BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Washington Ornithological Society - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Washington Ornithological Society 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:20220313T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20221106T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20230312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20231105T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD 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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251122T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251122T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012331Z CREATED:20260813T012331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012331Z UID:4723-1763769600-1763769600@wos.org SUMMARY:Grant and Lincoln County Highlights with Jon Isacoff DESCRIPTION:Lincoln and Grant County Highlights\nSaturday: 2/21 \nTrip Leader: Jon Isacoff \nLimit: 11 participants \nMeet: 7:00AM\, Wal Mart Parking Lot\, Airway Heights WA (10 minute drive from downtown Spokane) \nDescription: We will bird Reardan ponds (if not frozen)\, Mill Canyon\, Banks Lake\, Steamboat Rock State Park\, and Northrup Canyon State. We will return around 5PM. Prepare for cold weather and bring lunch and drinks. \nTarget Species: Chukar\, Gray Partridge\, Golden Eagle\, Northern Pygmy Owl\, Long-eared Owl\, Short-eared Owl\, Prairie Falcon\, Northern Shrike\, Canyon Wren\, Townsend’s Solitaire\, Bohemian Waxwing\, Redpoll\, Snow Bunting\, American Tree Sparrow. \nOntact Jon to sign up at isacoff@gonzaga.edu URL:https://wos.org/event/grant-and-lincoln-county-highlights-with-jon-isacoff/ CATEGORIES:Field Trips END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251122T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251122T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012331Z CREATED:20260813T012331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012331Z UID:4721-1763769600-1763769600@wos.org SUMMARY:Hansville Area with Penny Rose DESCRIPTION:Gather the last of the winter migrants before they wing away. We will bird hotspots in the Hansville area in Kitsap County\, such as Foulweather Bluff\, Point No Point and pocket parks with hidden treasures. Limit 11 participants\nTiming and logistics provided after registration\nRegister by contacting Penny Rose drongo43@yahoo.com\nPreference given to WOS members. Membership information available at https://wos.org/membership/ URL:https://wos.org/event/hansville-area-with-penny-rose/ CATEGORIES:Filled Field Trips END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251109T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251109T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012331Z CREATED:20260813T012331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012331Z UID:4719-1762646400-1762646400@wos.org SUMMARY:Larry Schwitters: "Vaux’s Swifts: 27 Million and Counting" DESCRIPTION:The tiny\, narrow-winged Vaux’s Swift is found only in the western hemisphere. In the words of Mr. Swift – Schwitters\, our speaker\, “Because of its anatomy\, a swift is unable to perch and so needs a rough\, vertical surface to hook its claws into; it then puts its tail down like a kickstand.” The high-flying lives of these long-distance migrants are largely spent coursing swiftly through the air\, moving along routes that extend from British Columbia\, through the western states and into at least Central America.\nFollowing three decades as a teacher in the public schools\, Larry Schwitters became totally engrossed with the Vaux’s Swift\, and for some 20 consecutive years\, has carefully followed their movements (that’s 36 migrations and documentation of 200 roost sites) and more\, assisted by an ever-expanding legion of observers. \nSince 2019\, Larry has taken the lead in revising Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Birds of the World. on Vaux’s Swift. Birders World magazine covered his work in an article titled\, “46 Minutes of WOW.” Larry is the recipient of the National Audubon Society’s 2023 National Volunteer of the Year Award. We are in for a tour-de-force presentation on these wee birds whose territory ranges from the Yukon to Guatemala! \nGo to WOS’s Monthly Meetings page to access the meeting via Zoom: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/ URL:https://wos.org/event/larry-schwitters-vauxs-swifts-27-million-and-counting/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251109T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251109T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012331Z CREATED:20260813T012331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012331Z UID:4720-1762646400-1762646400@wos.org SUMMARY:Phil Mitchell: "Learning to be a Better Birder in the Age of AI DESCRIPTION:With the suite of AI-powered apps such as Merlin and iNaturalist we are quickly able to identify birds\, plants and animals. We may take online or in-person courses to learn about sparrows\, shorebirds or hawks. But what does it take to actually learn and retain the knowledge that enriches our birding? This talk will be an intro to the science of learning as it applies to becoming a better birder\, along with a survey of the related birding apps.