BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Washington Ornithological Society - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://wos.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Washington Ornithological Society REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260126T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260126T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012336Z CREATED:20260813T012336Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012336Z UID:4727-1769385600-1769385600@wos.org SUMMARY:Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival DESCRIPTION:The Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival registration is open. The event is May 1 – 3\, 2026 based in Hoquiam\, WA.\nFeatured speakers for 2026 include Robert Steelquist\, Friday Keynote; Allison Anholt\, Saturday Dinner; Dave Slater\, Program Speaker; and John “The Falconer” Prucich\, Program Speaker. \nHere’s a sampling of other activities: \nGuided Field Trips\nFriday: \n *\nBeginner Bird Walk at Bottle Beach State Park (WA State Parks) Free\, details TBD\n *\nSouthern Estuary\, stopping at Tokeland\, Westport\, and Bottle Beach\, Guided by Bruce LaBar & Marcus Roening; Advance Registration Required\, $50 \nSaturday: \n *\nOcean Shores\, $40\, details TBD\n *\nFree Shuttles between Hoquiam Middle School and Grays Harbor NWR \nSunday: \n *\nTokeland\, Grayland\, and Westport $50 Bruce LaBar\, Marcus Roening\n *\nOcean Shores $40 Mary O’Neil\n *\nFree Shuttles between Hoquiam Middle School and Grays Harbor NWR \nJoin us! URL:https://wos.org/event/grays-harbor-shorebird-and-nature-festival/ CATEGORIES:Other Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260203T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260203T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012336Z CREATED:20260813T012336Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012336Z UID:4728-1770076800-1770076800@wos.org SUMMARY:Madison Mayfield on Painting\, Curating and Taxidermying Birds DESCRIPTION:Madison Mayfield on “A Different Kind of Life List: A Career Painting\, Curating & Taxidermying Birds”\nWhat goes on in natural history museums like the one at the Burke? And why have them? \nFilled with far more than just a lot of “stuffed animals\,” these collections are time-capsule libraries of biological diversity\, and an irreplaceable\, verifiable record of life on Earth. \nMadison Mayfield is a museum professional\, educator\, natural history artist and taxidermist as well as a scientific illustrator. She holds a BS in Conservation Biology and a certificate in Natural History Illustration from the University of Washington. For the past 8 years\, she has worked in natural history museums around the world as a preparator\, educator\, outreach director and now is a collections manager at the Burke. Madison is also an artist and scientific illustrator. \nWe’ll learn aboutthe art of taxidermy and why dead birds are more important than ever as Madison takes us along a path from painting birds to sewing up a Cassowary in Australia to banding hummingbirds in Colombia! URL:https://wos.org/event/madison-mayfield-on-painting-curating-and-taxidermying-birds/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260203T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260203T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012342Z CREATED:20260813T012342Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012342Z UID:4729-1770076800-1770076800@wos.org SUMMARY:Brian Zinke on "Lights out for Birds: How Reducing Nighttime Light Saves Migratory Species" DESCRIPTION:Brian Zinke on “Lights out for Birds: How Reducing Nighttime Light Saves Migratory Species”\nEach year\, millions of birds migrate across our region under the cover of darkness. But increasing levels of artificial light at night are disorienting and draw birds into cities where they face fatal collisions with buildings\, windows and other structures. Brian Zinke will explain why birds are vulnerable to nighttime light and introduce the Lights Out initiative\, a growing effort to reduce light pollution during peak bird migration. Learn about successful Lights Out programs\, and practical steps we can take to help our birds navigate the night skies safely. \nBrian trained in Wildlife\, Fisheries\, and Conservation Biology before working for Fish and Wildlife in Wyoming and in Washington. He has served in leadership roles in several wildlife nonprofits. Since November 2019\, Brian has been Executive Director of Pilchuck Audubon. URL:https://wos.org/event/brian-zinke-on-lights-out-for-birds-how-reducing-nighttime-light-saves-migratory-species/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260203T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260203T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012342Z CREATED:20260813T012342Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012342Z UID:4730-1770076800-1770076800@wos.org SUMMARY:Dennis Paulson on "Madagascar\, a Place Like Nowhere Else" DESCRIPTION:Madagascar\, a Place Like Nowhere Else\nCombined Meeting: In-Person at UW Center for Urban Horticulture and via Xoom