Olympic Birdfest

Set on Washington State’s North Olympic Peninsula, between the million-acre Olympic National Park and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, this region is renowned for its rich birdlife and diverse habitats, making it one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier birding destinations.

Olympic BirdFest takes place each April, timed perfectly to capture the overlap of wintering birds and spring migration. Species such as Harlequin and Long-tailed Ducks, seabirds, and winter songbirds are still present, while spring arrivals like Rufous Hummingbirds return from Mexico alongside the blooming red-flowering currants.

Expert-led field trips explore some of the region’s most iconic birding locations, including Sequim Bay, Port Angeles Harbor, Dungeness Bay, Ediz Hook, Dungeness Spit, and the Elwha River. Additional outings venture through forests, fields, and prairies to seek out a variety of songbirds. Beyond the field trips, BirdFest offers engaging presentations, workshops, and a Saturday night banquet featuring a special guest speaker and raffle.

Olympic BirdFest is the Dungeness River Nature Center’s largest annual fundraiser brought to you in partnership by the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. This event supports hands on environmental education that inspires the next generation of bird lovers.

Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and dessert at the Dungeness River Nature Center’s Rainshadow Hall, sponsored by Kokopelli Grill. The buffet includes salmon, a vegetarian pasta option, seasonal sides, salad, rolls with butter, and chocolate mousse, followed by an engaging keynote presentation to close out Saturday night at Olympic BirdFest.

This event always sells out so register early to save your seat. Limited to 100.

2026 Saturday Night Banquet Speaker: Maria Mudd Ruth, award winning author of the book The Bird with Flaming Red Feet