Registration for Field Trips starting May 19 is open now. Sign up by calling 206-523-4483, Monday through Saturday from 10am - 5pm.
For a PDF of Seattle Audubon field trips (and classes), click here.
For more information about field trips and registration procedures, click here.
Click here for previously-listed field trips (April 21 - May 13) including Birdathon Field Trips that still have space available.
UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS
Saturday, May 19, 2012- Limit 11Central Kittitas Shrub-steppe and Canyons
Leader: Mark Johnston– 253-297-0705
6:30 AM, Issaquah Park & Ride (Tibbetts Lot, 1675 Newport Way NW)
We’ll spend the day birding Yakima and Umtanum Canyons and make a foray into upland shrub-steppe habitat. With spring migration well underway, we expect to encounter a good mix of species typical of the excellent mix of habitats the area offers. Bring a lunch, liquids, and money for a restaurant stop on return. Dress for the weather; scopes helpful. Carpool cost: $55.00, shared equally by riders. Return by late afternoon.
Saturday, May 26, 2012- Limit 7 in 3 vehiclesJoint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and EnvironsLeader: Denis DeSilvis 425-830-98957:00AM, Starbucks on west side of I-5, Exit 119 (I-5 exit #119 Steilacoom-Dupont exit. Turn west/right from exit; turn right at light, and right at next road.)Investigate the diversity of habitats and birds during this visit to a defacto wildlife refuge. Places visited depend on areas that are open due to troop training. May visit areas near JBLM, also. Some walking. Everyone must have either a state or US photo ID to get on base (state driver license preferred to get Range Control pass). Drivers MUST have current proof of insurance, driver license, and vehicle registration (no exceptions allowed at JBLM). Bring lunch and liquids; scopes a plus. Return late afternoon/early evening. Carpool cost: $6.00, shared equally by riders.
Saturday, June 2, 2012- Limit 6 in 2 vehiclesBirding the Tradition Plateau Leaders: Scott Ramos (206-229-2421) & Sue Yates (206-227-6230)6:00AM, Ravenna Park & Ride (north of NE 65th St, under I-5)We'll spend several hours birding the extraordinary mix of habitats at the base of Tiger Mountain near Issaquah. We'll focus on finding birds by their vocalizations and see if we can locate any nesting birds. This is a good time of year for a variety of breeding passerines, including warblers, vireos and flycatchers. We will walk 4-5 miles on mostly flat and moderately steep trails. If time and energy permit, we may also explore the trails at Snoqualmie Point, near Preston. Bring snacks/lunch and adequate fluids. Back mid-afternoon. Drivers need Discover Pass. Carpool cost: $15.00, shared equally by riders.
Sunday, June 3, 2012- Limit 12 in a maximum of 4 vehiclesPeregrine Falcons– The Breeding Season In Urban & Natural SitesLeaders: Martin Muller (206-525-5575) & Ed Deal (206-713-1546) Calls day of trip only.7:00 AM Sharp, Ivar’s Salmon House, 401 NE Northlake Way, Seattle(Under the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge – North end)Join us for a full-day viewing (hopefully successful) Peregrine Falcon breeding pairs and their young. We’ll spend the morning in the Cascades along I-90 and the afternoon in Seattle. This exploration will cover how to view nest sites without disturbing the residents, nest site selection, territorial defense, growth, fledging and dispersal of young. Please dress warmly for standing in one spot, with lots of layers available. Bring a lunch and latte money and a spotting scope too, if possible. Discovery Passes useful. Carpool cost: $30.00, shared equally by riders. Over no later than 4:00PM.
Saturday, June 9, 2012- Limit 11Robinson CanyonLeader: Mark Johnston 253-297-07055:30 AM, Issaquah Park & Ride (Tibbetts Lot, 1675 Newport Way NW)
Located on the east slope of the Cascades, Robinson Canyon is an absolute gem. Its highly diverse habitats provide excellent birding in a wonderful setting. We'll spend approximately 5 hours in the canyon walking up to 5 miles over very uneven ground and including tricky stream crossings. Bring lunch, liquids, and money for a restaurant stop on return. Carpool cost $45.00, shared equally by riders. Back by late afternoon.
