BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//South Sound Bird Alliance - ECPv6.15.15//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://southsoundbirds.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for South Sound Bird Alliance 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:20260423T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260423T203000 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260124T084507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260201T020909Z UID:34463-1776969000-1776976200@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:Western Washington's Spring Shorebirds Part 1 DESCRIPTION:Every April and May\, thousands upon thousands of shorebirds arrive along the Washington Coast during their spring migration. This class will teach you to identify those shorebirds (as well as the resident shorebirds who will be on the beaches at the same time). It is timed to just precede the annual Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival\, which begins May 1st. Specific information as to where the different birds can be found throughout our region will be provided: many of the species have very limited stopover points\, and most prefer a certain type of coastline\, i.e.\, rocky\, sandy\, or muddy. This course should give you the knowledge to move beyond saying\, “Well\, I think it’s a sandpiper of some sort”!   \nDates: The class will have two sessions: Part One of the class will be on April 23rd\, and Part Two of the class will be on April 30th\, each from 6:30-8:30 PM. (Though we may not go quite that long both days.) In addition\, there will be numerous field trip opportunities associated with the Shorebird Festival to put your knowledge to good use! \nCost: Members $40/ Non-Members $50 or ‘Pay-what-you-can’ option \nPay online or send check payable to South Sound Bird Alliance (SSBA) at: SSBA\, P.O. Box 2524\, Olympia\, WA 98507) when registering. \nInstructor:  Kim Adelson \nLocation: Lacey Community Center\, Room A.  \nPhoto credit: Dunlin in Flight\, by Rachel Holland. \n\n\n \n \n Western Washington's Spring Shorebirds Class Registration\n \n \n EmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n PhoneBilling Address \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific\n State\n \n \n ZIP Code\n \n \n Payment(Required)\n \n \n Pay now via Credit Card\n \n \n \n Pay-what-you-can\n \n \n \n Mail in a check\n Pay What You CanEnter in the amount you are able to pay.\n \n Registration Fee\n \n \n For SSBA Members - $40\n \n \n \n For Non Members - $50\n Total\n \n Credit Card\n Members $40/ Non-Members $50 or ‘Pay-what-you-can’.\nMake out Check to SSBA and mail to: \nP.O. Box 2524 \nOlympia 98507\nYou will be fully registered after payment is received. \nCAPTCHA URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/western-washingtons-spring-shorebirds/ LOCATION:Lacey Community Center\, 6729 Pacific Avenue SE\, Lacey\, WA\, 98503\, United States CATEGORIES:Classes & Workshops,Featured Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2.-Western-Washington-Shorebird-Class.png ORGANIZER;CN="South Sound Bird Alliance":MAILTO:4info@southsoundbirds.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260425T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260425T120000 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260328T203246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260419T182348Z UID:35030-1777104000-1777118400@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:West Rocky Prairie Field Trip DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, April 25th\, 2026 \nTime: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. \nCo-leaders: Will Beattie and Drew Walker \nContact: Please contact Drew Walker to register for this trip at: drewjwalker98@gmail.com \nDescription:\nBirding at West Rocky Prairie will begin from the parking lot off 143rd Ave SE; visitors pass through a gate\, then must walk north for 1.0 mile along a two-track road through mixed conifer-deciduous forest and a lovely grove of alder near the end before reaching the prairie. At the beginning of the prairie\, the road splits and forms a large rectangular 2-mile loop that roughly follows the boundaries of the prairie and provides plenty of access for birding. Prairie wildflowers should be starting to bloom around this time. The habitat provides opportunities to see many prairie and oak woodland species such as raptors\, Savannah Sparrows\, Western Bluebirds and other migrant birds.  