\nPhil Mitchell has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and is a Seattle resident and avid naturalist. He combines academic research on how best to learn with his 20+ years’ experience as a software developer to create learning apps. He is the founder and learning expert for the app “Larkwire” which helps birders learn bird sounds\, visual ID\, and bird topography. URL:https://wos.org/event/phil-mitchell-learning-to-be-a-better-birder-in-the-age-of-ai/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251104T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251104T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012321Z CREATED:20260813T012321Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012321Z UID:4718-1762214400-1762214400@wos.org SUMMARY:Okanogan Highlands and Waterville Plateau with Leader Shep Thorp DESCRIPTION:Join Shep Thorp for winter birding in the Okanogan Highlands and Waterville Plateau. We’ll be staying at the Omak Inn in Omak\, Friday February 13th through Monday February 16th. Our trip will officially start Saturday morning 2/14 at 6:30am at the Omak Inn Foyer and finish Monday afternoon 2/16 at 3:00pm in Waterville. For those wanting to join us on our way over\, we can meet up Friday morning at a mutually agreed time and place (Pioneer Coffee Roasting Company in Cle Elum). We will be birding Fancher Road\, Siwash Creek Road\, Havillah Sno-Park\, Nealy Road Feeders\, Chesaw\, Mary Ann Creek/Fields/Davies Road\, Scotch Creek Wildlife Area\, Happy Hill Road\, Conconully\, Cameron Lake Road\, Washburn Island\, Bridgeport State Park\, Central Ferry Canyon\, Bridgeport Hill Rd-possible\, G and H Roads east of Mansfield\, Heritage Road to Atkins Lake\, Withrow\, the Lamoine wind break and F Road north. Species we hope to see include Sharp-tailed Grouse\, Gray Partridge\, Chukar\, Canvasback\, Redhead\, Rough-legged Hawk\, Golden Eagle\, Northern Goshawk\, Snowy Owl\, Long-eared Owl\, Short-eared Owl\, Northern Saw-whet Owl\, Great Gray Owl\, American Three-toed Woodpecker\, Black-backed Woodpecker\, White-headed Woodpecker\, Prairie Falcon\, Gyrfalcon\, Bohemian Waxwing\, Townsend’s Solitaire\, American Tree Sparrow\, three varieties of Horned Lark\, Lapland Longspur\, Snow Bunting\, Gray-crowned Rosy-finch\, Pine Grosbeak\, Red Crossbill\, White-winged Crossbill\, Common Redpoll\, Cassin’s Finch\, Mountain Chickadee\, Pygmy Nuthatch\, and White-breasted Nuthatch. Please contact Shep Thorp at shepthorp@gmail.com or call 253-370-3742. This will be a 12 person trip with the plan to carpool on trip days (Sat and Sun) where we will have approximately 4 persons per vehicle. Attendees are required to have membership in WOS.org. This trip is currently FULL. Please contact Shep to get on the waitlist if you are still interested in going. URL:https://wos.org/event/okanogan-highlands-and-waterville-plateau-with-leader-shep-thorp/ CATEGORIES:Filled Field Trips END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251020T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251020T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012321Z CREATED:20260813T012321Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012321Z UID:4717-1760918400-1760918400@wos.org SUMMARY:Ashley Martens on Birds of Washington's Old Growth Forests DESCRIPTION:The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday\, November 3\, Ashley Martens will present “Birds of Washington’s Old Growth Forests.” All forest stages have an important ecological role to play. The old-growth stage of a forest is especially important because of its unique make-up\, including trees with hollow cavities and other features critical to bird populations. Multiple canopy layers and berry-producing plants are beneficial for many bird species\, providing food and shelter.\nAshley Martens\, is the Intermountain West Regional Manager of the Old-Growth Forest Network (https://www.oldgrowthforest.net/). Her organization seeks to identify and preserve remnant old growth forests in all US counties through partnerships with private\, tribal\, state and federal entities. Her educational and experiential background in ecology\, wildlife biology\, education\, restoration and mindfulness primed her perfectly for work with the Old-Growth Forest Network. She will discuss the types of old growth forests found in Washington State and key bird species found in them. \nThis meeting will be conducted virtually\, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm\, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link. \nWhen joining the meeting\, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off. \nThis meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters\, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos \nIf you are not yet a member of WOS\, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org URL:https://wos.org/event/ashley-martens-on-birds-of-washingtons-old-growth-forests/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012321Z CREATED:20260813T012321Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012321Z UID:4716-1760486400-1760486400@wos.org SUMMARY:Northern Lincoln County Highlights with Jon Isacoff DESCRIPTION:Northern Lincoln County Highlights with Leader Jon Isacoff\nLimit 12 participants \nWe will bird Reardan ponds\, Mill Canyon\, Davenport area\, and Hawk Creek Canyon. Target species: Surf and White-winged Scoters (there was a Black Scoter observed in Mill Canyon in November 2024!)