Birds and Brew

BIRDS AND BREW MONDAY  JUNE 16TH      4:30 – 6:00ish BOSTON HARBOR MARINA 312 73RD AVE NE OLYMPIA   This venue is absolutely delightful for an afternoon get-together.  Stop by and enjoy the gorgeous scenery from Boston Harbor.  Birds and Brew is a social time for folks......More

BIRDS AND BREW MONDAY  JUNE 16TH      4:30 – 6:00ish BOSTON HARBOR MARINA 312 73RD AVE NE OLYMPIA   This venue is absolutely delightful for an afternoon get-together.  Stop by and enjoy the gorgeous scenery from Boston Harbor.  Birds and Brew is a social time for folks to gather and talk all things avian.  This is open to Black Hills members and non-members alike.  Although it starts at 4:30 pm, it is a drop-in anytime event.  The topic for this meeting is, “What advice would you give to a new birder?” Our hosts are Craig and Vicki Merkel. Questions can go to Craig at merkelcraig@gmail.com Photo by Vicki Merkel

Boston Harbor Marina, 312 73rd Avenue N.E., Olympia, WA, United States

Birding at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Natl. Wildlife Refuge

In all seasons of the year, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge has something to see.  We are lucky to have this treasured preserve in Thurston County.  An important stop on the Pacific migratory route north and south, waterfowl stop and may congregat......More

In all seasons of the year, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge has something to see.  We are lucky to have this treasured preserve in Thurston County.  An important stop on the Pacific migratory route north and south, waterfowl stop and may congregate in great numbers here.  A mix of habitats – mixed woodland, riparian, and open meadow – hosts native birds year-round and hosts nesting migratory songbirds and others in the spring and summer. Wednesday morning bird walks, sponsored by the refuge, attract a diverse group including birders with expertise at all levels.  You may stay with the group as long or as short a time as you please. All paths in the refuge are level, either boardwalk or graveled.  The longest path, the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk, out towards the mouth of McAllister Creek, is four miles round-trip.  There are restrooms at the Visitor Center.  Admission costs $3.00 or is free with an appropriate pass for national lands or with a Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge pass.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA, 98516, United States

Yard Sale - Bring Your Stuff

Summer Yard Sale to Benefit South Sound Bird Alliance, June 21st, 8am to Noon   What? You are Spring cleaning and sorting out what you wish to move out of your place? Start setting aside your items we are holding another yard sale where all proceeds go to our chapter’s ......More

Summer Yard Sale to Benefit South Sound Bird Alliance, June 21st, 8am to Noon   What? You are Spring cleaning and sorting out what you wish to move out of your place? Start setting aside your items we are holding another yard sale where all proceeds go to our chapter’s Conservation and Education Committees.  This year’s sale will again be at Deb Nickerson’s house, in her driveway.  Bring your items over on Friday, June 20th or on Saturday by 8am.  Oh, you wish to help peddle, sell, or schlep items for us?  We can use your help on that day. Arrive at 6:30am to set up or later in the morning to “move the merch” or clean up.  Invite your friends to donate items to the sale or come to peruse and purchase. Questions? Contact Deb Nickerson at debranick@gmail.com   Photo credit: Yard Sale, by ResaJoan. Public Domain.

Millersylvania Field Trip

Field Trip to Millersylvania State Park Saturday, June 21 8 AM Leader: Karl Garrett Description and Targets: We will be looking for breeding birds in the forest and riparian areas. People of all skill levels are welcome. Dragonflies may also be out flying, if people ar......More

Field Trip to Millersylvania State Park Saturday, June 21 8 AM Leader: Karl Garrett Description and Targets: We will be looking for breeding birds in the forest and riparian areas. People of all skill levels are welcome. Dragonflies may also be out flying, if people are also interested in that. Meeting place:  The address for Millersylvania State Park is 12245 Tilley Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512. We will begin the walk at the trailhead near the boat ramp. After entering the park, continue straight past the entrance station, and keep left so as not to enter the campground. Then, turn right at the fork in the road, and continue until you reach the parking lot. The trailhead is located at the northwest corner of this parking lot. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking at this site. This funding helps DNR manage these important natural areas across the state. Trail information: The route we will be taking is about 3.25 miles through riparian areas with boardwalks, and forests. There are a few, low-grade hills, and the trails are well maintained, but they still may be muddy. Bathroom: There are restrooms throughout the park, one near the entrance, a couple in the campground, and a few in the picnic areas on the lake shore. Bring: Binoculars and a field guide if you want one. Merlin Bird ID is a great phone app for identifying birds. I also suggest a hands-free pack for water, snacks, and personal items. Dress for the conditions and for a slow walking pace dull natural fabrics are more bird-friendly than bright synthetics. For questions and to sign up: contact Karl Garrett at garrettkarlg@gmail.com   Photo credit: Millersylvania State Park, by Rachel Hudson.

Blue Star Family Outing

A fun family-oriented event at the Billy Frank Jr National Wildlife Refuge.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA, 98516, United States

June Picnic

Annual June Chapter Picnic   This June, as we have been doing for several years, we are holding our Annual Picnic at the Rose Garden Shelter at Squaxin Park to celebrate our community and present awards for Volunteer, Conservationist and Environmental Educator of the Ye......More

Annual June Chapter Picnic   This June, as we have been doing for several years, we are holding our Annual Picnic at the Rose Garden Shelter at Squaxin Park to celebrate our community and present awards for Volunteer, Conservationist and Environmental Educator of the Year. These awards recognize the commitment and dedication of the person and are just deserved.  We are very fortunate to have such valuable work done by these amazing volunteers. Mark your calendars for this event. The picnic is on Sunday, June 22nd and begins at 3:30, with dinner served at 4:30pm.  There is a swap table in case you have a “birdy” item you wish to pass on.  Bring a side dish if you like though not required for attending. We would love to see you and get to know you better. After the dinner and awards have been presented, there will be a guided bird walk through the park. If you wish to help us set up for this event, please get in touch with Deb Nickerson at debranick@gmail.com . We would appreciate the assistance.   Photo credit: SSBA Annual Picnic 2024, by Rachel Hudson.

