Field Trips

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

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

This property is adjacent to a dynamic stretch of 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. With leaders Sam Merrill, Kevin Head, and Bonnie ... 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

Our annual joint field trip with Capitol Land Trust will return this year to 133-acre Twin Rivers Ranch, located at the northern terminus of Oakland Bay, five miles north of Shelton in Mason County. Twin Rivers Ranch is unlike any other place in the southern Puget Sound ecosystem. Salmon-bearing Deer and Cranberry Creeks flow through ... Read more

This trip is for hard-core birders with ambition and stamina. Southern Thurston County has several marvelous birding hotspots, a variety of habitats, which Paul Hicks knows intimately. The trip will visit a variety of  locations in South County in a quest to find 70+ species. Expect plenty of “action,” as migration will be in full ... Read more

This walk is designed primarily for beginning and intermediate birders. Sam Merrill and Tracey Scalici will help you 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 ... Read more