Pilchuck Audubon Society is a grass-roots environmental organization serving Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington, whose mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems focusing on birds and other wildlife.
Vaux’s Swifts in the Monroe chimney at 9am on Sept 4!
Swifts Night Out in Monroe
September 6, 4:30pm till dusk (~8pm)
Photo by Joachim Bertrands
We’re excited to be hosting the annual Swifts Night Out event in Monroe again on September 6th. From 4:30pm until dusk, nature lovers, community groups, families, and anyone with an interest in the spectacular can enjoy an evening on the lawn to watch the Vaux’s Swifts descend into their evening chimney roost at the school.
Presentation on swifts at 6pm in the auditorium
Larry Schwitters coordinates the monitoring of Vaux’s Swift roosts across the Pacific Flyway, an effort known as Vaux’s Happening. He is the preeminent expert on Vaux’s Swifts, and won the William Dutcher Award from the National Audubon Society in 2023. In his updated presentation, you’ll hear about the history of the Monroe chimney, how the community rallied to save it, and where swift conservation is heading next.
Additionally, while waiting for the swifts to appear around sunset, there will be children’s activities, information tables about swifts, and vendor booths to browse.
Make an evening of it by having dinner at the event!
The 911 Grub food truck will be serving hot dogs, cheeseburgers, loaded nachos, and street tacos during the event.
Pileated Woodpecker by Guy Fleischer, taken during the Edmonds CBC
The Results Are In!
See the results of this year’s Christmas Bird Count!
Larry Schwitters Receives National Audubon’s William Dutcher Award
In 2023, our very own Larry Schwitters was awarded the National Audubon Society's William Dutcher Award at the national convention in Colorado. At our 2024 April monthly program we were honored to present the award to him.
The William Dutcher Award recognizes outstanding Audubon volunteers who exemplify the standard established by William Dutcher, the first chairman of the National Association of Audubon Societies in 1905.
Larry coordinates the monitoring of Vaux’s Swift roosts across the Pacific Flyway, an effort known as Vaux’s Happening. His efforts to conserve this species not just locally in Washington, but all along the west coast is truly admirable. We are incredibly grateful for and proud of the work he does, and could not think of a more deserving person for this prestigious award.
Read more about Larry's contributions and the award:
Brian Zinke (left) presents Larry Schwitters (right) with the William Dutcher Award.
Get Involved
Whether you’re volunteering to lead field trips, participating in community science bird surveys, writing content for our blog and newsletter, teaching an education program, or taking a shift at an outreach event, you are a vital part of the Pilchuck Audubon community.
Every person and every contribution matters. Anyone can be a difference maker. Join our flock and help us protect our local birds, their habitats, and our communities.
Upcoming Events
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For each eligible purchase you make at the companies below, a portion of the sales will be donated to Pilchuck Audubon Society.
Cover Photo: Black Turnstone by Mick Thompson