URL:https://wos.org/event/dennis-paulson-on-madagascar-a-place-like-nowhere-else/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260203T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260203T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012343Z CREATED:20260813T012343Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012343Z UID:4731-1770076800-1770076800@wos.org SUMMARY:Members' Photo Night DESCRIPTION:Members’ Photo Night will take place via Zoom with each\nperson presenting their work (remotely: no in-person meeting). URL:https://wos.org/event/members-photo-night-2/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260917 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260921 DTSTAMP:20260813T014141Z CREATED:20260813T012343Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T014141Z UID:4732-1789603200-1789948799@wos.org SUMMARY:Western Field Ornithologists 50th Annual Conference DESCRIPTION:Celebrate 50 years of WFO’s Annual Conference in 2026 by joining us in Ashland\, Oregon this fall!\nIn partnership with Klamath Bird Observatory and the Oregon Birding Association\, WFO is excited to commemorate this golden milestone in Ashland\, Oregon\, September 17– 20\, 2026. Our planning committee is hard at work organizing expert-led field trips and a full schedule of engaging science sessions\, skills workshops and panels\, and not-to-be missed events like the Sound ID Challenge. \nJaime Stephens\, Director of Conservation at Klamath Bird Observatory\, will deliver the keynote presentation. \nJaime brings together forest ecology\, avian science\, and applied conservation to inform real-world decision-making for birds and habitats of the Pacific Northwest. Her work centers on translating long-term monitoring and ecological research into conservation strategies that are practical\, inclusive\, and grounded in collaboration. She works closely with agencies\, Tribes\, conservation organizations\, and landowners\, to co-produce solutions that benefit birds while addressing land-use and social constraints. \nConference registration is now open and more information is available on the WFO website: 2026 WFO Conference- Ashland URL:https://wos.org/event/western-field-ornithologists-50th-annual-conference/ LOCATION:Ashland Hils Hotel & Suites\, 2525 Ashland St\, Ashland\, OR 97520\, OR\, 97520\, United States CATEGORIES:Other Events ORGANIZER;CN="Sami Hoag":MAILTO:meetings@wos.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261005T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261005T193000 DTSTAMP:20260917T230858Z CREATED:20260813T012343Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T230858Z UID:4733-1791228600-1791228600@wos.org SUMMARY:Jeff Kozma\, Wildlife Biologist\, Yakama Nation will present “Western Bluebirds: Nesting Success in Managed Ponderosa Pine" DESCRIPTION:Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) are brilliant blue songbirds found in a variety of western U.S. habitats.  On the west side of the Cascades\, they historically had relied on mature Garry oak woodlands: because of habitat loss (old oak trees with natural cavities)\, the Western Bluebird is listed as a “Species of Greatest Conservation Need.”  Groups in Washington have been putting up nest boxes for the Western Bluebird for decades.  Did you know that the Western Bluebird is also thriving by using nest cavities in managed ponderosa pine forests? \nOur speaker\, Jeff Kozma moved to Washington in 1996 as biologist for the Army’s Yakima Training Center where he worked on habitat restoration projects and surveys of Sage Grouse\, Bald Eagle and other raptors.  Since 2002 Jeff has worked as a Wildlife Biologist for the Yakama Nation\, where Gray Flycatcher\, White-headed Woodpecker and Western Bluebird are among his most favored subjects of field research and surveys.  \nNote: This meeting will be conducted only via Zoom. Participant sign-in on Zoom begins at 7:15 PM Pacific Time. The meeting will begin at 7:30 PM. \nZoom Details for Attending Remotely \nAt meeting time\, clicking on the hyperlink below will bring participants using computers and laptops directly into the meeting (no pre-registration required\, no waiting room) via Zoom on the web\, or\, if you have previously downloaded the Zoom application (also called “client”)\, using that. \nThose who are new to Zoom: please read the section “Zoom Tips” below for more guidance. \nNote that there currently is no Phone-In Only capability for audio-only participation. \nClick here to join the meeting or paste this link into your browser:\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/88208523279?pwd=b0zWu6q65nFI1b20zan7GAMIPkTMqW.1 \nMeeting ID: 882 0852 3279 \nPasscode: 927516 \nTo keep this meeting secure\, do not share this link\, Meeting ID\, or passcode publicly. \nMeeting Guidelines \nPlease keep your microphone muted and your camera (video) off. You should see a red line through both icons. \nAny questions you have during the meeting may be typed into the Chat box: we will pose them following each speakers’ presentation. \nRecordings of the WOS Monthly Meeting presentations usually can be found online a short time later on WOS’s YouTube Channel and will be retained there