We should also see a number of other resident birds. This guided walk is appropriate for beginning and intermediate birders. \nOther information:  \nA Discover Pass is required for parking. The parking lot is small and can only accommodate about five cars so please email trip leaders to coordinate parking. There are no restrooms onsite. Don’t forget to watch for native prairie plants while visiting. This walk is not wheel-chair accessible. \nBring: Binoculars\, water\, lunch/snacks\, warm jacket\, camera (optional)\, spotting scope (optional). \nPhoto credit: Savannah Sparrow at West Rocky Prairie by Rachel Holland. URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/west-rocky-prairie-field-trip/ LOCATION:West Rocky Prairie Wildlife Area\, 143rd Avenue Southeast\, Tenino\, WA\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured Event,Field Trips ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/9.png GEO:46.879297;-122.885572 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=West Rocky Prairie Wildlife Area 143rd Avenue Southeast Tenino WA United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=143rd Avenue Southeast:geo:-122.885572,46.879297 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260429 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260430 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260327T193328Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T173629Z UID:34985-1777420800-1777507199@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:ALL-DAY SHOREBIRD FIELD TRIP DESCRIPTION:Leaders: Lin Stern and Miles McEvoy \nLimit 16 people in 4 cars. Contact Lin Stern at lindseysarahstern@gmail.com to register.\nAll day trip to Bottle Beach and Tokeland. This will be a great day for seeing the shorebird migration.\nHundreds\, if not thousands\, of shorebirds will be in breeding plumage. Leaders will have spotting scopes\nto help see the birds. This is a great opportunity to work on shorebird identification. Beginning birders\nwelcome! \nWHEN: Wednesday\, 29 April 2026\, All day\, start at 7 AM\, back in Olympia between 3-6 PM. \nMeet: at 7:00 AM at Mud Bay Park and Ride to arrange carpools. Drive to Tokeland (1.5 hours). Scan\nshorebirds at the marina and Graveyard Spit. Leave Tokeland by 10 AM for Bottle Beach. We will watch\nthe shorebirds come in on the incoming tide at Bottle Beach two hours before the 8.2 feet high water at\n12:49 PM\, and hope for great views of Red Knots\, Short-billed Dowitcher\, Least & Western Sandpipers\,\nand Semipalmated & Black-bellied Plovers.  April at Bottle Beach could also provide gems such as Long-\nbilled Curlew\, Ruddy Turnstones\, and ?? \nAfter Bottle Beach head to Brady’s Oysters and Westport for more shorebirds.\nReturn to Olympia late afternoon. \nBRING:\nBinoculars and spotting scope (if you have one)\,\nLunch\, snacks\, drinks for the day.\nLayered clothing – it can be cool and windy by the water\nShoes/boots that can get muddy at Bottle Beach\nDiscover Pass is required  \nPhoto: Shorebirds at Bottle Beach by Mick Thompson URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/shorebirds-at-bottle-beach/ LOCATION:Bottle Beach\, WA\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured Event,Field Trips ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bootle-beach.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260430T063000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260430T203000 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260129T010150Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T191208Z UID:34529-1777530600-1777581000@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:Western Washington's Spring Shorebirds Part 2 DESCRIPTION:Every April and May\, thousands upon thousands of shorebirds arrive along the Washington Coast during their spring migration. This class will teach you to identify those shorebirds (as well as the resident shorebirds who will be on the beaches at the same time). It is timed to just precede the annual Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival\, which begins May 1st. Specific information as to where the different birds can be found throughout our region will be provided: many of the species have very limited stopover points\, and most prefer a certain type of coastline\, i.e.\, rocky\, sandy\, or muddy. This course should give you the knowledge to move beyond saying\, “Well\, I think it’s a sandpiper of some sort”!   \nDates: The class will have two sessions: Part One of the class will be on April 23rd\, and Part Two of the class will be on April 30th\, each from 6:30-8:30 PM. (Though we may not go quite that long both days.) In addition\, there will be numerous field trip opportunities associated with the Shorebird Festival to put your knowledge to good use! \nInstructor:  Kim Adelson \nLocation: Lacey Community Center\, Room A.  \nCost: Members $40/ Non-Members $50 or ‘Pay-what-you-can’ option \nPay online or send check payable to South Sound Bird Alliance (SSBA) at: SSBA\, P.O. Box 2524\, Olympia\, WA 98507) when registering.  \nPhoto credit: Dunlin in Flight\, by Rachel Hudson. \n  URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/western-washingtons-spring-shorebirds-2/ LOCATION:Lacey Community Center\, 6729 Pacific Avenue SE\, Lacey\, WA\, 98503\, United States CATEGORIES:Classes & Workshops ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2.-Western-Washington-Shorebird-Class.