\, Ruffed Grouse\, Gray Partridge\, Pacific Loon\, Golden Eagle\, Northern Pygmy Owl\, Short-eared Owl\, Prairie Falcon\, Northern Shrike\, Clark’s Nutcracker\, Canyon Wren\, Townsend’s Solitaire\, Bohemian Waxwing\, Pine Grosbeak\, Gray-crowned Rosy Finch\, Snow Bunting\, American Tree Sparrow. \nMeet: 7:00AM\, Wal Mart Parking Lot\, Airway Heights WA (10 minute drive from downtown Spokane) Returning around 5:00pm. \nFor more information or to sign up\, please email isacoff@gonzaga.edu URL:https://wos.org/event/northern-lincoln-county-highlights-with-jon-isacoff/ CATEGORIES:Field Trips END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250916T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250916T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012321Z CREATED:20260813T012321Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012321Z UID:4715-1757980800-1757980800@wos.org SUMMARY:Kersti Muul on "When Science Meets Serendipity" DESCRIPTION:Is our fascination and engagement with wildlife fueled more by familiarity with the individual or the entire species? How about both? Our opening Monthly Meeting of the season explores how one determined wildlife field biologist and a single Bald Eagle’s uniqueness brought a community together\, solved a mystery and ultimately brought the eagle back home. It’s a compelling case for the power of curiosity\, community and hope\, especially meaningful during these challenging times.\nKersti Muul is a wildlife field biologist\, urban conservation specialist and science educator whose work focuses on the intersection of wildlife and urban environments. She is a frequent contributor to local and national media and centers on the impacts of human activity on natural spaces and biodiversity. She also works to empower and educate the community through outreach\, monitoring\, photography and community science projects. Kersti is the founder of Salish Wildlife Watch – dedicated to promoting responsible recreation\, diversity and free access to awe in the outdoors. URL:https://wos.org/event/kersti-muul-on-when-science-meets-serendipity/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250407T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250407T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012321Z CREATED:20260813T012321Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012321Z UID:4714-1743984000-1743984000@wos.org SUMMARY:Wenas Campout DESCRIPTION:You’re invited to attend a celebration of birds\, blooms\, and bugs and the beauty of spring in eastern Washington.\nThe annual Wenas Campout will take place May 30-June 2\, 2025 at the Hazel Wolf Bird Sanctuary at the Wenas Creek (Cascade) Campground (SW of Ellensburg). \n2025 marks the 60th Wenas Campout. This casual and friendly event offers a variety of outdoor exploration\, including birding field trips\, wildflower walks\, field sketching\, children’s activities\, live music\, a special 60th Anniversary Pavilion\, and campfire presentations with guest speakers. All are welcome to this family-friendly event. Come for a day or for a long weekend. \nVisit the Wenas Campout website (www.wenasaudubon.org) for directions\, past field trip descriptions\, and more information about the area. The 2025 field trip list and campfire programs will be announced in April. The campout is free to attend and open to all ages. No reservations or registrations needed; just show up\, set up camp\, and participate in activities. \nInformation on dispersed camping\, activities\, and what to expect are on the website\, wenasaudubon.org\, or follow the group on Facebook for current information. URL:https://wos.org/event/wenas-campout-2/ CATEGORIES:Other Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250326T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250326T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012306Z CREATED:20260813T012306Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012306Z UID:4712-1742947200-1742947200@wos.org SUMMARY:Chris Anderson on Common Loon Management in Washington State DESCRIPTION:May 5\, 2025 Monthly Meeting: Chris Anderson on Common Loon Management in Washington State.\nFactoid: Washington may be the only state in which Common Loons are known to overwinter on both salt and fresh water. The Common Loon (Gavia immer) was known to be a fairly common breeding species both east and west of the Cascades\, but currently is listed in Washington as a “State Sensitive” species. Records indicate that Washington’s Common Loons were nearly eliminated due to sport shooting\, loss of habitat and other factors including lead poisoning. A WDFW survey in the early 1980s found only two nesting pairs. In this presentation\, Chris will describe the framework of cooperative conservation efforts dedicated to management of this species in Washington\, with notes on territorial birds local to King County. \nChris D. Anderson is the District Wildlife Biologist with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for the King Co. area. The district is unique in being the most urban in the state – populated by many species of wildlife and one-third of the humans in Washington. URL:https://wos.org/event/chris-anderson-on-common-loon-management-in-washington-state/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250326T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250326T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012306Z CREATED:20260813T012306Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012306Z UID:4713-1742947200-1742947200@wos.org SUMMARY:Members Photo Night DESCRIPTION: URL:https://wos.org/event/members-photo-night/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250320T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250320T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012306Z CREATED:20260813T012306Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012306Z UID:4711-1742428800-1742428800@wos.org SUMMARY:Kim Marie Thorburn on "Biodiversity Conservation and the Endangered Species Act" DESCRIPTION:Kim Marie Thorburn on Biodiversity Conservation and the Endangered Species Act”\nAt 50 years+\, the Endangered