permanently. WOS members receive notification when new videos are posted. \nZoom Tips \nBefore joining a Zoom meeting on a computer or mobile device (smartphone or tablet)\, you can download Zoom from their Download Center. Otherwise\, when you click a “join” link\, you will be offered web-based participation or prompted to download and install Zoom. \nIf you are not familiar with Zoom\, check out their “Getting Started” page at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697 \nConsider Joining WOS \nIf you are not a WOS member\, please consider joining today at WOS membership. \nWOS Meetings are free and open to all. They are held the first Monday of each month\, October through June. \nCurrently\, all meetings are available remotely via Zoom. WOS sends members the Zoom link via email a week in advance\, and the link is also provided on this web page before the meeting. URL:https://wos.org/event/jeff-kozma-yakama-nation-wildlife-biologist-on-western-bluebirds/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261011 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261012 DTSTAMP:20261008T211951Z CREATED:20261002T192832Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261008T211951Z UID:4872-1791676800-1791763199@wos.org SUMMARY:The Big Sit! DESCRIPTION:WOS members will be gathering at The Dunes in Discovery Park for this year’s annual Big Sit! While WOS is not organizing the event\, Team South Meadowlarks (comprised of many WOS members)\, will meet at 6am at the Sand Dunes next to the Bluff to begin their Big Sit. It’s free to join us\, and you are welcome to stay for as long as you’d like. Come by and help us spot birds! \nNow I hear you saying… \nWhat exactly IS The Big Sit?! \nThe Big Sit! is a free\, annual\, international birding event open to anyone\, anywhere in the world. All individuals or groups are eligible to participate; just follow The Big Sit! rules and submit your results. The Big Sit! can be as competitive or non-competitive as you would like\, but it is meant to be fun. Some people have called it “a tailgate party for birders.” \nThe Big Sit! takes place over a weekend in early October. Participants can choose to do their Big Sit! on either Saturday or Sunday. The Big Sit! is like a Big Day or a Bird-a-thon. Individuals or teams find as many species as possible in 24 hours. There is one critical difference – all observations must be made from within a circle no more than 17 feet (5.2 meters) in diameter. \nIt’s fun. It’s a challenge. It’s a tradition for teams of birders who look forward to hanging out with old and new friends and finding birds. Many birding organizations make The Big Sit! a fundraiser\, with sponsored teams or with donors pledging a certain amount per species. Whether you are new to birding or birding for years\, The Big Sit! is a great tradition for you! \nHistory of The Big Sit! \nThe Big Sit! was founded in 1992 by fun-loving members of the New Haven (Connecticut) Bird Club. In the early years\, The Big Sit! was held annually on the second Sunday in October. Because some Big Sit! participants were unable to Sit on Sundays\, The Big Sit! now includes the Saturday before the second Sunday. The additional day also allows for flexibility in case of bad weather. \nBird Watcher’s Digest nurtured and parented The Big Sit! from 2001 to 2019 and turned it into a worldwide birding institution. We thank Bird Watcher’s Digest for managing The Big Sit! during those years. URL:https://wos.org/event/the-big-sit/ LOCATION:Discovery Park – The Dunes END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261102T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261102T193000 DTSTAMP:20261010T002555Z CREATED:20260813T012351Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261010T002555Z UID:4734-1793647800-1793647800@wos.org SUMMARY:Haley Olson\, senior resource scientist\, Puget Sound Energy DESCRIPTION:Haley Olson\, Senior Resource Scientist\, Puget Sound Energy\, Avian Protection Program “PSE’s Avian Protection Program: Protecting Birds and Improving Power Reliability.” \nPuget Sound Energy serves 1.2 million electricity and 900\,000 natural gas customers across 10 counties in Washington\, a 6\,000 square-mile service area. Since early 2000\, PSE has endeavored to serve its bird customers as well\, moving osprey nests to safer locations\, installing protective covers and constructing new avian-friendly power lines. Find out how PSE has been working to reduce outages\, bird electrocutions and collisions and fire hazards through the efforts of its Avian Protection Program. \nOur speaker\, Haley Olson has worked on avian protection for PSE for almost 20 years\, striving to reduce negative effects on birds and their habitats related to the electrical utility infrastructure. Through the years\, she has collaborated with industry colleagues as well as wildlife rehabilitators and NGO partners in order to benefit birds throughout PSE’s service area. \nFor information on how to join\, please see our Monthly Meetings page URL:https://wos.org/event/haley-olson-senior-resource-scientist-puget-sound-energy/ LOCATION:Online Only via Zoom CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR