Wenas Creek Audubon Camp-Out

You’re invited to attend a celebration of birds, blooms, and bugs and the beauty of spring in eastern Washington. The annual Wenas Campout will take place May 30-June 2, 2025 at the Hazel Wolf Bird Sanctuary at the Wenas Creek (Cascade) Campground (SW of Ellensburg). 20......More

You’re invited to attend a celebration of birds, blooms, and bugs and the beauty of spring in eastern Washington. The annual Wenas Campout will take place May 30-June 2, 2025 at the Hazel Wolf Bird Sanctuary at the Wenas Creek (Cascade) Campground (SW of Ellensburg). 2025 marks the 60th Wenas Campout. This casual and friendly gathering offers a variety of activities, including birding field trips, wildflower walks, field sketching, and campfire presentations PLUS special guest speakers TBA. You do not need to be an Audubon member to attend. All are welcome to this family-friendly event! While the Wenas Campout historically took place Memorial Day weekend, in 2023 the organizing committee shifted this popular event to avoid the increasingly crowded Memorial Day weekend use of the camp area. Reports from early June campers in past years suggest that the area will be quieter and the change will allow for a better bird and nature experience. Campfire speakers will be scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings, rather than Saturday and Sunday. The organizing committee is hard at work planning field trips, campfire programs, children’s activities, and the ever-popular sanitation stations. We hope you’ll join us for the return of this beloved, all-welcome event celebrating the natural beauty of the Wenas Wildlife Area! Visit the Wenas Campout website (www.wenasaudubon.org) for directions, past field trip descriptions, and more information about the area. The 2025 field trip list and campfire programs will be announced in April. The campout is free to attend and open to all ages. No reservations or registrations needed just show up, set up camp, and participate in activities. Information on dispersed camping, activities, and what to expect are on the or follow the group on Facebook for current information.  

Wenas Creek Campground, See website for directions, WA, United States

LGBT Bird Walk

At the Billy Frank Jr National Wildlife Refuge.  A fun, entertaining evening walk. It’s fun, laid back, entertaining and full of wonderment.

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

Puget Sound Bird Fest

A celebration of birds and nature, the 21st Puget Sound Bird Fest will feature two days of speakers, guided walks, field trips, exhibits, and educational activities for all ages. Most Bird Fest activities are free and open to the public, with some activities requiring a......More

A celebration of birds and nature, the 21st Puget Sound Bird Fest will feature two days of speakers, guided walks, field trips, exhibits, and educational activities for all ages. Most Bird Fest activities are free and open to the public, with some activities requiring a small fee and/or pre-registration.  The Bird Fest is held in spring during the peak season for birdwatching in partnership with the Pilchuck Audubon Society, “Spring is a time of rejuvenation, a time when we come out of the doldrums of the long Northwest winter, and what better way to celebrate than by welcoming back our splendid migratory birds.” This year’s event will kick off early Saturday morning, with guided walks offered by the Pilchuck Audubon Society, followed by a presentation at the Edmonds Plaza Room. Speaker to be announced. On Saturday, families can enjoy a special Bird Fest Family Storytime at the Edmonds Library starting at 10am, then head next door to the Kids Corner in the Exhibits Hall in the Frances Anderson Center gym. Booths staffed by representatives from regional conservation organizations, artists, scientists, and select vendors will be open until 4pm. Be sure to stop by the Pilchuck Audubon Society Photo Contest booth to vote for your favorite. Additional field activities will be hosted on Sunday, including guided walks, a boat cruise to Protection Island, a native plant sale, and tours of the Edmonds Wildlife Habitat Native Plant Demonstration Garden by the Edmonds Stewards. Bird Fest is located in beautiful downtown Edmonds where guests can enjoy a rich array of shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes and bistros that cater to arts and festivals. Many acclaimed eateries in the center of town and along the beachfront are within easy walking distance of the Bird Fest venue. The Bird Fest Planning Committee is hard at work planning the 2025 event and plans to post the full festival schedule by April 15th. Many Bird Fest activities are free and open to the public, with most field activities requiring a small fee and pre-registration. For the latest information, please visit www.pugetsoundbirdfest.org or email jennifer.leach@edmondswa.gov.

Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA, 98020, 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

Washington Ornithological Society/Western Field Ornithologists Annual Conference

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Western Field Ornithologists (WFO) and Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) areteaming up for the 2025 Annual Conference. Nestled between the majestic Cascade Mountains and the serene ColumbiaRiver, Yakima Valley offers an unparalleled diversity......More

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Western Field Ornithologists (WFO) and Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) areteaming up for the 2025 Annual Conference. Nestled between the majestic Cascade Mountains and the serene ColumbiaRiver, Yakima Valley offers an unparalleled diversity of habitatsperfect for birding enthusiasts. From alpine tundra and evergreenforests to desert canyons, grasslands, and riparian woodlands, thisregion is a haven for avian species and their admirers. Whetheryou are drawn to the open pine forest or marsh wetlands, Yakima andits neighboring counties provide ideal conditions for seeing a widerange of birdlife in action. The 2025 program will combine the best of both organizations including: * Stump the Experts: Bird Quiz Night with Dennis Paulson and Shep Thorp* Sound Identification Team Challenge with Nathan Pieplow* Educational workshops and presentations of original scientific research* Full-day and half-day birding field trips will cover a diverse range of habitats from the wetlands and shrub-steppe of lower elevations to the open forests on the eastern slopes of the Cascades* Over 190 species of breeding birds and migrants are possible through various trips* Woodpeckers are a particular highlight, with 11 of 12 of breeding woodpeckers possible in Washington on field trips* Yakima and Kittitas Counties have a high diversity of owls up to nine owl species could be possible on various field trips REGISTRATION IS OPEN AND YOU CAN SECURE YOUR HOTELROOMS TODAY! VISIT THE WOS CONFERENCE HOTEL INFORMATION PAGE FOR HOTELRATES AND RESERVATION INFORMATION.

Yakima Convention and Event Center, 10 North 8th Street, Yakima, WA, 98901, United States

Birding With Breakfast

Date: Saturday, June 7 Time: 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 Leaders: Hank and Helen Henry   Description: Birding with Breakfast at Scatter Creek Wildlife Area at 7:30 a.m., for a walk when migration is in full swing, through prairie and open woodlands of Garry Oaks.  Expect to see W......More

Date: Saturday, June 7 Time: 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 Leaders: Hank and Helen Henry   Description: Birding with Breakfast at Scatter Creek Wildlife Area at 7:30 a.m., for a walk when migration is in full swing, through prairie and open woodlands of Garry Oaks.  Expect to see Western Wood-Pewees and hear Olive-sided Flycatchers, and other prairie species.  Birding with Breakfast walks are especially appropriate for beginning and intermediate birders.   Meeting location: Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the South Tract of the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area.  Discover Pass is required.  To reach Scatter Creek Wildlife Area from Olympia, take exit 95 from I-5 onto Maytown Rd. SW (toward Littlerock), but in 0.2 miles, turn left on Case Road.  Proceed for about 6 miles on Case Rd, going about a mile or so past the parking areas for the North Tract (which Google indicates for Scatter Creek Wildlife Recreation Area).  Then right on 180th Ave SW, then right again at a T and immediately reach the parking area for the South Tract of the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area, which has a sign.   Breakfast at Papa’s Diner in Rochester, 10109 US-12.   No registration needed.

Scatter Creek Wildlife Recreation Area

South Sound Farm Forestry Assn Annual Picnic

President: Vic Musselman               Secretary: Open                        Treasurer: Bonnie Miller ANNUAL PICNIC When:  Saturday, June 7, 2025 – 10 AM Who:  Ken Bevis, DNR’s Most Senior Stewardship Wildlife Biologist (& our favorite humorist, author, & songster ext......More

President: Vic Musselman               Secretary: Open                        Treasurer: Bonnie Miller ANNUAL PICNIC When:  Saturday, June 7, 2025 – 10 AM Who:  Ken Bevis, DNR’s Most Senior Stewardship Wildlife Biologist (& our favorite humorist, author, & songster extraordinaire).  We will also be joined by special guests from the South Sound Bird Alliance. Where:  Ken and Bonnie Miller’s Family Forest @ 11834 Family Forest Ln SW, Olympia. (GPS will take you to our house.  When you get into Scott Lake Community: stay on Scott Creek Drive, across the golf course to our mailbox on Scott Creek Loop gravel driveway onto “Family Forest Ln”.  Email or Call 360-999-8595 if you need more directions) What:   10 AM EARLY BIRDS: optional riding tour of 2018 & 2022 harvest regeneration & afforestation efforts in tough sites/poor dirt.12 Noon: Picnic, Socialize, and be wowed by Ken Bevis.Around 1:30: take optional habitat tourLunch provided by South Sound Chapter & the Millers. The lunch menu is: Pulled pork, meatballs, salads, baked beans, drinks, and a dessert. RSVP helpful, but not required @ kenbonniemiller@gmail.com   All are welcome!

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

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