Species Act is considered one of our most successful conservation policies. More than 200 species’ extinctions have been prevented to date: which is 99% of all species listed as endangered. Yet\, as the earth faces the sixth great extinction\, the Act’s imperfections require a shift in the approach to conservation and management with more focus on ecosystems than individual species. In this presentation\, Kim will draw from her experience with wildlife conservation work to discuss contemporary conservation strategies and challenges. \nKim Thorburn is a retired public health physician. Her love of animals and the outdoors dates from her childhood farm life in the Central Valley of California. Upon retirement from medicine\, she turned to these avocations full time. Kim was drawn to birding by way of a class given by the Spokane Audubon Society\, and by a certain Canyon Wren in the Santa Rosa mountains of Nevada. She played an important role volunteering in Washington Fish and Wildlife Department Prairie Grouse recovery efforts\, and served for eight years as a Fish and Wildlife Commissioner. She has served on the Board of WOS as treasurer and for two terms as a director. Kim’s habitat is in Washington’s sagebrush country. URL:https://wos.org/event/kim-marie-thorburn-on-biodiversity-conservation-and-the-endangered-species-act/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250209T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250209T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012306Z CREATED:20260813T012306Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012306Z UID:4710-1739059200-1739059200@wos.org SUMMARY:Matt Farr and Toby Ross: “Counting Seabirds in Puget Sound: How Difficult Could It Be?" DESCRIPTION:Healthy seabird populations are an indicator of a healthy ocean. Unfortunately\, many of our seabird populations are imperiled and in need of conservation action. Among those monitoring seabird species and assessing population trends is the Puget Sound Seabird Survey (PSSS). However\, the collection of data is only the first step toward understanding the underlying ecology of seabird declines. In this presentation\, we explore the underbelly of translating counts of birds to estimates of population trends.\nMatt Farr is a postdoctoral scholar at the U of Washington’s Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. His research has focused on population and community ecology\, with an emphasis on modeling wildlife abundance and dynamics. Matt works with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and WA Department of Fish and Wildlife\, among other entities. \nToby Ross has been dedicated to global conservation efforts for more than 30 years. Locally\, he has held the reins of the Puget Sound Seabird Survey since its inception in 2007. This year he is responsible for training and coordinating 268 volunteers distributed at 157 sites. URL:https://wos.org/event/matt-farr-and-toby-ross-counting-seabirds-in-puget-sound-how-difficult-could-it-be/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250116T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250116T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012306Z CREATED:20260813T012306Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012306Z UID:4709-1736985600-1736985600@wos.org SUMMARY:Cowlitz/Clark County with Leader Randy Hill et al DESCRIPTION:Cowlitz/Clark CountyFriday\, March 7 – Sunday\, March 9\, 2025\nLeaders: Randy Hill\, Russ Koppendrayer\, Tom Tinsley\, Cindy McCormack\, and Jim Danzenbaker \nWe’ll meet around noon on Friday March 7th for Woodland Bottoms\, with an early arrival option to meet in Kalama at 10am. Saturday March 8th is the primary day covering several locations west of I-5 in Clark County beginning around 7am\, and likely including Salmon Creek\, Vancouver Lake\, Shillapoo Lake and other Vancouver Lowlands areas\, and maybe Ridgefield NWR which can be done independently. Sunday March 9th also is optional and could include the Vancouver Waterfront and Columbia River (as far upstream as Steigerwald Lake NWR) and/or (depending on weather\, road conditions and snow levels) higher elevation Yacolt Burn State Forest. Co-leaders include Randy Hill\, Russ Koppendrayer\, Tom Tinsley\, Cindy McCormack\, and Jim Danzenbaker. The usual carpooling\, Federal Access and Discover Passes\, and radios used. Reserve space through me at randy.hill.98642@gmail.com and/or text to 360-975-2573. URL:https://wos.org/event/cowlitz-clark-county-with-leader-randy-hill-et-al/ CATEGORIES:Field Trips END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241212T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241212T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012250Z CREATED:20260813T012250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012250Z UID:4708-1733961600-1733961600@wos.org SUMMARY:Sarah Sloane on Bushtits DESCRIPTION:Sarah Sloane on DNA\, Kinship and Competition: Unraveling the Complex Social Web of Bushtits” The Bushtit is a common nonmigratory species known for its cooperative breeding and intricate social dynamics. In this talk\, Sarah Sloane will share insights\, showcasing a range of fascinating behaviors. These include how young from the previous year assist with nest care\, and variations on mating relationships. Using new DNA evidence\, Dr. Sloane will discuss how these flexible and complex social behaviors provide a deeper understanding of cooperation\, kinship\, and reproductive strategies in this adorable\, common backyard species. \n Dr. Sloane received her PhD from the University of Michigan focusing on the Bushtit in SE Arizona. Inspired by the sociality of Arizonian Bushtit\, she migrated her research to the Pacific Northwest in 2013. Dr. Sloane is author of the Birds of the World chapter on Bushtits\, and is currently Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Maine at Farmington. URL:https://wos.org/event/sarah-sloane-on-bushtits/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241118T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241118T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012250Z CREATED:20260813T012250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012250Z UID:4705-1731888000-1731888000@wos.org SUMMARY:Tom Bancroft on Raptors: Pondering their Evolution and Adaptations DESCRIPTION:WOS Monthly Meeting December 2\, 2024 online only via Zoom\nTom Bancroft on Raptors: Pondering their Evolution and Adaptations \nToday\, we think of raptors as carnivorous birds with hooked beaks and talons\, but that definition has changed in the last 50 years. And not all birds we call raptors fit that description. We will explore this group by asking how\, when\, and where they evolved\, and see how recent genetics have shed new light on bird evolution. Continental drift and climate stop convergence and divergent evolution has given us some fascinating birds. This talk will leave you with much to consider on your next birding expedition. \nThomas Bancroft has been a lifelong birder and naturalist. He holds a Ph.D. in Biology and an M.A. in Zoology from the University of South Florida\, focusing on birds and their conservation. Thomas has served in leadership roles for National Audubon and The Wilderness Society. “Beyond the Wonder: An Ecologist’s View of Wild Alaska” is his recently published book. \nFor information on how to join the Zoom presentation\, go to Monthly Meetings page URL:https://wos.org/event/tom-bancroft-on-raptors-pondering-their-evolution-and-adaptations/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241118T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241118T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012250Z CREATED:20260813T012250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012250Z UID:4707-1731888000-1731888000@wos.org SUMMARY:Josh Morris on THUD: What birders need to know (and do) about window collisions DESCRIPTION:WOS Monthly Meeting Monday\, January 6\, 2024 (Online only via Zoom)\nJosh Morris will speak on THUD: What birders need to know (and do) about window collisions \nGlobally\, billions of birds are killed each year after colliding with windows. Seattle’s built environment contributes to the carnage\, killing up to 80\,000 birds during migration periods alone. The good news is that effective solutions for reducing collision risk are widely available\, but implementation is complicated. Joshua Morris is Urban Conservation Manager at Birds Connect Seattle and leader of the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring Project. The project is a community science initiative that seeks to understand and prevent bird-window collisions. Over the last four years\, 200 volunteers have conducted nearly 5\,000 surveys at more than 150 buildings in the Seattle area. Josh will share everything we need to know about bird-window collisions\, including opportunities to get involved in local community science\, advocacy\, and direct action. URL:https://wos.org/event/josh-morris-on-thud-what-birders-need-to-know-and-do-about-window-collisions/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240829T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240829T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012250Z CREATED:20260813T012250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012250Z UID:4703-1724889600-1724889600@wos.org SUMMARY:Connie Sidles on "Hummingbirds: Masters of the Air” DESCRIPTION:Note: This presentation will not be recorded and thus will not be available for later viewing at the WOS YouTube Channel.\nWith their ability to hover in place\, fly upside-down or backwards\, and cross seas without stopping\, hummingbirds seem immune to the ordinary laws of physics. Their jewel-tone feathers flash in the sun brighter than rubies or emeralds. Their wings flap faster than the eye can see. Their courtship flights defy gravity. These tiny dynamos of the avian world both fascinate and flummox us. Find out more about one of the fiercest birds in the animal kingdom\, as Master Birder Connie Sidles brings us an appreciation of the wonders of hummingbirds\, and tells you how to attract them to your yard. URL:https://wos.org/event/connie-sidles-on-hummingbirds-masters-of-the-air/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240829T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240829T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012250Z CREATED:20260813T012250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012250Z UID:4704-1724889600-1724889600@wos.org SUMMARY:Loma Pendergraft on "Clever\, Curious\, and Charismatic Crows” DESCRIPTION:Loma Pendergraft on “Clever\, Curious\, and Charismatic Crows” \nThe antics of crows\, ravens\, and other Corvids—have captivated our imaginations throughout history. Many of our myths\, legends and stories revolve around the astonishing brainpower these birds possess. But what is fact and what is fiction? Join us while we discuss fun facts about crows\, the capabilities (and limits) of their intelligence\, and the research that scientists at the University of Washington have conducted on these fascinating birds.” Loma Pendergraft earned his Ph.D. studying crow behavior at the University of Washington. He currently works for the UW as an