Sunday, June 10Protection IslandLeader: George Gerdts10:00 AM, From City Dock in Port TownsendCost: $75.00 (20% donation to SAS for Audubon members)Sign-up: Call Bainbridge Island Parks and Recreation at 206-842-2306 ext.118 Visa and MasterCard charges are accepted. Receipts, directions, and other information will be e-mailed to participants.Cruise in comfort to PROTECTION ISLAND , with George Gerdts as leader/naturalist. The “Glacier Spirit” is a comfortable, diesel-powered yacht. It has a P.A. system which allows announced sightings to be heard from both inside and outside the ship. There is excellent viewing from inside the craft and ample viewing space outside on the front deck.Protection Island is a 400 acre National Wildlife Refuge at the entrance to Discovery Bay. It is a very special place, indeed—over 70% of the marine birds which nest in Puget Sound make Protection Island their breeding ground. Some 6000 pairs of Glaucous-winged Gulls, 22,000 pairs of Rhinoceros Auklets, thousands of Pigeon Guillemots, Double-crested and Pelagic Cormorants, and a few pairs of Black Oystercatchers nest on the island. One of the main attractions is the nesting colony of the outrageous TUFTED PUFFIN—- some 20-30 pairs nest in the bluffs. The concentrations of birds can be truly spectacular. Harbor Seals use the remote and protected site as a major haul-out area. Other marine mammal sightings are also possible. We expect to get good looks at all the nesting birds, plus a Bald Eagle or two, and, of course, great scenery. Cost is $75.00/participant. Audubon members will have 20% of the trip cost ($15.00) donated to SAS.The Glacier Spirit leaves from Port Townsend at 10:00 AM sharp and returns between 1:30 - 2:00 PM.Coffee and snacks will be provided, but bring your own lunch and dress in appropriate layers. The Strait can be very cool, even in JUNE.
Previously-listed Field Trips
Field trips during the April 21 - May 13 timeframe are $15 - $25 and support the 2012 Birdathon fundraiser.
Saturday, April 21, 2012 - Limit 10Columbia Slope, Birder’s Corner, Othello and the PotholesBirdathon Donation: $25Leaders: Gary Kelsberg (206-819-6930) and Jim Owens (206-795-3195)6:00 AM, southwest corner of the Issaquah Transit Center's first floor
During a long day in the field, we'll bird on the Columbia Slope and in the Pot¬holes region with multiple stops, including the Quilomene Wildlife Area and Birder’s Corner. We’ll look for Sandhill Cranes, Black-necked Stilts, Burrowing Owls, and returning waterfowl and shorebirds. Bring appropriate clothing – comfort¬able shoes, adequate layers, and at least a wind breaker. Also bring plenty of snacks, lunch, and money for dinner en route home because we'll be back late evening. Driver will need a Discovery Pass. Carpool Cost: $100 per car shared equally by riders.
Thursday, April 26, 2012 - Limit 8 families per sessionPillings Pond, North SeattleBirdathon Donation: $15 per familyLeader: Shawn Cantrell (206-359-1363 day of trip only)Session 1: 9:30 AMSession 2: 11:00 AMCorner N 90th St and Wallingford Ave N
This trip is ideal for the pre-school set! Toddlers will see and touch real bird skins of local species they may encounter in their neighborhood. The group will then take a short (1 block) walk to see up-close a variety of native and exotic birds that call Pillings Pond home. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes and is led by a knowledgeable naturalist (and parent). Appropriate for ages 3 through 6, accom¬panied by a parent / caregiver.
Friday, April 27, 2012 - Limit 12Union Bay Natural Area, SeattleBirdathon Donation: $15Leader: Adam Sedgley7:00 AM, Center for Urban Horticulture Parking Lot
Join Adam Sedgley, Science Manager, for a pleasant stroll through Union Bay Natural Area (aka Montlake Fill). A variety of habitats can produce a surprisingly plump species list, from migrating passerines in the mature cottonwoods, to singing Savan¬nah Sparrows in the grasslands, to shore¬birds, rails and herons in wetlands, and lingering waterfowl in the open freshwater. An ideal opportunity to tune your ears for the increasing songs of spring! We will walk about 1 mile on flat trails, finishing at about 10:00 AM.
