Pilchuck Audubon Society is a grass-roots environmental organization representing Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington, whose mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems focusing on birds and other wildlife.
Larry Schwitters Receives National Audubon’s William Dutcher Award
Last fall, our very own Larry Schwitters was awarded the National Audubon Society's William Dutcher Award at the national convention in Colorado. At our 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:
Upcoming Classes
Gulls of Washington
Online class: October 17
Optional add-on field trip: October 19
The Raptors Among Us
Online class: November 12, 19, 26 & December 3
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.
From the Blog
March 26, 2024
61 Species
The skies cleared as we approached Skagit County, and we enjoyed a beautiful day of birding along the shores of Skagit Bay and Padilla Bay…
March 19, 2024
58 Species
We traveled across the border to Surrey, B.C. on a beautiful first day of Spring. Along the Boundary Bay dike trail, we…
March 12, 2024
73 Species
Rain in the morning and wind in the afternoon, but it still was a productive day of birding…
February 27, 2024
56 Species
Snow at home did not deter us, and the day’s weather proved surprisingly good…
February 13, 2024
62 Species
We could not have asked for better weather for our winter trip to Port Townsend. Even before departing Edmonds, we saw…
February 6, 2024
63 Species
Early morning fog gave way to sun and an enjoyable day of birding. Starting in the Cedardale area east of I-5, we saw dozens of…
January 30, 2024
75 Species
A dry day an excellent species count for January. Led by Wilma Bayes, we began at Crockett Lake with Greater Scaup…
January 23, 2024
59 Species
Once again, the weather defied a rainy forecast, and we got off to a good start at Little Indian Slough with our first…
January 16, 2024
52 Species
In sub-freezing temperatures, Graham Hutchison led hearty birders around several sites on northern Camano…
Upcoming Events
***Pre-registration through the library required***
Join Jeff Hambleton of the Pilchuck Audubon Society for an introduction to birding.
This walk will focus on building essential skills for beginners. We will spend about 2 hours walking through Big Gulch Park and trail system behind the Mukilteo Library.
Birding will be slow paced, leaving time for discussion of birding and binocular basics, choice of field guides, and birding apps. Bring binoculars if you have them (we won't have any loaners available). No "pishing" or playback of bird vocalizations will be used to attract birds.
Please be prepared with weather-appropriate clothing and footwear, as we will proceed rain or shine. Terrain may be wet, muddy, steep or uneven.
Meet at 7:30 AM at Walmart at 1400 164th St. SW in Lynnwood. Park away from the store. Edmonds riders can drive directly to Union Bay Natural Area (Montlake Fill), 3501 NE 41st St. in Seattle. The itinerary likely will include Montlake Fill, the Arboretum, Magnuson Park, and whatever else we have time for. Spring migration will be under way. Pack a lunch.
Trip Leader: Phil Dickinson, 336-692-3760
This is a half-day trip. We’ll visit two sites in Bothell, the Canyon Park wetlands and Centennial Park. This will be an easy walk. Further details will be provided to registered participants. After you have submitted your 2024 Field Trip Liability Release online, please contact the trip leader, in order to register for the trip.
Trip Leader: Douglas Resnick, dresnick1@comcast.net or 425-776-4811 (landline)
Meet at 7:30 AM at the Quil Ceda Village Walmart lot west of Marysville (I-5 exit 200). Park away from the store, to the east, near Quil Ceda Blvd. (next to I-5). Interesting spring migrants often show up at birding hotspots along the road to Darrington and on the Sauk Prairie, including Mountain Bluebird, Say’s Phoebe, Vesper Sparrow and Chipping Sparrow. Pack a lunch.
Trip Leader: Phil Dickinson, 336-692-3760
May brings grosbeaks, warblers, flycatchers and others to this largely undeveloped 25 acres of riparian forest. As we walk the 1.5 miles of trails there will be lots of breeding behavior to observe. Breeding season is well under way for local birds. Bushtit, woodpecker, hummingbird, and robin nests are often found.
Wallace Swamp Creek Park (19851 73rd Ave NE, Kenmore, WA)
We will meet near the parking lot kiosk.
If you have not submitted a 2024 Field Trip Liability Release, please do so before attending.
Trip Leader: Linda Phillips, 206-291-3663
Meet at 7:00 AM at the Monroe Park & Ride next to the Evergreen Fairgrounds on Hwy. 2. The Audubon wetland in the Snoqualmie River Valley offers an array of spring migrants. Other stops include Tolt-McDonald Park, Sikes Lake and the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. Pack a lunch.
Trip leader: Jeff Hambleton, 425-923-0227
Meet at 6:00 AM at the Monroe Park & Ride next to the Evergreen Fairgrounds on Hwy. 2. Popular destinations on this trip are Sleeping Lady Resort, the National Fish Hatchery and Camas Meadows. Target birds include White-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-breasted Chat and Calliope Hummingbird. Pack a lunch.
Trip leader: Jeff Hambleton, 425-923-0227
If you are interested in attending the Board meeting please contact our Executive Director (director@pilchuckaudubon.org) or current Board President (president@pilchuckaudubon.org) for information on how to attend.
Meet at 7:30 AM at the Snohomish Park and Ride on Avenue D Just off Hwy 9 and Bickford Ave. We will explore the Blackman’s Lake area, Riverview Wildlife Refuge, Snohomish Flats and Ebey Slough. There should still be some ducks and other waterfowl, and increasing numbers of migrant passerines. Pack a lunch.
Trip leaders: Doug Cooper (509-990-7499) and Hans Dunshee
Shop & Earn Donations
For each eligible purchase you make at the companies below, a portion of the sales will be donated to Pilchuck Audubon Society.
Our organization earned a 2022 Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar! Learn more about our organization’s impact through our nonprofit profile.
Cover Photo: Short-eared Owl by Mick Thompson