Field Trips

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

Sure, this field trip requires you to get up early, but bear in mind that spring early mornings can be magical. Meet at the Flora Vista entrance to Priest Point Park bright and early to hear birdsongs at their freshest. Learn the songs of common natives as well as listen for migrants who have come ... Read more

Pioneer Park on Henderson Road in Tumwater is an under-appreciated birding site gem. Driving past it, one thinks the park consists solely of baseball and soccer fields. Less easily seen is the Deschutes River flowing through the park, the wide wetlands behind the baseball fields, and the mown paths that meander through riparian woods and ... Read more

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. Expect to spend at least a couple of hours at the preserve. As always, dress for the weather; ... Read more

Sure, this field trip requires you to get up early, but bear in mind that spring early mornings can be magical. Meet at the Flora Vista entrance to Priest Point Park bright and early to hear birdsongs at their freshest. Learn the songs of common natives as well as listen for migrants who have come ... Read more

Protection Island is an amazing National Wildlife Refuge located just outside Port Townsend. Nearly 70 percent of the nesting seabird population of Puget Sound and the Straits nest on the island. This includes one of the largest colonies of Rhinoceros Auklets in the USA. Although the refuge is closed to the public, visitors can view ... Read more