Squaxin Park, 2600 East Bay Drive N.E., Olympia, WA, 98506, United States

Birding at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Natl. Wildlife Refuge

In all seasons of the year, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge has something to see.  We are lucky to have this treasured preserve in Thurston County.  An important stop on the Pacific migratory route north and south, waterfowl stop and may congregat......More

In all seasons of the year, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge has something to see.  We are lucky to have this treasured preserve in Thurston County.  An important stop on the Pacific migratory route north and south, waterfowl stop and may congregate in great numbers here.  A mix of habitats – mixed woodland, riparian, and open meadow – hosts native birds year-round and hosts nesting migratory songbirds and others in the spring and summer. Wednesday morning bird walks, sponsored by the refuge, attract a diverse group including birders with expertise at all levels.  You may stay with the group as long or as short a time as you please. All paths in the refuge are level, either boardwalk or graveled.  The longest path, the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk, out towards the mouth of McAllister Creek, is four miles round-trip.  There are restrooms at the Visitor Center.  Admission costs $3.00 or is free with an appropriate pass for national lands or with a Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge pass.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA, 98516, United States

Birding at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Natl. Wildlife Refuge

In all seasons of the year, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge has something to see.  We are lucky to have this treasured preserve in Thurston County.  An important stop on the Pacific migratory route north and south, waterfowl stop and may congregat......More

In all seasons of the year, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge has something to see.  We are lucky to have this treasured preserve in Thurston County.  An important stop on the Pacific migratory route north and south, waterfowl stop and may congregate in great numbers here.  A mix of habitats – mixed woodland, riparian, and open meadow – hosts native birds year-round and hosts nesting migratory songbirds and others in the spring and summer. Wednesday morning bird walks, sponsored by the refuge, attract a diverse group including birders with expertise at all levels.  You may stay with the group as long or as short a time as you please. All paths in the refuge are level, either boardwalk or graveled.  The longest path, the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk, out towards the mouth of McAllister Creek, is four miles round-trip.  There are restrooms at the Visitor Center.  Admission costs $3.00 or is free with an appropriate pass for national lands or with a Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge pass.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA, 98516, United States

Birding at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Natl. Wildlife Refuge

In all seasons of the year, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge has something to see.  We are lucky to have this treasured preserve in Thurston County.  An important stop on the Pacific migratory route north and south, waterfowl stop and may congregat......More

In all seasons of the year, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge has something to see.  We are lucky to have this treasured preserve in Thurston County.  An important stop on the Pacific migratory route north and south, waterfowl stop and may congregate in great numbers here.  A mix of habitats – mixed woodland, riparian, and open meadow – hosts native birds year-round and hosts nesting migratory songbirds and others in the spring and summer. Wednesday morning bird walks, sponsored by the refuge, attract a diverse group including birders with expertise at all levels.  You may stay with the group as long or as short a time as you please. All paths in the refuge are level, either boardwalk or graveled.  The longest path, the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk, out towards the mouth of McAllister Creek, is four miles round-trip.  There are restrooms at the Visitor Center.  Admission costs $3.00 or is free with an appropriate pass for national lands or with a Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge pass.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA, 98516, United States

Birding at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Natl. Wildlife Refuge

In all seasons of the year, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge has something to see.  We are lucky to have this treasured preserve in Thurston County.  An important stop on the Pacific migratory route north and south, waterfowl stop and may congregat......More

In all seasons of the year, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge has something to see.  We are lucky to have this treasured preserve in Thurston County.  An important stop on the Pacific migratory route north and south, waterfowl stop and may congregate in great numbers here.  A mix of habitats – mixed woodland, riparian, and open meadow – hosts native birds year-round and hosts nesting migratory songbirds and others in the spring and summer. Wednesday morning bird walks, sponsored by the refuge, attract a diverse group including birders with expertise at all levels.  You may stay with the group as long or as short a time as you please. All paths in the refuge are level, either boardwalk or graveled.  The longest path, the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk, out towards the mouth of McAllister Creek, is four miles round-trip.  There are restrooms at the Visitor Center.  Admission costs $3.00 or is free with an appropriate pass for national lands or with a Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge pass.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA, 98516, United States

Birding at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Natl. Wildlife Refuge

In all seasons of the year, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge has something to see.  We are lucky to have this treasured preserve in Thurston County.  An important stop on the Pacific migratory route north and south, waterfowl stop and may congregat......More

In all seasons of the year, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge has something to see.  We are lucky to have this treasured preserve in Thurston County.  An important stop on the Pacific migratory route north and south, waterfowl stop and may congregate in great numbers here.  A mix of habitats – mixed woodland, riparian, and open meadow – hosts native birds year-round and hosts nesting migratory songbirds and others in the spring and summer. Wednesday morning bird walks, sponsored by the refuge, attract a diverse group including birders with expertise at all levels.  You may stay with the group as long or as short a time as you please. All paths in the refuge are level, either boardwalk or graveled.  The longest path, the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk, out towards the mouth of McAllister Creek, is four miles round-trip.  There are restrooms at the Visitor Center.  Admission costs $3.00 or is free with an appropriate pass for national lands or with a Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge pass.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA, 98516, United States