Field Trips

  Our annual joint field trip with Capitol Land Trust takes us to Darlin Creek Preserve this year. This beautiful property was conserved by Capitol Land Trust in 2016 and is comprised of 312 acres, protecting hundreds of acres of healthy forest, 70 acres of diverse wetland habitat, Lake Lucinda, and two miles of streams. ... 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

Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on this morning field trip to Tumwater Historical Park, where proximity to water and verges between open space and copses encourage plenty of bird activity. Expect to see the usual (yet always charming) native species, waterfowl, and perhaps more exciting this time of year, migrating species such as warblers. Paths ... Read more

Organized with the assistance of the Tahoma Audubon and resident caretaker, BHAS is returning this year to the Morse Preserve. The Morse Wildlife Preserve (Graham, WA) was established by a donation of land from Lloyd and Maxine Morse in 1995. It is situated at the headwaters of the north fork of Muck Creek and consists ... Read more

This is an overnight trip during Memorial Day weekend to one of the Northwest's birding hotspots - the Klamath Falls, Oregon area, including Upper Klamath Lake environs and Lower Klamath Wildlife Refuge on the Oregon/California state line. The trip is open to birders of all skill levels who would enjoy seeing waterfowl and woodland birds. ... Read more

This property is adjacent to the Nisqually River and is part of Nisqually Land Trust's Powell Creek Complex, a 460-acre block, which includes mature forest as well as riparian area. The site is home to abundant wildlife, including cougar, elk, and diverse waterfowl. We will be mostly out on replanted pastures, which are still quite ... Read more

This walk is designed primarily for beginning and intermediate birders. We will look and listen for woodland birds such as Swainson’s Thrushes, Pacific Wrens, Brown Creepers, Wilson Warblers, and Pileated Woodpeckers as we walk through the deep forest of cedars and Douglas fir and reach Henderson Inlet where we may see Cormorants, Purple Martins, and ... Read more

The McLane Creek Nature Trail consists of an easy 1.4-mile loop trail winding through a variety of habitats. This is a perfect area for birders of all abilities to spot and hear large numbers of our local birds courting, nesting, feeding, and protecting territory. The heart of the area is a large beaver pond which ... 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

This short-notice field trip offers a chance to join other Black Hills Audubon birders in the evening to see Vaux's Swifts at the Chapman School in Portland.   Meet at the rear of the school along the fence line at 6:00 p.m.  Bring snacks to share if you like. Every year Vaux Swifts migrate south ... Read more

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 Nuthatch, and Lesser Goldfinch. Late-migrating shorebirds, warblers and other passerines ... Read more

In winter, Capitol Lake and its surroundings are always rich in waterfowl, especially a wide variety of ducks, often with some unusual species to make the experience special.  This walk is oriented toward helping people with less experience in birding as they learn to identify different categories of birds.  Dress warmly and come join us.  ... Read more

Conserved in 2014 by Capitol Land Trust, Bayshore Preserve on Oakland Bay is a diverse tract of land with a diverse history, boasting salt-water frontage, 27 acres of salt marsh, extensive meadow, Johns Creek and riparian zone, and some big mature Douglas Firs and Oregon White Oak trees, unusual in this area. Consequently, the area ... Read more

The ducks and other water birds that decorate Capitol Lake so beautifully in winter will still be there in February, and we can all brighten the season by enjoying them on a walk around the lake and nearby areas.  And who knows what rarities might appear?  As usual, this walk is oriented toward helping less ... Read more

The success of our Lady Alderbrook birding cruises spread, and this time Tahoma Audubon will partner with us to offer a birding cruise aboard the Lady Alderbrook. We will board the Lady Alderbrook at the Alderbrook Resort at noon and seek birds upon and above the waters of Hood Canal. The Lady Alderbrook has two ... 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