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
Meet Deb Nickerson at 7:30 at the Visitor Center Overlook. Breakfast afterward at a location to be determined. Want to get a head start on your weekend? Join us for Birding and Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month, except July and August. Bird with us, then enjoy breakfast at a local ... 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
Meet Sam Merrill at 7:30 at the Woodard Bay Conservation Area. From Olympia: take Boston Harbor Road north, then right on Woodard Bay Road, crossing Libby Road. There is a small parking area on the left just before crossing the bridge over Woodard Bay (Discover Pass required here); or drive across the bridge and up ... 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
Meet at Millersylvania State Park at 7:30 a.m.. Park in first lot on the left when you enter at the main gate. Discover Pass required. Breakfast at the River's Edge Restaurant at the Tumwater Valley Golf Club (4611 Tumwater Valley Dr SE, Olympia, WA 98501) . Want to get a head start on your weekend? Join us for Birding and Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. ... 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
Doubtless you remember and, perhaps, were active in, the grassroots campaign to save the LBA Woods. A last remaining sizeable stand of woodland in southeast Olympia, it is habitat for native plants and myriad birds, both natives and migrants. On this trip, in partnership with Stream Team, expect to hear luxurious spring birdsong and catch ... 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
Meet Sam Merrill for early spring migrants at Black Lake Meadows in SW Olympia. Meet in the small parking lot just before the railroad tracks going south on RW Johnson Blvd. SW between 21st Ave. and Mottman Rd. Breakfast afterward at a location to be determined. Want to get a head start on your weekend? ... 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
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