instructor of animal behavior and wildlife science. Visit his website: https://lomapendergraft.com \nGo to the Monthly Meetings page https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/ to connect with the meeting via Zoom. \nThis presentation will be by Zoom only. It will be recorded and also will be available later on WOS’s YouTube Channel for viewing. URL:https://wos.org/event/loma-pendergraft-on-clever-curious-and-charismatic-crows/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240605T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240605T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012250Z CREATED:20260813T012250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012250Z UID:4702-1717545600-1717545600@wos.org SUMMARY:Little Pend Oreille NWR with Leader Dave Kreft DESCRIPTION:LITTLE PEND OREILLE NWR\nWhen: June 15\, 2024 \nLocation: 1310 Bear Creek Road \nColville\, WA 99114-9713 \nLeaders: David Kreft and Refuge Wildlife Biologist Mike Munts \ndkreft052@gmail.com \n509-675-9375. Call or text. \nMeeting at 7:30am at Refuge Headquarters. \nFollowing the Auto Tour route\, side trips to Potter’s Pond\, Bayley Lake and other special locations. White-headed\, Black-backed\, and American Three-toed woodpeckers are targets. The LPO NWR is a hot spot for many breeding species of the western edge of the Rocky Mountains. \nRoom for 12-15 participants. \nContact Dave Kreft with questions or to reserve a spot . \ndkreft052@gmail.com \n509-675-9375. Call or text. URL:https://wos.org/event/little-pend-oreille-nwr-with-leader-dave-kreft/ CATEGORIES:Field Trips END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240406T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240406T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012250Z CREATED:20260813T012250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012250Z UID:4700-1712361600-1712361600@wos.org SUMMARY:Dennis Paulson -- In person and by Zoom DESCRIPTION:The May 6\, 2024 meeting will be both an in-person meeting at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture and available over Zoom. Stay tuned for more information. URL:https://wos.org/event/dennis-paulson-in-person-and-by-zoom/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240406T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240406T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012250Z CREATED:20260813T012250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012250Z UID:4701-1712361600-1712361600@wos.org SUMMARY:Member Photo Night DESCRIPTION:More information to come. URL:https://wos.org/event/member-photo-night-4/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240302T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240302T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012249Z CREATED:20260813T012249Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012249Z UID:4699-1709337600-1709337600@wos.org SUMMARY:Puget Sound Bird Fest DESCRIPTION:A celebration of birds and nature\, Puget Sound Bird Fest features two days of speakers\, guided walks\, field trips\, exhibits\, andeducational activities for all ages. Most Bird Fest activities are free and open to the public\, with some activities\nrequiring a small fee and/or pre-registration. \nThe Puget Sound Bird Fest was initially held in spring to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. After\ngrowing for several years\, it was moved to fall to avoid competition with other birding festivals around the\nregion. Last year\, festival planners decided to move it back to spring to better coincide with the peak season for\nbird watching. \n“We’re really excited about moving Bird Fest to the spring\,” said Brian Zinke\, Executive Director of the Pilchuck\nAudubon Society\, who has partnered with the City to put on the event since it began. “Spring is a time of\nrejuvenation\, a time when we come out of the doldrums of the long Northwest winter\, and what better way to\ncelebrate that than by welcoming back our splendid migratory birds.” \nThis year’s event will kick off early Saturday morning\, June 1st with guided walks offered by the Pilchuck\nAudubon Society\, followed by a presentation by wildlife biologist Gregory Green at 10am in the Edmonds Plaza\nRoom. \nGreen’s presentation The Ecology of Hummingbirds from Ecuador to Washington will explore the unique\necology of hummingbirds and share the results of his research on the northward expansion of Anna’s\nhummingbirds over the past 75 years. Other presentations will follow throughout the day. \nAlso on Saturday\, families can enjoy a special Bird Fest Family Storytime at the Edmonds Library starting at\n10am\, then head next door to the Kids Corner in the Exhibits Hall in the Frances Anderson Center gym. Booths\nstaffed by representatives from regional conservation organizations\, artists\, scientists\, and select vendors will\nbe open until 4pm. Be sure to stop by the Pilchuck Audubon Society Photo Contest booth to vote for your\nfavorite.Additional field activities will be hosted on Sunday\, June 2nd\, including guided walks\, a boat cruise to Protection\nIsland\, a native plant sale\, and tours of the Edmonds Wildlife Habitat Native Plant Demonstration Garden by the\nEdmonds Stewards. \nBird Fest is located in beautiful downtown Edmonds where guests can enjoy a rich array of shops\, galleries\,\nrestaurants\, cafes and bistros that cater to arts and festivals. Many acclaimed eateries in the center of town and\nalong the beachfront are within easy walking distance of the Bird Fest venue.