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260430T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260430T203000 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260228T152128Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260228T152128Z UID:34825-1777575600-1777581000@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:Olympia Lecture Series: Water We Up To? The New Science of Washington's Aquatic Reserves DESCRIPTION:Austin Greene leads a team of scientists and technicians working to better understand the unique habitats on eight Aquatic Reserves in Washington and the impacts challenging the future of these ecosystems. In this presentation Austin will highlight some of the new methods being used to study aquatic lands on Reserves including a robotic surface vessel for mapping marine plants\, underwater camera systems\, autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS) and more. Preliminary results from select projects will be presented alongside an overview of upcoming research on Aquatic Reserves and the program’s value as a professional development experience for young scientists. \nTo register for this presentation\, go to the Friends of Salish Sea website:  https://friendsofsalishsea.org/olympia-lecture-series/ \n  URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/olympia-lecture-series-water-we-up-to-the-new-science-of-washingtons-aquatic-reserves/ LOCATION:Lacey Community Center\, 6729 Pacific Avenue SE\, Lacey\, WA\, 98503\, United States CATEGORIES:Other Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/168FE6ED-0CE2-4859-9186-1ECD4A667365-1536x1152-1-e1772292031767.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of Salish Seas":MAILTO:information@friendsofsalishseas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260501 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260504 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260302T210010Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T210034Z UID:34874-1777593600-1777852799@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival DESCRIPTION:Each spring\, hundreds of thousands of shorebirds stop to rest and feed along the Washington Coast and in the Grays Harbor estuary during their migration northward. Coming from as far south as Argentina\, these Arctic-bound shorebirds are among the world’s greatest migrants. Some birds travel over 15\,000 miles round trip! The concentration of birds during spring migration offers people a great chance to view a number of shorebird species. With luck you will also see the birds fly together in beautiful formation “murmurations” while trying to escape a Peregrine Falcon. \nShorebird is the name given to the group of birds that are usually found along the shoreline. They include plovers\, turnstones\, sandpipers\, dowitchers\, and others. Some shorebirds can be found in Grays Harbor County all year; others only during their migration. \nThe shorebird spectacle happens every year at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge and in other parts of the County. People from around the world come to view this event of hemispheric importance. The Festival\, celebrating its 30th year\, works to bring people together for this incredible natural phenomenon. \nRegistration is now open.  See the festival website for details. URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/grays-harbor-shorebird-festival-10/ LOCATION:Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge\, Hoquiam\, WA\, 98550\, United States CATEGORIES:Pacific Northwest Birding Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/dsc01351a-shorebirds-roosting-davehayden-e1772485192481.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260502T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260502T103000 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260328T210544Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T231119Z UID:35044-1777707000-1777717800@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:Birding with Breakfast DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, May 2 \nTime: 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. \nLeaders: Jen DeSelle and Bob Wadsworth \nDescription: Birding at McLane Nature Trail. Walk near the height of migration on trails through woodlands and around a beaver pond. Birding with Breakfast walks are especially appropriate for beginning and intermediate birders. \nMeeting location: Meet at 7:30 a.m. at McLane Nature Trail\, 5043 Delphi Road S.W.\, Olympia. Discover Pass is required. \nBreakfast after walk at Shipwreck Cafe\, 244 Madrona Beach Road Northwest\nOlympia\, WA 98502. \nNo registration needed. URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/birding-with-breakfast-25/ LOCATION:WA CATEGORIES:Birding and Breakfast,Field Trips ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/12.