Annual Conference Yakima, Washington, June 5-8, 2025
Mark Your Calendar for an Unforgettable Birding Experience in Yakima Valley!
Western Field Ornithologists and Washington Ornithological Society are teaming up for the
2025 Annual Conference
June 5 -8
Yakima Convention & Event Center
Yakima, Washington
This year’s conference takes place in Yakima in eastern Washington. Though known as the “Evergreen State,” in reality, there are two dramatically different natural worlds: the windward, wet side on the west side of the Cascade Range and the range’s dry east slopes. On the wet side of the Cascades, storms from the Pacific Ocean drop much of their abundant moisture. On the range’s east slopes, in the rain-shadow, lies Yakima — nestled in the Columbia Basin, just an hour’s drive to the crest of the Cascades. Because of its amazing diversity of habitat, the region is one of North America’s hotspots of breeding bird diversity, making it a birders paradise.
Read more about the Yakima Area
Species possible to be found during the conference.
Conference Program
The 2025 program will combine the best of both organizations including:
- Keynote address by Jeff Kozma from the Yakama Nation Fisheries. Jeff’s keynote explores the impact of dry forest management on the habitat of the White-headed Woodpecker.
- Stump the Experts: Bird Quiz Night with Dennis Paulson and Shep Thorp.
- Sound Identification Team Challenge with Nathan Pieplow.
- Educational workshops and presentations of original scientific research.
- Full-day and half-day birding field trips will cover a diverse range of habitats from wetlands and shrub-steppe of lower elevations to the open forests on the eastern slopes of the Cascades.
Conference Cost
Customize your experience with à la carte pricing for the events you want to attend. Costs have been subsidized by both organizations to minimize expenses and ensure affordability.
- Base Registration Fee – $85
- Full-Day Field Trips – $35
- Half-Day Field Trips – $20
- Workshop(s) – $30
- Friday Reception + Stump the Experts – $45
- Saturday Banquet + Keynote – $55
Registration
Conference registration opens on March 11 at 8:00AM PT and can be accessed through the button below.
Before you register, review the field trip options for each day and rank order your preferences. If you try to register for a field trip that is full, you will be directed to choose another field trip at checkout. The field trips that are full will be in lighter gray typeface. Return to the Field Trip page and select another field trip to complete your registration.
Registering for field trips is a dynamic process. There are a limited number of spots for each field trip. Until you finally check out and pay, you have not reserved your field trips.
The registration button below will go live at 8:00 AM PT on March 11. At that time, when you click on the button below, you will be directed to registration.
Conference Schedule
Get ready to plan your experience—our conference schedule for June 5–8 is here! While minor adjustments may occur, this is your chance to preview the exciting sessions, field trips, and sessions we have in store. Conference Schedule
Field Trips
We’re thrilled to share a glimpse of the exciting field trips being planned for the 2025 Annual Conference. These trips are designed to immerse you in the region’s rich birding and natural beauty. Conference Field Trips
Hotel Accommodations
Be sure to secure your hotel rooms by May 5, 2025. WFO and WOS are pleased to provide negotiated rates at several hotels in Yakima. All options include complimentary breakfast, parking, and WiFi. Hotel Information
Travel Information
Check out this chart with travel information about routes, distances, rental car costs and more from various locations to Yakima.
FAQ
For any questions or concerns, we encourage participants to review the comprehensive FAQ. For further assistance, please feel free to reach out to: conference@westernfieldornithologists.org
Workshop and Keynote Sessions
Learn more about our Friday morning workshop led by Nathan Pieplow and our Saturday evening keynote speaker Yakama Nation wildlife biologist Jeff Kozma. Workshop and Keynote Sessions
Conference Artwork
Jack Delap created this year’s Annual Conference design. This beautiful artwork features the Ferruginous Hawk and the Yellow-breasted Chat in Yakima’s stunning habitat. You can see the artwork images here.
Conference Waiver
Western Field Ornithologists (WFO) and Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) require all participants of the 2025 WFO-WOS Annual Conference to acknowledge and agree to the Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Release. Participants will be asked to check a box during conference registration to indicate their agreement.