Field Trips

We’ll visit a variety of habitats and locations in South County in a quest to find 70+ species. Expect plenty of “action,” as migration will be in full swing and birds in full song. Tireless, hardcore birders who like a faster pace and a “more-the-merrier” approach to one’s day list will have a blast. Special ... Read more

Normally closed, once a year the Glacial Heritage Preserve opens its restored South Sound prairies, streams, and oak woodlands to the public. The timing is grand: camas is in bloom; the hills' slopes are blue. Other rare prairie wildflowers are also in bloom, and prairie birds are busy. The day will start with an early ... Read more

This leisurely walk will focus on identifying birds by sight and by ear, with a special emphasis on bird songs and vocalizations. At this time of year, bird vocalizations are at their most diverse and elaborate. Beginning birders are welcome! Meet bright and early at McLane Creek at 6:30 a.m. Be sure to have a ... Read more

This walk is designed primarily for beginning and intermediate birders. We will explore the approximately 2-mile loop at Woodard Bay, which includes an easy forest trail with boardwalk sections, returning by a pedestrian-only road. We will look and listen for woodland birds such as Swainson's Thrushes, Pacific Wrens, Brown Creepers, Pacific-slope Flycatchers, and Pileated Woodpeckers ... Read more

Grays Harbor Audubon proposes a field trip to Wolf Haven that will include a docent-guided tour of Wolf Haven. Black Hills Audubon members are invited to join them. The tour requires a minimum of 10 persons, and the tour costs $12 per person ($10 for seniors). The preliminary plan is to tour Wolf Haven in ... Read more

This trip is specifically designed for children and their families. Pioneer Park in Tumwater boasts meadows, woods, Deschutes River, marsh, soccer and baseball fields, and playgrounds. In spring there are many different bird species active, busy, and visible at Pioneer. We will explore Pioneer's paths and bird with a heightened awareness of young people's attention ... Read more

This field trip has a little bit of everything: birds, botany, butterflies, as well as two knowledgeable and energetic leaders. Explore the birds and plants at two choice South Sound prairie sites near Olympia: Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve and Scatter Creek Wildlife Area. At both sites we should see, prairie flowers, prairie birds, and ... Read more

Join us for a Mt. Rainier wildflowers trip – on a Thursday, so we can avoid the weekend crowds. Please note: the date for this trip may change depending on snow and flower conditions at Paradise. We will go for a relatively easy and slow hike and enjoy the views, the flowers, and any birds ... Read more

Join BHAS in Portland to view the spectacular evening roosting of Vaux’s Swifts at their well known stopover, The Chapman School, in Portland, Oregon. We will meet in the school yard at 5:00 p.m. Look for a BHAS sign on the west side of the school. It will be crowded but I will have a ... Read more

  Attention hardcore birders! This trip is for you. Last year's trip featured excellent sightings of Harlequin Ducks and Long-Tailed Ducks, along with other birds and waterfowl totaling nearly 100 species. The weather has always cooperated for this field trip, too, so if you count yourself a hardcore, tireless birder, save this date. Crossing the ... Read more

This field trip promises to be a special treat. The plan is to board the Lady Alderbrook at the Alderbrook Resort and seek birds upon and above the waters of Hood Canal. We will have the services of two expert birders to help identify Hood Canal's avian denizens. The Lady Alderbrook has two decks, and ... Read more

NOTE:  This field trip has been changed to November 19. Sandhill Cranes will be our “target” species, along with Great Egrets and herons, geese and other waterfowl. These “big birds” should be plentiful at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Woodland bottoms, and Vancouver lowlands. Other interesting but long-shot specialties include Red-Shouldered Hawk, American White Pelican, White-Breasted ... Read more

Join Burt Guttman for his annual quest for winter birds in downtown Olympia. This trip is especially oriented toward beginner birders, but all interested folks are welcome. There may be many kinds of ducks, geese, grebes, and the occasional swan or loon possible, as well as passerines in the trees and shrubs. Meet at Marathon ... Read more

This is an overnight trip leaving Olympia Saturday, March 18 and returning Sunday, March 19, with Saturday night in Port Angeles. The focus is on seabirds at several locations on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The trip is especially suitable for beginning and intermediate birders, but is open to birders of all skill levels ... Read more

Cranberry Lake Tree Farm is 440+ acres of working multi-age forest surrounding a pristine 200+ acre lake. This is a working tree farm and has a new boardwalk, shelter, and toilet facilities. These hundreds of acres of wood and water are home to eagles, loons, bears, trumpeter swans, osprey, heron, beavers, cougars, and more! Expect ... Read more

So popular was this past November's field trip aboard the Lady Alderbrook on Hood Canal, we are doing it again. We will again board the Lady Alderbrook at the Alderbrook Resort and seek birds upon and above the waters of Hood Canal. Bill Tweit and Whittier Johnson have again agreed to be our expert birders ... Read more