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260506T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260506T120000 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260329T181859Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260419T182343Z UID:35073-1778054400-1778068800@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:Shorebirding at Ocean Shores DESCRIPTION:Shorebirding at Ocean Shores\, WA \n  \nWhen:  \nMay 6\, 2026 \n  \nTrip Leaders:  \nGene Revelas and Miles McEvoy \n  \nDescription:  \nWe will start the morning at Oyhut Wildlife Area\, meeting at the entrance and parking area at Tonquin Ave at 8 AM. A Discover Pass is required to park at Oyhut. From the parking area we will walk to the lagoon. Next\, we will move down the road to the Pt. Brown Jetty. This is a reliable location to observe other shorebirds\, as well as gulls\, and waterfowl. We will plan to wrap up birding by noon. If there is interest among participants to keep birding\, an optional stop at Bill’s Spit and Hoquiam STP will also be on the table.  \n  \nLow tide of 0.1 feet at 10:35 AM. High tide of 7 feet at 5:37 PM.  \n  \nWalking Distance = Approximately 1-3 miles over the course of the morning\, with most distance occurring at Oyhut Wildlife Area.  \n  \nRestrooms: \nThere are portable toilets at Pt. Brown Jetty\, and several locations with public restrooms in Ocean Shores. \n  \nWhat to bring:  \nBinoculars. Water. Comfortable walking shoes. The weather in the Ocean Shores in May is unpredictable so bringing extra layers is strongly recommended. \n  \nDirections:  \nThe meeting location is at the south end of Tonquin Ave SW\, near the southern tip of the Ocean Shores Peninsula. The starting point is 1 hour\, 40 minutes from Olympia. Carpooling encouraged.  \n  \nParking:  \nA Discover Pass is required at the meeting place at the Oyhut Wildlife Area. There is a large pull-out at the Ocean Shores STP. The Pt. Brown Jetty has free public parking.  \n  \nPhoto credit: Black Turnstone at Pt. Brown Jetty\, by Rachel Holland. URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/shorebirding-at-ocean-shores/ LOCATION:Oyhut Wildlife Area\, Ocean Shores\, WA\, 98569\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured Event,Field Trips ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/25.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260508 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260511 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260303T143248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T143248Z UID:34885-1778198400-1778457599@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe DESCRIPTION:Join the Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN) for the 27th annual Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe (GISS)—a community event celebrating the rare and endangered shrub-steppe habitat of Central Washington. \nImmerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Yakima River Canyon! From breathtaking birding field trips to live adult lamprey releases\, you’ll experience the intricate connections between land\, water\, and wildlife. Explore the landscape with expert guides on hikes highlighting wildflowers\, raptors\, geology\, reptiles\, and river ecology\, or visit educational booths featuring live animals and conservation groups from across the state. \n​Pre-registration is required for field trips and lectures/presentations. A $25 per person (or $40 for a family of four or more) registration fee covers all events during the weekend. Anyone can attend the hands-on science booths at YCIC on Saturday from 9am-1pm (no pre-registration required for the science booths). \nEvent Highlights\nFriday: Special field trips and conservation project updates from the region\, an evening social gathering to kick off the weekend with a presentation on Pacific Lamprey re-introduction & live lamprey with members of the Yakama Nation\, or for a few lucky early birds\, an evening Owl & Snake walk or Bat walk!\nSaturday: Expert-led field trips on birding\, snakes\, geology\, wildflowers\, presentations & live animals\, and more!\nLive reptile encounters & hands-on science activities for the whole family\nLamprey releases—witness these ancient boneless fish up close!\nInteractive booths with environmental groups & resources\nSaturday Night: Catered keynote dinner\, “HOW DO WE ‘GET INTIMATE’ WITH NATURE?” with Dr. Dan Beck and featuring food by The Red Pickle (additional ticketed event)\nSunday: Mother’s Day activities including wildflowers\, birding by ear\, and more! URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/get-intimate-with-the-shrub-steppe/ LOCATION:Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center\, 24343 Canyon Road\, Ellensburg\, WA\, 98926\, United States CATEGORIES:Pacific Northwest Birding Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/fbe211_ddd40c4d477e47b4926db3b43c5342f2mv2.avif ORGANIZER;CN="Kittitas Environmental Education Network":MAILTO:kittitasee@ycic.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260509T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260509T103000 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260419T183828Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260419T183828Z UID:35424-1778311800-1778322600@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:Prairie Appreciation Day Bird Walk DESCRIPTION:Saturday May 9 \nWe will meet at the parking area (see directions below) at 7:30 AM.  