Saturday, April 28, 2012 - Limit 6 (2 cars)King County Big DayBirdathon Donation: $25Leaders: Michael Hobbs and Matt Bartels (425-301-1032 day of trip only)5:30 AM, Marymoor Park near the Clise Mansion
We will start with the sunrise at Marymoor, and then move around the county birding at a fast pace until sunset. Participants should log more than 100 species, but the emphasis is on having fun. Bring food and drink, and dress for weather and fast walking. Contact leaders for info on pre-trip owling. Carpool cost: $40.00 shared equally by riders.
Saturday, April 28, 2012 - Limit 12Discovery Park, SeattleBirdathon Donation: $15Leader: Adam Sedgley7:00 AM, Discovery Park South Parking Lot
Join Adam Sedgley, Science Manager, for a beautiful urban hike through Discovery Park where you will try to find birds in a variety of habitats. We will scour the brambles for finches and sparrows, keep an eye out for soaring hawks, and keep an ear out for woodpeckers. We will also scan the water at West Point and the north beach for any lingering wintering waterfowl or gulls, and hike back up through the decid¬uous and mature conifer forests, keeping our ears and eyes open for creepers, wrens, kinglets, warblers, and tanagers. We will walk about five miles total on mostly wide and flat trails, with some steep, uneven trails down to West Point.
Saturday, April 28, 2012 - Limit 12Magnuson Park, SeattleBirdathon Donation: $15Leader: Jan Bragg (206-234-7196 day of trip only)9:00 AM, small parking lot at the corner of NE 65th St and 62nd Ave NE (Bus #30 or #75)
This will be a half-day trip to see how many bird species, as well as bird nests, we can tally in the park. Be prepared to walk up hill and down, looking and listening for woodland songsters, as well as to walk along the shore¬line to see what ducks are lingering in town. A few migrant songbirds, such as swallows and Savannah Sparrows, should be back. We'll be hoping for a total of 40-50 species. Children accompanied by adult welcome.
Monday, April 30, 2012 - Limit 7 (2 cars)Three Forks Natural AreaBirdathon Donation: $15Leader: Sharon Aagaard (425-891-3460 day of trip only)6:00 AM to noon, Issaquah P&R, Tibbetts Lot (across street from multi-story P&R bldg.)
The Three Forks Natural Area is situ¬ated at the confluence of the Snoqualmie River's three forks, and includes over five miles of diverse riverfront habitat. We’re likely to see mergansers, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, swallows, kinglets, war¬blers, raptors, and, hopefully, a few migrant surprises! This is a walking and birding trip; we’ll walk 3-4 miles. Bring layers, snacks, liquids, binoculars, and waterproof foot wear (it can be VERY muddy). Carpool cost: $8 per car and is divided among passengers (driver does not pay).
Tuesday, May 1, 2012 - Limit 11Whidbey IslandBirdathon Donation: $25Leader: Brian H. Bell (425-485-8058, 206-619-0379 morning of trip only)6:00 AM, NE 145 St. P&R
Whidbey Island is good at any time of year. We will be looking for returning passerines and shorebirds passing through on their way north. We'll also scope out remaining waterfowl and watch for raptors. Scopes will be helpful. Bring lunch, fluids, money for ferry and a Discovery Pass if you have one. Dress for most any weather. We'll return early evening. Carpool cost: $40 shared equally by riders.
Saturday, May 5 - Sunday, May 6 - Limit 7 SPACE STILL AVAILABLETeanaway to Blewett, overnight tripBirdathon Donation: $25Leader: Scott Ramos (206-229-2421)6:00 AM, Ravenna/65th St P&R
We will explore the Teanaway basin from Cle Elum to Esmeralda, as well as side roads in the Blewett area. Migrants will have arrived, including warblers and vireos. We'll look for Lazuli Bunting, woodpeckers and raptors. Camping at the free, rustic Teanaway Campground-- bring your camping gear and supplies. Return Sunday evening. Carpool cost: $48 shared equally by riders.
