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Upcoming Field Trips and Events in 2012

(Everyone is welcome to participate with Field Trips and Events...
you don't have to be a member!)

 

Regular/Recurring
Field Trips:

  • Every Wednesday,
    8:00 am - 11:00 am
    Phil Kelley leads a bird-watching walk at Nisqually NWR.  Meet at the Nisqually Visitor Center.  (The Discover Pass does not include entrance to the Nisqually NWR)

Some field trips to public lands may require an entrance fee.  See how to purchase the Washington Discover Pass.

Discover Pass logo-Click here to learn about the Discover Pass.
 


   Field Trips and Events 2012

May 25-28 Event:  THE WENAS CAMPOUT

For over four decades Audubon families have been camping over Memorial Day weekend at the Wenas Creek Campground.

Picture of Hazel Wolf, in a kayak at age 93Officially named the Hazel Wolf Wenas Creek Bird Sanctuary, it’s located SW of Ellensburg, in an “Important Bird Area” and has been assured of protective status by WA Dept. of Natural Resources. The “primitive” campground along the north fork of Wenas Creek has exceptional opportunities for birding, botanizing and enjoying spring in the eastern foothills of the Cascades.

There are wonderful field trips scheduled, and there will be an old-fashioned campfire in our “approved” firepit device each evening. We do story telling and recapping the sightings of the day.

Please visit Webmaster Michael Hobbs’ beautiful Wenas Website to see Hazel Wolf’s familiar smiling face and get lots of downloadable information about our campout:  http://www.wenasaudubon.org.

There's a bird checklist, wildflower checklist, outline of field trips and program, directions to the campground, and lots of photos.
For people who don’t “do websites,” contact the website and we’ll send you printed information.

Every vehicle will be required to have a “Discover Pass.”
The easiest way to get the pass online is at: http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov.  The cost for the yearly pass is $30.

Bring friends, family, and join us at Wenas Memorial Day Weekend for as many days as you want to stay - May 25-28, 2012!

June 2 (Sat)

6:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Field Trip:  West Rocky Prairie

Leader: Gary Wiles

This is a new trip to a relatively new unit of South Puget Sound Wildlife Area. West Rocky Prairie is located near Millersylvania State Park and is one of the largest parcels of high-quality native prairie remaining in Thurston Country. Other habitats include oak woodlands and mixed alder/fir forest. We expect to see a good variety of open-country and forest birds.

Please note that the area is undeveloped and has no bathroom facilities. Parking is limited, so we'll carpool to the site. Carpooling vehicles will need a Discover Pass. Dress for the weather and bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. Group size is limited to 12. Meet at the L & I parking lot in Tumwater at 6:30 a.m.

Reservation required. Call Gary at 360-943-8786 to reserve your spot.
June 2 (Sat)

7:30 am

New Group:   Birding and Breakfast – The first Saturday of every month.

BHAS is coordinating a new group that wants to include some socializing into their birding ventures. We’ll walk and look for birds for a couple hours then meet again at a local restaurant for breakfast.

June 2nd:  7:30am meet at Woodard Bay Natural Reserve, then meet at the Spar Cafe (
114 4th Ave. E, Olympia) for breakfast at 9:30am. If you want to come for one part of the morning only, feel free to show up when you can.

No reservation or registration required for this event.

Beginning with the first Saturday in July, locations will be spread amongst the three counties we serve.

For questions or more information, please contact Debbie Nickerson at debranick@gmail.com or 360-754-5397.

June 9 (Sat)

8 a.m. - 12 noon

Field Trip:  Woodard Bay for Beginners

Leaders: Sam Merrill and Tracy Scalici

This walk is designed primarily for beginning birders. We will look and listen for woodland birds such as Swainson's Thrushes, Pacific Wrens, Brown Creepers, Pacific-slope Flycatchers, and Black-headed Grosbeaks as we walk through the deep forest of cedars and Douglas fir to Henderson Inlet. At Henderson Inlet we may see Cormorants, Purple Martins, Great Blue Herons, and seals. We expect to walk the approximately two-mile loop, out to the water on an easy woodland trail with boardwalk sections and returning on a pedestrian-only road.

To reach the Woodard Bay Natural Resource Conservation Area from Olympia, take Boston Harbor Road north, then go right on Woodard Bay Road, crossing Libby Road. Park in a small parking area on the left just before crossing the bridge over Woodard Bay. Discover Pass is required for parking. Bring binoculars if possible. Dress for the weather.

Reservation required.  To sign up, call Black Hills Audubon at 360-352-7299. Limit 15 persons.
June 8-11 Friday-Sunday Event:  Washington Ornithological Society
           Conference

Spokane, WA

The conference of the Washington Ornithological Society is held in a different season and different part of the state each year and features field trips, speakers, and banquet.

For more information see www.wos.org.
June 14-17 Friday-Sunday Event:  The Woodpecker Festival 2012

Sisters, Camp Sherman, and other sites in Central Oregon

Eleven species of woodpecker graced the festival last year, as did 200 species of birds overall in beautiful central Oregon. All proceeds - $30 for a full-day tour; $20 for a half-day tour - go to support the East Cascade Audubon Society.

For more details and registration information, go to http://www.ecaudubon.org/.
June 14 (Thurs.)

5pm - dusk

BHAS Monthly Program Meeting:

Annual BHAS Picnic

This month, we invite Auduboners and their guests to the traditional potluck picnic at the Rose Garden Shelter at Priest Point Park in Olympia.

We’ll begin gathering at 5:00 pm to do a bit of birding, then plan to eat around 6 pm. The shelter is covered, so come—rain or shine! BYO plate and utensils (but we will supply paper plates, cups, and cutlery for those who forget). Please bring something yummy to share, and we’ll provide the soft drinks.

David Jennings from the WDFW State Fish and Wildlife Commission will be attending as our special guest, and will be available to answer questions.

BHAS Program meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month.


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Mailing Address:
Black Hills Audubon Society
PO Box 2524
Olympia, WA 98507

Phone: (360) 352-7299
Messages are welcome!

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Mailing Address:  PO Box 2524
Olympia, WA 98507
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(360) 352-7299
Messages are welcome!

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