The walk lasts for 2-3 hours.  The bird walk is a 2-3 mile walk through prairie and oak riparian woodland on gravel roads and dirt/grass trails. You don’t need to sign up in advance\, though we will ask you to sign in when you get there. \nThis is an opportunity to see prairie birds at a preserve which is normally closed to the public.  The prairie habitat affords raptors\, meadowlarks\, Savannah Sparrows\, bluebirds and other migrant birds.  The oak woodland should have flycatchers\, House Wrens and other colorful birds such as warblers\, Black-headed Grosbeaks\, and Western Tanagers.  We should also see a number of other resident birds.  Mid-May is the height of blooming for prairie plants with camas turning the prairie blue. \nPrairie Appreciation Day is celebrated by the Friends of Puget Prairies at Glacial Heritage Preserve\, a South Sound prairie managed by the Center for Natural Lands Management. \nDirections From I-5 \n\nTake exit 95 (Littlerock/Maytown) and head West on Maytown Road toward the town of Littlerock.\nFollow Maytown Rd until you reach the stop sign at Littlerock Elementary. Continue straight onto 128th street and keep driving straight until the ‘T’ at Mima/Waddel Creek Rd.\nAt the ‘T’ take a left and follow Mima Creek Road for 2.7 miles.\nYou will see a tractor precaution sign followed shortly by a gravel road and brown sign marking Glacial Heritage Preserve on the left.\nTake a left onto the unmarked gravel road.\nFollow the road around the corner and through the white gate to the designated grassy parking area on the right.\n\n  \nPhoto: Western Bluebird over Camas\, by Rachel Holland. URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/prairie-appreciation-day-bird-walk-5/ LOCATION:Glacial Heritage Preserve\, 15044 Miima Rd SW\, Olympia\, WA\, 98512\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured Event,Field Trips ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Western-Bluebird-over-Camas.png GEO:46.8280636;-123.0755296 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Glacial Heritage Preserve 15044 Miima Rd SW Olympia WA 98512 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=15044 Miima Rd SW:geo:-123.0755296,46.8280636 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260513T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260513T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260401T215223Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T215223Z UID:35128-1778697000-1778702400@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:Seabirds Live! DESCRIPTION:Discover what seabirds are telling us about changing ocean conditions and the health of the Salish Sea. This free live event combines gorgeous photographs and audio recordings with an on-stage conversation between two leading experts on seabird ecology — author and scientist Eric Wagner and seabird biologist Peter Hodum of the University of Puget Sound. Wagner will also be talking about and signing his new book Seabirds as Sentinels: Auklets\, Puffins\, Shearwaters\, and the View from Destruction Island. Puget Sound Institute managing editor and nature sound recordist Jeff Rice will join as host and moderator. \nEric Wagner will also be speaking at the Sound Sound Bird Alliance program in October. URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/seabirds-live/ LOCATION:Carwein Auditorium\, University of Washington at Tacoma\, 1754 Commerce Street\, Tacoma\, WA\, 98402\, United States CATEGORIES:Other Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Tufted-Puffin-in-Flight.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260514 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260518 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260303T142532Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T142532Z UID:34882-1778716800-1779062399@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest DESCRIPTION: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\, and 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 in partnership with North Central Washington Audubon Society. Bird Fest contributes a list of all birds seen during the festival to eBird\, the world’s largest biodiversity-related community science project. \nJoin us for the 2026 Bird Fest Keynote Address with Neil Paprocki. \nThis is a HYBRID event. You may join us in the Wenatchee River Institute’s Red Barn or livestream virtually. Registration is required for this event. \nSaturday\, May 16\, 7:00pm-8:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm.\nTicket price: $20 for in-person\, or $10 for virtual. \nWings Over Washington: Tracking the Movements of Two Iconic Hawk Species\nJoin us for an exhilarating journey into the skies of Washington state and beyond as we explore the fascinating world of two iconic hawk species: the Red-tailed Hawk and the Rough-legged Hawk. In “Wings Over Washington\,” we’ll delve into their year-round movement ecology\, revealing remarkable insights gained from GPS transmitters placed on the birds themselves. From the vast Arctic tundra to Washington’s diverse landscapes\, discover how these magnificent birds navigate their environments and adapt to seasonal changes via migratory behavior\, all tracked through cutting-edge technology. Hear captivating tales of individual hawks tracked in real-time\, revealing the challenges they face and strategies they employ to survive. Whether you’re a birdwatching enthusiast\, a nature lover\, or simply curious about wildlife\, this talk promises to inspire and inform. Come and experience the thrill of raptor migration as we uncover the secret lives of these incredible hawks! \nNeil Paprocki\, Ph.D.\, is a raptor ecologist whose research focuses on avian movement ecology\, migration\, and the effects of environmental change on birds of prey. He lives in Wenatchee\, WA and is currently a postdoctoral researcher affiliated with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the University of Idaho\, where his work integrates GPS tracking\, long-term monitoring\, and comparative migration theory. Neil has nearly 20 years of experience studying raptors across North America and has published extensively on Rough-legged Hawks\, Red-tailed Hawks\, and other wide-ranging species. He is a passionate public speaker having delivered dozens of engaging talks at national and international public and professional scientific events. \nRegistration for the Keynote\, as well as field trips\, will open on March 25\, 2026. URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/leavenworth-spring-bird-fest-3/ LOCATION:Bird Fest Central-Wenatchee River Institute at Barn Beach Reserve\, Leavenworth\, WA\, United States CATEGORIES:Pacific Northwest Birding Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/evening-grosbeak.jpg-e1772547900810.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Wenachee Firver Institue":MAILTO:See website GEO:47.5962326;-120.6614765 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260515 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260518 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260303T141706Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T141706Z UID:34879-1778803200-1779062399@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:Ladd Marsh Bird Festival DESCRIPTION:Plans are in the works for the 2026 Ladd Marsh Bird Festival. As in past years\, registration for the Festival if free and required so Marsh passports can be provided. Festival registration will open the first week of April 2026\, with registration for fee-based field trips opening the second or third week of April. \nScheduled at the height of spring migration and nesting in the Grande Ronde Valley\, the annual Ladd Marsh Bird Festival celebrates World Migratory Bird Day with an uncrowded\, non-competitive\, and inexpensive birding opportunity for the whole family. \nOregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area is located about 7 miles south of La Grande\, Oregon\, and has one of the the most diverse bird populations in Union County. Over 200 species of birds either visit or live permanently at Ladd Marsh. \nOn Bird Fest weekend\, birders can explore areas of the wildlife area generally closed to the public\, providing increased opportunities to see abundant ducks\, geese\, raptors\, passerines\, and shore birds. \nView the Festival Schedule from 2025 to get an idea of what’s in store in 2026: Bird Festival Schedule (Festival Schedule PDF file). URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/ladd-marsh-bird-festival-5/ LOCATION:Ladd Marsh\, Oregon\, La Grande\, OR\, United States CATEGORIES:Pacific Northwest Birding Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Winter_Pond_and_Mt_Emily-e1772547398693.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of Ladd Marsh":MAILTO:See website GEO:45.3245771;-118.0877188 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260529 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260602 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260308T132509Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260308T132509Z UID:34901-1780012800-1780358399@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:WENAS Campout: Birds\, Blooms\, and Bugs DESCRIPTION:While the Wenas Campout historically took place Memorial Day weekend\, in 2023 the organizing committee shifted this popular event to avoid the increasingly crowded Memorial Day weekend use of the camp area. With this shift\, the area has been quieter and the change allows for a better bird and nature experience. Evening program speakers will be scheduled Friday and Saturday. \nThe organizing committee is hard at work planning the field trips\, guest speakers\, children’s activities\, live music\, and the ever-popular sanitation stations. We hope you’ll join us for the return of this beloved\, all-welcome event celebrating the natural beauty of the Wenas Wildlife Area! \nThe annual campout takes place at The Hazel Wolf Bird Sanctuary at Wenas Creek Campground (SW of Ellensburg). \nThe 2026 schedule will be posted later this spring.  