The South Sound Bird Alliance annual picnic was held at Squaxin Park on June 28th. Besides being a wonderful time to connect with fellow Alliance members and enjoy good food, we celebrated the volunteer efforts of two amazing people. Shown above are Lynn Fitz-Hugh and Simon Hamilton, along with their awards.
Lynn was the recipient of the Jack Davis Conservationist of the Year Award to honor for her work with Thurston Climate Action Team, Restoring Earth Connections, Friends of Trees, and advocacy of state forests and promotion of local tree codes. She has been active in conservation issues for decades and it was an honor to thank her for work.
Simon was given the 2026 SSBA Volunteer of the Year Award. His computer and database skills were essential for the successful online election in which Black Hills Audubon was renamed South Sound Bird Alliance. Now Simon is hard at work on the Membership Committee to modernize our membership database. Simon’s special skills are greatly appreciated.
By the way, the after-picnic bird walk folks spotted a Barred Owl and heard its nearby fledglings, following last year’s sighting of two Great Horned Owlets and their parent after the picnic!
Photo by Rachel Holland.