Saturday, May 5, 2012 - Limit 11 SPACE STILL AVAILABLEUrban Neighborhood walk (Wedgwood neighborhood and Beyond)Birdathon Donation: $15Leader: Matt Mega (206-523-8243 ext 38)10:00 AM, Seattle Audubon Offices
Geared toward beginning birders, this neighborhood walk will explore the con¬nections between birds and urban habitat. We will start in the classroom for a brief discussion about the basics of beginning birding, and then head out to a few key spots in and around Wedgwood. Highlights from previous years include watching Bushtits build their nest, Caspian Terns at Magnuson Park, and the famous Victory Heights Merlin pair. We should end by 2:00 p.m. A few carpool volunteers will be needed for less than 5 miles of driving.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 - Limit 7 (2 cars) SPACE STILL AVAILABLEUmtanum Creek Falls and Wenas CampgroundBirdathon Donation: $25Leader: Sharon Aagaard (425-891-3460 day of trip only)5:30 AM to early evening, Issaquah P&R, Tibbetts Lot (across street from multi-story P&R bldg.)
Birding by car from I-90 Thorp Rd Exit 101, we’ll drive and bird along the farm fields and Umtanum Road, stopping at Umtanum Creek Falls (1-mile walk) and the Wenas Campground (4-mile walk). In addition to raptors, warblers, flycatchers and vireos, we hope to see/hear: White-headed Woodpecker, Long-billed Curlew, Great Horned Owl, nuthatches, bluebirds, and various sparrows. We’ll walk 5+ miles, so this trip is geared for bird¬ers who like to combine walking with birding. Dress in layers, wear comfortable hiking/walking shoes, and bring lots of liquids, lunch and snacks. Carpool cost: $77 per car and is divided among passengers (driver does not pay).
Saturday, May 12, 2012 - Limit 15 (including children) per trip SPACE STILL AVAILABLEFamily-Friendly FUN Walks at Magnuson ParkBirdathon Donation: $5 per person, $15 per 4-person familyLeader: NaturalistsSession 1: 10:30 AMSession 2: 1:00 PMLocation: Walk details will be provided once participants have registered.
Come hone your observation skills, learn why a bird has a bill, act like a raptor, and come get your birding fill. Scavenger hunts and activities galore, will surely make you want to explore some more! Family- Friendly FUN Walks will be led by an experienced naturalist and are appropri¬ate for ages 6 and up. Sign up for either time; each walk is one hour in length. These walks are a part of the Interna¬tional Migratory Bird Day Celebration at Magnuson Park, from 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. There will be plenty of free activities for adults and families. Be sure to stop by before or after the walks!
Saturday May 12, 2012 - Limit 15 SPACE STILL AVAILABLEMagnuson Park, SeattleBirdathon Donation: $50Special Guest Leader: Dennis Paulson8:00 AM, small parking lot at the corner of NE 65th St and 62nd Ave NE (Bus #30 or #75)
Join one of the premier bird experts in the Pacific Northwest on a walk through Magnuson Park looking and listening for Spring migrants. Dr. Paulson is the enormously popular lead instructor for the Master Birder program and will share his insights how to identify local birds in the urban environment as he leads a morning search for avian species.
Sunday, May 13, 2012 - Limit of 14 (four or fewer cars) SPACE STILL AVAILABLESeattle’s Peregrine FalconsBirdathon Donation: $15Leaders: Ed Deal, and Martin Muller (206-525-5575 day of trip only)8:00 AM sharp, across from Ivar’s Salmon House, 401 NE Northlake Way, Seattle (Under the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge). Please park on street, not in Ivar's parking lot.
Join us for a half-day search for the city's Peregrine Falcons. This exploration will likely turn up urban Bald Eagles, and Red-tailed Hawks as well as various ducks, loons and grebes. Please dress warmly for standing in one spot, with lots of layers available; bring latte money and a scope too, if possible. Over at 12:30 p.m.