\nThe Bird Fest Planning Committee is hard at work planning the 2024 event and plans to post the full festival\nschedule by April 15th. For more information visit the Bird Fest website at www.pugetsoundbirdfest.org or\nemail Jennifer.leach@edmondswa.gov. URL:https://wos.org/event/puget-sound-bird-fest-3/ CATEGORIES:Other Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240224T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240224T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012234Z CREATED:20260813T012234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012234Z UID:4698-1708732800-1708732800@wos.org SUMMARY:Wenas Campout DESCRIPTION:You’re invited to attend a celebration of birds\, bats\, butterflies\, botany\, and the beauty of spring in eastern Washington.The annual Wenas Audubon Campout will take place May 31-June 3\, 2024 at the Hazel Wolf Bird Sanctuary at the Wenas Creek (Cascade) Campground (SW of Ellensburg).\nThis casual and friendly gathering offers a variety of outdoor exploration\, including birding field trips\, wildflower walks\, field sketching\, children’s activities\, and campfire presentations with guest speakers. All are welcome to this family-friendly event. Come for a day or for a long weekend.\nThe campout is free to attend and open to all ages. No reservations or registrations needed; just show up\, set up camp\, and participate in activities.\nVisit the Wenas Audubon website (www.wenasaudubon.org) for directions\, past field trip descriptions\, and more information about the area. The 2024 field trip list and campfire program will be announced in May. Follow us on Facebook\, too! We’ll be sharing photos and stories from past years\, as well as tips from Wenas Campout pros to help make your trip a fun and memorable experience. facebook.com/wenasaudubon/ URL:https://wos.org/event/wenas-campout/ CATEGORIES:Other Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240207T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240207T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012234Z CREATED:20260813T012234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012234Z UID:4696-1707264000-1707264000@wos.org SUMMARY:Julia Parrish "What's Washed In: Seabirds and Citizen Science” (COASST) DESCRIPTION:Marine biologist\, conservation biologist and specialist in animal aggregation\, Julia Parrish has conducted research on seabirds for more than 30 years\, focusing on the natural and human-caused factors causing population decline. Julia is Executive Director of the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) housed at the University of Washington.\nFor 25 years\, the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) has organized local citizens to track the patterns of seabird mortality on local beaches. This “citizen science” effort deploys hundreds of participants monthly to collect data on the identity and abundance of beach-cast birds and marine debris. It also provides the opportunity for program participants and partners to learn at multiple scales: from seasonal shifts in the distribution of local species to dramatic changes in the ecosystem. These collected environmental data offer the opportunity to learn about natural history\, over time and space\, something no research lab could hope to attain on its own. URL:https://wos.org/event/julia-parrish-whats-washed-in-seabirds-and-citizen-science-coasst/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240207T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240207T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012234Z CREATED:20260813T012234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012234Z UID:4697-1707264000-1707264000@wos.org SUMMARY:Clark/Cowlitz County Weekend Trip DESCRIPTION:Join trip leader Randy Hill and one or more co-leaders Friday March 8 – Sunday\, March 10 to explore the diversity of Clark County in the transition from late winter to early spring. This trip will concentrate on finding resident\, wintering and early-arriving Vancouver area specialties.\nTarget species include continuing rarities\, early flycatchers\, Red-shouldered Hawk\, diving ducks and other waterfowl\, loons\, grebes\, shorebirds and possibly owls. \nWe will meet at the I-5 Salmon Creek Park-and-Ride off NE 134th Street at 7:15 AM Saturday and explore areas that could include Ridgefield NWR\, Vancouver Lake and lowlands and portions of the Columbia River. Depending on conditions\, a Sunday morning trip along the Vancouver waterfront that may reach as far upstream as Steigerwald Lake NWR\, or an upland forest trip might be added. A Friday afternoon exploration of the Woodland Bottoms and optional morning birding in Kalama with Russ Koppendrayer are additional possibilities. \nIf you have them\, please bring a Federal Access Pass and Discover Pass\, as well as radios to communicate between vehicles. \nFor more information and to sign up\, contact Randy Hill by email at randy.hill.98642@gmail.com\, or at 360-975-2573 (text preferred). \nLimit 12. Sign-ups close on 3/5 and will open to Vancouver Audubon Society members at that date. URL:https://wos.org/event/clark-cowlitz-county-weekend-trip/ CATEGORIES:Field Trips END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240207T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240207T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012234Z CREATED:20260813T012234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012234Z UID:4695-1707264000-1707264000@wos.org SUMMARY:Andy Stepniewski speaking on ""Finding Birds in Eastern Washington: An introduction to the myriad of habitats and their birds\, east of the Cascade Crest”" DESCRIPTION:Andy Stepniewski will speak on “Finding Birds in Eastern Washington: An introduction to the myriad of habitats and their birds\, east of the Cascade Crest”\nJoin Andy Stepniewski on an armchair tour east of the Cascades\, where a diversity of habitats\, elevations and precipitation create a mosaic of vegetation zones. Travel from the crest of the Cascade Mountains to the sun-baked Columbia Plateau to appreciate habitats that provide breeding\, wintering and migration-period habitat for more than 300 species of birds. \nAndy has lived for four decades in the Yakima Valley and is a life-long naturalist. He has a special interest in the American West\, through which he has travelled extensively for the past 50 years. He is a founding member of WOS and takes great pleasure in sharing his love of nature. Andy and his wife Ellen made major contributions to the Birder’s Guide to Washington. URL:https://wos.org/event/andy-stepniewski-speaking-on-finding-birds-in-eastern-washington-an-introduction-to-the-myriad-of-habitats-and-their-birds-east-of-the-cascade-crest/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240131T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240131T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012234Z CREATED:20260813T012234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012234Z UID:4694-1706659200-1706659200@wos.org SUMMARY:Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest DESCRIPTION:The annual Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest promotes conservation through educational and recreational activities about birds\, wildlife\, and their environments. Come bird with us\, discovering the natural beauty and wonders of North Central Washington!\nCelebrate the return of migratory birds in the midst of peak wildflower season. Enjoy the excitement of birding field trips and workshops. Take part in speaker events\, music\, visual arts\, picnics\, and activities for all ages and abilities. All of this is happening in beautiful Leavenworth\, WA and throughout the Wenatchee River Valley. Bird Fest happens in association with World Migratory Bird Day. Bird Fest contributes a list of all birds seen during the festival to eBird\, the world’s largest biodiversity-related community science project. \nFor more information\, check out the website at: https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/bird-fest/ URL:https://wos.org/event/leavenworth-spring-bird-fest/ CATEGORIES:Other Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240114T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240114T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012226Z CREATED:20260813T012226Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012226Z UID:4693-1705190400-1705190400@wos.org SUMMARY:Martha Jordan: Washington’s White Birds of Winter - Swans and Snow Geese DESCRIPTION:Martha Jordan will speak on Washington’s White Birds of Winter – Swans and Snow Geese\nSince the late 1970s\, well-known swan biologist Martha Jordan has contributed enormously to understanding the life history of swans and Snow Geese\, their biology and what influences their distribution across our state and the Pacific flyway. She wrote the state’s first Trumpeter Swan management plan in 1985\, and is a member of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Waterfowl Advisory Group. \nThese birds face a changing landscape in migration and on their wintering grounds\, and are confronted by habitat issues\, avian influenza\, swan lead poisoning and more. Martha will detail these challenges to our White Birds of Winter\, and what is needed to ensure their future. \nConsult the Monthly Meetings page for details on how to view the meeting by Zoom. URL:https://wos.org/event/martha-jordan-washingtons-white-birds-of-winter-swans-and-snow-geese/ CATEGORIES:Monthly Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231215T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231215T000000 DTSTAMP:20260813T012225Z CREATED:20260813T012225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T012225Z UID:4691-1702598400-1702598400@wos.org SUMMARY:FULL: Yakima Area Weekend with Leader Scott Downes DESCRIPTION:THIS TRIP IS FULL. Trip Leader is Scott Downes. The birding will start on Saturday at White Pass and spend the rest of Saturday covering the varied habitats of the east slope of the Cascades where an amazing variety of birds\, including up to 10 species of woodpecker can be encountered! We’ll finish Saturday covering the Wenas Creek drainage before ending in Yakima. Sunday will have an early start to beat the heat and will head into the lower Yakima Valley covering areas like Toppenish NWR\, Sunnyside Wildlife Area and Fort Simcoe. The Lower Yakima Valley is often alive with birds of the marsh during May. The trip will end in early afternoon to allow time for people to travel home and beat at least some of the heat. The weekend trip should be a great exposure to the breeding birds of Yakima County and at least 120 species are expected over the weekend\, likely more. \nParticipants should be prepared with lunch\, water and snacks both days as we’ll be birding on the run. A scope will be helpful if you have it. Drivers should have the Discover Pass and ideally a Northwest Forest Pass. Weather can vary from needing layers at White Pass to bug spray and sunscreen in the Lower Valley. Expect to meet both days in Yakima at dawn or just before.\nTrip will be limited to 9 participants. For questions or to sign up\, contact Scott Downes at downess@charter.net. URL:https://wos.org/event/full-yakima-area-weekend-with-leader-scott-downes/ CATEGORIES:Filled Field Trips END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR