds. This walk is a follow-up to the "Basics of Birding for Beginners" presentation where we will look for some Spring migrants, along with the usual woodpeckers, thrushes, sparrows, warblers, and other local residents. Leisurely pace with minimal hills.

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Join Jack Stephens to explore Juanita Bay Park, a little jewel of a birding spot tucked into the eastern shore of Lake Washington. With a combination of open grassland, trees, marsh, and open water, it can yield a surprising variety of birdlife. Expected sightings include Wood Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Bald Eagle, and Osprey. With luck, we might find Virginia Rail, Swainson's Thrush, and migratory warblers. We will be walking a short distance on trails and boardwalks. Playback recordings will not be used.

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No doubt our world is fast paced and ever changing, but we can learn to slow down and tap into the natural world that is home to all of us. One way is through the practice of mindful birding. Mindful Birding increases overall wellness by deeply and intentionally connecting us to our surroundings, inspiring us to settle our mind and body for quiet observation in nature.

Led by Roniq Bartanen, this slow birding experience will bring awareness and attention to bird habitat, song and behavior. Tips for identifying birds will also be included but will not be the primary focus. All ages and levels of birding experience are welcome! Her focus is to create a safe and welcoming space for all to enjoy the outdoors. She believes strongly in the healing power of time spent in nature.

Union Bay Natural Area, nicknamed "The Fill" is Seattle's former garbage dump. Currently over 260 bird species have been reported at this urban birding hot spot! We will spend time exploring and learning about this unique and special home for wildlife.

Roniq’s passions include mindful, urban and accessible birding, promoting female bird guides through her ‘Female Bird Guide Resource List’ as well as writing about the culture and joy of birds and birding at www.shebirds.com.

Trails are mostly flat with packed dirt and gravel. This area is seasonally muddy and wet so dress for weather and wear appropriate shoes. Leave dogs at home as to not scare wildlife. Feel free to bring snacks and beverages to ensure your comfort. Please note: Restrooms and water fountain are closed on Sundays at this location. There may be a nearby port-a-potty, however, we cannot guarantee that, so please plan accordingly.

Union Bay Natural Area is accessible by bus with an 8-minute flat, paved path walk to meeting spot. Link Light Rail (train) is also an option. For Link Light Rail take train to University of Washington Station, then walk 10–12-minutes on flat paved/ packed dirt trail through the natural area to our meeting spot or short distance to #65 bus.

A large parking lot can be found near Yesler Swamp and the Center for Urban Horticulture building at the east end of Union Bay Natural Area. Street parking is also an option. Do not leave valuables in your car. A small bike rack is on-site as well.

Location: Susie Schaefer Wildlife & Native Plant Community Garden (95 Pine Street)

Don Norman is the owner of Go Natives! Nursery in Richmond Beach and will show off a few of his favorite native plants for birds at the sale, such as cascara, osoberry, and others.

Pre-registration required through Puget Sound Express: www.pugetsoundexpress.com/birdfest/

The Puget Sound Bird Fest – in collaboration with Puget Sound Express – hosts a special birdwatching cruise in early June. The cruise will run 3-6pm to get the optimal viewing of sea birds returning to their nests.

The three-hour cruise departs from the Edmonds Marina. A guide will be on board to share their knowledge about the birds and nature of Puget Sound. We will be using our newest high-speed vessel Swiftsure to travel to either Smith Island or Protection Island (depending on weather and recent sightings of birds), before returning to Edmonds. On-board we have inside seating, a snack bar and 3 restrooms available.

Note: Any change in the itinerary for weather is at the Captain’s discretion.

Presentation will be at the Point Edwards Charter House, 85 Pine Street in Edmonds.

Don received his MS from Huxley College of the Environment at WWU on the measurement of environmental contaminants in Great Blue Herons. He has continued to monitor herons over the years, and as a member of the Puget Sound Bird Observatory (PSBO), he is initiating a new project to check up on the heron population.

Don is also interested in some lingering questions:

• Why do herons nest so early in the Lake Washington system?

• Where do juvenile herons go after they fledge in late June?

• Can we monitor overwintering juveniles and females on upland sites to see whether herons stay in the same area all winter?

• Does the lack of eelgrass in south Puget Sound limit the heron population?