Discover Pass is required to park at the campsite and at trailheads. \nFollow us on Facebook for the most up-to-date information. URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/wenas-campout-birds-blooms-and-bugs/ LOCATION:Wenas Creek Campground\, See website for directions\, WA\, United States CATEGORIES:Pacific Northwest Birding Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pxl_20230604_134057960-e1772976196333.webp GEO:47.7510741;-120.7401386 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Wenas Creek Campground See website for directions WA United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=See website for directions:geo:-120.7401386,47.7510741 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260606 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260608 DTSTAMP:20260423T011011 CREATED:20260303T143822Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T143822Z UID:34888-1780704000-1780876799@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:Puget Sound Bird Fest DESCRIPTION:Festival – Day 1\nSaturday\, June 6\, 2026\n*indicates preregistration required \n7:00-9:30 AM – Meadowdale Beach Watershed Guided Walk for Beginning or Accomplished Birders* \n7:00-9:00 AM – Union Bay Natural Area\, Main Loop Guided Walk* \n7:30-9:30 AM – Edmonds Marsh\, Willow Creek Guided Walk* \n7:30-9:30 AM – Edmonds Waterfront Guided Walk* \n7:30-9:30 AM – Scriber Creek Park Guided Walk* \n8:00-9:30 AM – Richmond Beach Guided Walk* \n8:00-10:00 AM – Southwest County Park Guided Walk* \n8:00-10:00 AM – Accessible-ish Yost Park Guided Walk* \n9:30 AM – Exhibitor area opens \n10:00-11:00 AM – Family storytime at the Edmonds Library \n10:15-11:15 AM – “Understanding Bird Song” presented by David Lukas \n11:30 AM-12:30 PM – “How Sweet It Is: Your love for coffee\, chocolate\, and maple syrup can support bird conservation” presented by Bryony Angell \n1:30-2:30 PM – “The Little Seabird with a Big Purpose: Pigeon Guillemots of Puget Sound” presented by Shannon Boldt \n2:45-3:45 PM – “Bird journalism: Writing about puffins for the Seattle Times” presented by Amanda Zhou \n5:00 PM – Exhibitor area closes for the day \n6:00-7:30 PM – Bird Illustration & Anatomy with Bird Castro at ARTspot \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFestival – Day 2\nSunday\, June 7\, 2026\n*indicates preregistration required \n7:00-10:00 AM – Centennial Trail Guided Walk for Birding by Ear* \n7:30-9:30 AM – Lake Ballinger Guided Walk* \n8:00-10:00 AM – Osprey Park Guided Walk for Beginning Birders* \n8:00-11:00 AM – Juanita Bay Park Guided Walk* \n8:00-11:00 AM – Carkeek Park Guided Walk* \n8:00-12:00 PM – Discovery Park Guided Walk* \n8:30-11:00 AM – Mindful Birding at Union Bay Natural Area* \n9:00-11:00 AM – Native plant sale \n3:00-6:00 PM – Bird cruise with Puget Sound Express* \n6:00-7:30 PM – Bird Illustration & Anatomy with Bird Castro at ARTspot URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/puget-sound-bird-fest-7/ LOCATION:Frances Anderson Center\, 700 Main Street\, Edmonds\, WA\, 98020\, United States CATEGORIES:Pacific Northwest Birding Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitleddesign10-e1772548682787.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Edmonds Department of Parks%2C Recreation%2C and Cultural Activities":MAILTO:Jennifer.leach@edmondswa.gov GEO:47.8101274;-122.3717228 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Frances Anderson Center 700 Main Street Edmonds WA 98020 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=700 Main Street:geo:-122.3717228,47.8101274 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260606 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260607 DTSTAMP:20260423T011012 CREATED:20260303T150021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T150021Z UID:34895-1780704000-1780790399@southsoundbirds.org SUMMARY:Flaming Geyser Nature Festival DESCRIPTION:Join Rainier Audubon Society at one of Washington’s premier state parks\, Flaming Geyser State Park for many exciting activities for the whole family. Free Park Entry Day! Bring a picnic and enjoy guided bird and nature walks\, live hawks & owls\, telescope viewing\, children’s crafts and activities\, birding presentations\, park geology & history\, solar telescope views\, and wildlife conservation. \n  URL:https://southsoundbirds.org/event/flaming-geyser-nature-festival/ LOCATION:Flaming Geyser State Park\, 23700 S.E. Flaming Geyser Road\, Auburn\, WA\, 98092\, United States CATEGORIES:Pacific Northwest Birding Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/50014224378_4a2839b16f_c-e1772549885102.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Rainier Audubon Society":MAILTO:info@rainieraudubon.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR