Monthly Program Meetings
UPDATE: Starting in January 2024, we are offering a hybrid style meeting, with the option to attend either in-person or online via Zoom. We are also changing our meeting night to the 2nd Thursday of each month.
Monthly program meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Snohomish PUD Building in Everett (2320 California Street, Everett, WA 98201) and run from 7:00-8:30pm. Any and all are welcome to these public meetings, regardless of membership.
Upcoming presentations
April 11, 2024 (in-person only)
Snohomish PUD Building, Commission Room
2320 California Street, Everett, WA 98201
Lazuli Bunting by Brian Zinke
Member Photography Showcase & Annual Officer Elections
Monthly Program
Join us in-person for a fun evening of sharing and comradery! Our program will be a narrated slideshow of photos from our chapter members. Come see their splendid photography and hear their stories behind each photo.
Annual Officer Elections
April is also our annual membership meeting where we vote on and elect our new chapter officers. This year we will be voting for the positions of President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Like all elections, this is an important process for our organization and we hope to have as many chapter members present to participate as possible.
We hope to see you there!
Recent presentations
March 14, 2024 (online only)
Wild Stories from the History of Bird Migration Research
Guest speaker: Rebecca Heisman
We've all heard amazing facts about bird migration—the long distances that birds travel, the ways that they navigate, etc. But did you ever wonder how we figured all of this out? While working for the American Ornithological Society, Rebecca Heisman became fascinated with the varied and creative techniques that scientists have used to study bird migration, and this eventually became the basis for her book Flight Paths: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration. In her talk, she'll share some surprising stories from the history of bird migration research and discuss why understanding migration is so crucial for bird conservation.
Rebecca Heisman is an award-winning science writer who lives in Walla Walla, Washington, and has worked with organizations including the Audubon Society, the American Bird Conservancy, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the American Ornithological Society. Flight Paths is her first book.
Pilchuck Audubon is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and we will receive a commission if you order books from our Bookshop.org storefront or click through our link and make a purchase.
February 8, 2024
A Duck Project
Guest Speaker: C.K. Eidem
C.K. Eidem, a regional biologist with Ducks Unlimited, will discuss some waterfowl basics, how conservation is planned, and ongoing local efforts, including a local Ducks Unlimited project.
January 11, 2024
Northern Pintail by Mick Thompson
Marking Waterfowl in Washington: Insights from Banding and Telemetry Projects
Guest Speaker: Kyle Spragens, Waterfowl Section Manager, WDFW
The WDFW Waterfowl Section is responsible for monitoring of waterfowl and other migratory game birds in Washington state to inform conservation and management efforts here in Washington and across the Pacific Flyway. These marking projects are made possible by flyway-level cooperative partnerships. Examples from recent marking projects will be used to highlight the important information that can be learned through these tremendous collaborations and to illustrate some of the amazing stories of migratory connectivity demonstrated by a number of species marked in Washington.
November 10, 2023
Photo by Mick Thompson
Salmon and the American Dipper
Guest Speaker: Dr. Christopher Tonra, Ohio State University
Dr. Christopher Tonra will talk about the influence of salmon and the nutrients they provide on the life history of the American Dipper. His team studied dippers along four streams in areas with and without salmon to determine the impact salmon have on the survival, reproduction, body condition, and behavior of this charismatic species of western streams. In addition, the team explored the impacts that the removal of two dams on the Elwha River had on dippers by sampling birds before and after removal of the Elwha Dam. This work has shown how salmon can have enormous impacts on wildlife populations beyond the water.
October 13, 2023
Photo by M. Hamilton
Great Blue Herons in Urban Environments
Guest speaker: Kurt Licence, WDFW
Learn about great blue herons and other wildlife living in urban landscapes. District Wildlife Biologist Kurt Licence with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will be discussing heron biology, wildlife viewing etiquette, and strategies for living harmoniously with our wild neighbors.
June 9, 2023
Birds and Berries
This program was not recorded
Guest speaker: Peter Zika
Little is known about the interactions between our urban bird life and the numerous fruit-bearing shrubs and trees that brighten up our greenbelts. This talk by Peter Zika examines what species of birds consume the fruits and are necessary to spread the seeds of some of our native species like madrone and bitter cherry. Showy fruits serve to attract a surprising diversity of avians. Yet some of the same birds also gobble down the berries of our worst pests, like ivy and blackberry. Meet some of our feathered friends as they reveal their broad dietary interests. Learn a little about urban seed predators, and puzzle over the mysteries of seed dispersal for snowberry and stinking iris.
Peter is a field biologist from Seattle, investigating and describing new species of plants from western North America. Working at the herbarium of the University of Washington, he is contributing new treatments to the published floras of California, Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest. He teaches wetland plant identification, and conducts biological inventories of National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and Nature Conservancy preserves. An active birder, he has long studied the diet of fruit-eating birds. His interests have led him to the tropics and into polar regions over the last 30 years. Peter has published numerous scientific notes, articles and books; as well as occasional photographs, cards and reviews in the popular press.
May 13, 2023
Blue Heron Slough Restoration Project
Guest Speaker: Jacob Kirschner
In this presentation, learn about the Port of Everett, environmental stewardship, and the Blue Heron Slough – the sites history, the restoration process, and the benefits of the project.
Jacob Kirschner is an Environmental Management Specialist for the Port of Everett.
April 14, 2023
Anna’s Hummingbird by Mick Thompson
Hummingbirds: Masters of the Air
Guest speaker: Connie Sidles
With their ability to hover in place, fly upside-down or backwards, and cross seas without stopping, hummingbirds seem immune to the ordinary laws of physics. Their jewel-tone feathers flash in the sun brighter than rubies or emeralds. Their wings flap faster than the eye can see. Their courtship flights defy gravity. These tiny dynamos of the avian world both fascinate and flummox us. Find out more about one of the fiercest birds in the animal kingdom, as master birder Connie Sidles shows you the wonders of hummingbirds and tells you how to attract them to your garden.
March 10, 2023
Loon entangled in fishing line
Get The Lead Out: Loons, Waterfowl and You
Swan sick from lead poisoning
Hunters and anglers put tens of thousands of tons of lead in our environment annually, and it is estimated that between 10 and 20 million birds and other animals — representing more than 130 species — die each year from lead poisoning. What’s almost worse is that we could get the lead out if we wanted to.
Martha Jordan will present a program on the issue of lead poisoning (toxicosis) in loons, waterfowl and other birds. You will learn about the issues with lead and its toxicity to all life, how it affects our birds, our lands, and even us. Getting the lead out of our shooting sports is now of global interest, including in the United States. You will leave knowing more about the issue and what you can do to help protect our wildlife by Getting the Lead Out.
Thank you to Daniel and Ginger Poleschook, who have devoted decades to loon conservation and getting the lead out of fishing gear where loons reside/breed in Washington State.
February 10, 2023
What is a Raptor Anyways?
Guest Speaker: Thomas Bancroft, PhD
Birders love to look for raptors, and we often talk about these birds. But what are they? Hawks, eagles, and falcons for sure, but what about owls? Some say “vertebrate” eaters with talons, but does that eliminate kites that eat a lot of insects? What about shrikes which seem like ferocious hunters? Lots to think about. Fascinating, too, is how these birds evolved. Recent genetic work shows that it falcons are not very closely related to hawks, eagles, and kites. It turns out that their closest relatives are parrots and passerines rather than those other “raptors.” Then, what do we do with vultures?
We will spend our time exploring what a raptor is, the evolution of these groups, and how convergence to exploit vertebrate prey has molded different evolutionary lines. The science of these birds is rapidly changing, and what was thought in the 1970s when I was in graduate school changed dramatically by the early 2000s and is transforming yet again. You might have noticed when you buy a new bird book that the sequence of families and species changed from earlier versions. We will concentrate on raptors of Western North America but might peek at some from Australia, Africa, Panama, and Brazil. This evening will leave you with much to ponder.
January 13, 2023
Gardening for the Bees (and the Birds)
Guest Speaker: Dave Kollen
Join us for a presentation from the Xerces Society on pollinators and their importance in natural and food systems. Topics will include native bee diversity and natural history, butterfly and moth natural history, threats facing pollinators, and how we can play a role in pollinator conservation.
Dave is a Xerces Society Ambassador and in that role is involved in educational and outreach work. Additionally, he is an Oregon Master Naturalist and Master Melittologist Apprentice. His involvement in community science includes the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas, the California Bumble Bee Atlas, and the Oregon Bee Atlas.
November 11, 2022
Who Are You Calling a Bird Brain?
Guest Speaker: Kim Adelson, PhD
For hundreds of years, birds have been considered stupid and incapable of advanced thought or learning; this is why the phrase “bird brain” is commonly used to denote persons who are dolts or simpletons. But… do birds really deserve this bad rap? Are they truly less intelligent than mammals? THEY ARE NOT! In fact, recent research has consistently demonstrated that some birds have remarkably strong cognitive skills, comparable to monkeys and even apes. Some can form abstract concepts; some display prodigious memories; some make and use tools; and some can make complex inferences. Watch this presentation and you will discover the surprisingly strong mental abilities exhibited by a wide variety of birds.
October 14, 2022
Reconnecting Floodplain to Benefit People, Wildlife, and Salmon – Snohomish River Floodplain Restoration at Bob Heirman Wildlife Park
Guest Speaker: Mike Rustay
The Thomas’ Eddy reach of the Snohomish River is located approximately two miles downstream of the confluence of the Snoqualmie and Skykomish Rivers and at the uppermost extent of tidal influence from Puget Sound. In the 1930’s, 200 acres of floodplain was cut off from the river by the construction of an agricultural levee. When the site was threatened by development in the 1970’s, resident sportsman Bob Heirman and members of the Tulalip Tribes teamed up to protect the property which was ultimately purchased by Snohomish County. The County’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has been working with Park stakeholders to design a project that will restore floodplain connection to create habitat for Endangered Species Act listed salmon while maintaining public access and improving conditions for birds and wildlife. Bob Heirman Park is a favorite of anglers, birders and outdoor enthusiasts and restoration planning at this site presents an opportunity to engage multiple interest groups and foster relationships between conservation-minded organizations. Mike Rustay will present details of the project plan and timeline and describe steps taken by the planning team to incorporate stakeholder ideas and concerns into the project design. Tune in to find out how you can stay informed and get involved!
Mike Rustay is a Senior Habitat Specialist with Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Surface Water Management Division. He is a stream and river ecologist who has worked toward monitoring, protecting, and restoring aquatic habitats in the Puget Sound region since 2000. In addition to his work with Snohomish County, Mike co-founded Beavers Northwest, a non-profit organization that works with landowners to keep beavers on the landscape and promotes the ecological benefits beavers provide.
July 8, 2022
Up In Smoke: How will birds respond to smoke pollution in the age of megafires?
Guest Speaker: Dr. Olivia Sanderfoot
Climate change is driving more frequent and intense wildfires. Around the world, communities and wildlife are increasingly exposed to dangerous levels of smoke pollution — even in places hundreds of miles from the fires. Birds are especially vulnerable to smoke inhalation, yet little is known about how exposure to wildfire smoke impacts birds. In this talk, Dr. Sanderfoot will present an overview of the effects of wildfire smoke on the health and behavior of birds and share findings from ongoing research. Her talk will highlight the value of community science data in addressing these important research questions and demonstrate how your contributions to these programs can advance scientific knowledge and inform conservation.
Dr. Sanderfoot is a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she studies impacts of wildfire smoke on the distribution and movement of birds in the Western U.S. Before moving to Los Angeles, Dr. Sanderfoot conducted her doctoral research in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. Her dissertation explored how wildfire smoke and urban air pollution impacted detection of birds in Washington state. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Dr. Sanderfoot is driven by her passion for environmental policy and conservation, her love for birds, and her strong belief in the Wisconsin Idea, the philosophy that a university’s research should be applied to solve problems and improve the health, well-being, and environment of the community it serves.
June 10, 2022
Of Puffins and Petrels
Guest Speaker: Dr. Peter Hodum
Although Washington is blessed with a rich community of breeding and wintering seabirds, relatively little is known about the ecology and conservation status of many of the species, particularly the burrow-nesters. This relative lack of knowledge extends to iconic species such as the Tufted Puffin, a species listed as Endangered by Washington State. Moving between islands, seascapes and species of the waters of Washington, Peter J. Hodum, Ph.D., shares stories about a collaborative research program focused on improving our understanding of the ecology and conservation status of species such as the Tufted Puffin, Rhinoceros Auklet, Cassin’s Auklet and Leach’s and Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels.
Dr. Hodum is a professor in the Biology Department and the Environmental Policy and Decision-Making Program at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and the Chile Program Director for Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, a conservation nonprofit organization. His research focuses primarily on the conservation and ecology of threatened seabirds and island ecosystems in Chile and Washington State. His work also has a strong focus on community-based conservation, including how communities can be more effectively and authentically involved in conservation.
April 8, 2022
Wildfire, Habitat Recovery, and the Greater Sage Grouse
Guest Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Schuyler
Although wildfire is a natural process in sagebrush ecosystems, fire severity and frequency have changed substantially in recent years. The interaction between fire suppression, certain land-management practices and the invasion of non-native grasses has led to an increase in the frequency of wildfires that has significant impacts on sagebrush-dependent species such as the Greater sage grouse. Grouse are members of the family that includes quail, turkeys, chickens and pheasants.
Dr. Lizz Schuyler of Oregon State University has been studying the effects of a large scale wildfire on Greater sage grouse in the Trout Mountains of Oregon and Nevada. She is a veteran of many field seasons studying how habitat disturbances and climate influence population dynamics of harvestable species such as deer and grouse.
March 11, 2022
Meadowdale Beach Park Estuary Restoration Project (MBPERP)
Guest Speaker: Logan Daniels, with additional information from Scott Markowitz
The MBPERP is located at the northern end of Browns Bay in Puget Sound. Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in collaboration with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad is restoring a 1.3 acre pocket estuary where tidal exchange was eliminated by construction of the railroad along the shoreline of Puget Sound in the 1800’s. Subsequent fill for development in the early to mid-1900’s eventually eliminated this essential fish and wildlife habitat. The project is currently under construction, received nearly $7 million worth of grants and has an anticipated completion date of fall 2022.
Logan Daniels is a Parks Engineer for the Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Scott Markowitz coordinates Pilchuck Audubon’s “Avian Habitat Use Monitoring at the Edmonds Marsh” project just a few miles south of this restoration project. He is a Board member of the Puget Sound Bird Observatory and President of the Tahoma Audubon Chapter.
January 14, 2022
Nesting success and recruitment of Western and Clark’s Grebes in Idaho
Guest Speaker: Anne Yen
Anne will be presenting on the plight of Western and Clark’s Grebes in Idaho. The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) reports a -2.73% yearly decline in Western and Clark’s Grebe abundance between 1966 to 2015 for the Western BBS Region which equates to a 75% decline over those 50 years. Western and Clark’s Grebes face various threats at their breeding and wintering sites. However, no data or past studies are available to assess which of these various threats are indeed responsible for the declines. Moreover, threats to Western and Clark’s Grebe populations may vary regionally and declines may not be attributable to just one causal factor. Western and Clark’s Grebes have declined in Idaho more so than those in other regions. Only 2 large breeding colonies remain active in Idaho and recruitment has been very low. The exact cause(s) of such low recruitment at both locations are unknown and is the focus of our research.
Anne Yen is a Master’s student in Wildlife Sciences at the University of Idaho in Moscow. She was born and raised in suburban Detroit, Michigan and got her B.S. in Resource Ecology from the University of Michigan. Prior to attending the University of Idaho, she spent about 14 field seasons working with various federal and state agencies as well as non-profit organizations across the continental US and the Hawaiian Islands in wildlife monitoring and habitat restoration. Her family lives in King County and she calls Washington State her home state. Anne is also an artist and has a Certificate in Natural Science Illustration from the University of Washington. She also serves as a Graduate Student Mentor with the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program Collaborative at the University of Idaho, a program supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the fish and wildlife fields.
November 12, 2021
Reproductive Ecology of the White-headed Woodpecker in Washington’s Ponderosa Pine Forests
Guest Speaker: Jeff Kozma
In Washington, the White-headed Woodpecker is listed as a species of concern due to its association with old-growth ponderosa pine forests. Although White-headed Woodpeckers have recently been documented inhabiting early to mid-seral managed forests, information is limited regarding their reproductive success and general ecology in these forests. For the last 18 years, Jeff Kozma, a wildlife biologist for the Yakama Nation, has been studying the ecology of White-headed Woodpeckers in managed ponderosa pine forests of the eastern Cascades. Jeff will present highlights from his research including nest-site characteristics, reproductive success, and nestling provisioning (i.e., who feeds the kids and what are they feeding them). He will also present a brief summary of findings from a project conducted by Teresa Lorenz, a graduate student at the University of Idaho, who investigated home range size and habitat use by White-headed Woodpeckers using radio telemetry and also preliminary results from a long-term banding study he has been conducting since 2011 investigating adult longevity. We hope you can make it to learn more about this iconic species of our ponderosa pine forests.
Jeff received his B.S. Degree in Environmental Forest Biology from the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse. He later received his M.S. Degree in Wildlife Science at Texas Tech University where he studied the use of Chihuahuan Desert arroyos and adjacent uplands by migrant and breeding birds in southern New Mexico. After graduating, he began working as a Wildlife Biologist at the Yakima Training Center where he monitored Sage Grouse, did raptor and non-game bird surveys, and was involved with restoration of seeps, springs, and riparian areas. He is currently working as a Wildlife Biologist for the Yakama Nation where he has been studying the reproductive biology of White-headed Woodpeckers and other cavity-nesting birds in managed forests for the last 18 years.
October 8, 2021
Panama’s Cloud Forest – The junction of bird communities
Guest Speaker: Thomas Bancroft, PhD
Are you ready to go off to some exotic place but also see some of your friends? Join the Pilchuck Audubon for a virtual trip to Panama on October 8th. Be immersed in the sounds of Western Panama’s cloud forests as Thomas expertly guides you through layers of gorgeous bird life, exotic flora, and a quick trip through geologic history to understand how the isthmus of Panama has influenced evolution of some of our common North American birds.
The mountains of Western Panama are a mixing pot for birds. Neotropical migrants come to winter or pass through on their travels. Altitudinal migrants move in and out with the seasons, and then there are the permanent residents that make up a complex and diverse component. Central America is an active geological area, and over the last ten million years, the formation of the Isthmus has had a profound influence on the bird communities found throughout North and South America, including those in Washington State. Come learn more about this fascinating place, its influence on the Western Hemisphere, see some of flora and fauna, and listen to sounds from the cloud forest.
Thomas Bancroft is a writer-photographer focused on the natural world. His goal is to capture people’s imagination, hopefully getting them to think about life, nature, and the importance of protecting wild things. Through stories about birds and wild places, he uses his scientific knowledge, photography, and sound recordings to help the reader see nature in a new way, slow down, and ponder the earth. His Ph.D. is in Ornithology, and he was the Vice President of the Research Department at the Wilderness Society and Chief Scientist for National Audubon. He now lives in Seattle Washington where he also serves on the scientific advisory board for Birdnote and chairs the Naturalist Group at the Mountaineers. He teaches nature courses for Eastside Audubon Society, Whidbey Island Audubon, and the Mountaineers.
September 11th at Puget Sound Bird Fest
The Not-So Awkward Auks
Guest Speaker: Maria Mudd-Ruth
Visit the Puget Sound Bird Fest website
The Salish Sea is home to a fascinating family of diving seabirds known as auks, or alcids. Though often described as “awkward” or “clumsy” in field guides, these web-footed birds are amazingly well adapted to life in the air, on land, and especially at sea. Maria will talk about two of her favorite auks—the shy, cryptic, secretive, tree-nesting Marbled Murrelet (the subject of her 2005 book, Rare Bird) and its clownish, extroverted, burrow-nesting cousin, the Pigeon Guillemot (the subject of her next book).
Maria is the author of more than a dozen books on natural history topics for children and adults. She is the author of Rare Bird: Pursuing the Mystery of the Marbled Murrelet, a narrative natural history an endearing and endangered seabird. Her most recent book of non-fiction, A Sideways Look at Cloud, was awarded the Nautilus Silver Medal in 2017. She lives with her husband in Olympia, Washington where she is working on two books--on Pigeon Guillemots and on lake swimming and lake ecology in Washington.
July 9, 2021
Finches of Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, Colville, Washington
Guest Speaker: Michael Munts
Ten species of finches are known to occur on the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge. Although a familiar family to most of us, they are surprisingly varied in size, shape, color and life history. Some species probably show up at just about every bird feeder in Washington, but how well do we really know these familiar birds? I will take an in-depth look at each of the finch species known to occur on the refuge.
I am originally from Sandpoint, Idaho, and have spent most of my life in the Pacific/Inland Northwest. I am the wildlife biologist at the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge.
Prior to the refuge, I worked for the National Park Service for 14 years at Olympic in Washington, Craters of the Moon in Idaho, and Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska. I came to Colville and Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge in 2011. My primary specialty has been nongame birds.
June 11, 2021
Snohomish PUD Natural Resource Protections
Guest speaker: Laura Zorick
The PUD aims to maintain our properties, lines and facilities in the most sustainable way possible. Supporting biodiversity ensures a healthy environment. Whether it’s installing a fish screen at a hydroelectric project, adjusting water temperatures to ensure proper fish development, leaving snags on our properties for birds and critters, or adding reflective materials to our power lines. Each and project we undertake takes into consideration the environmental impact.
May 14, 2021
Measuring the Impact of Military Flights on the Olympic Peninsula Soundscape
Guest Speaker: Lauren Kuehne
Noise is expected in urban settings, but what happens when noise infiltrates rural and wilderness areas, even one of the country's most beloved National Parks? In this talk, environmental scientist Lauren Kuehne shares results of several years' work to measure the extent of noise pollution on the Olympic Peninsula from military training flights by some of the most powerful aircraft in the world. Transition to these aircraft (called Growlers) was completed in 2015 and flights have increased over time, along with complaints from residents and visitors. The US Navy is set to increase the number of flights again in 2021. Ms. Kuehne will discuss results from the monitoring work as well as the broader picture of policy and regulatory processes related to aircraft noise pollution in wilderness (and urban) areas. This work has been covered in the last year by local and regional media outlets, including the Seattle Times, the Tacoma News Tribune, and the Olympian, so this talk is an opportunity to hear about the science directly. Ms. Kuehne will also present on a citizen-science based research project that she is currently part of on the Olympic Peninsula to evaluate the response of indicator birds to different forest management practices.
To learn more about Ms. Kuehne and her work, you can visit her website here: https://laurenkuehne.wordpress.com/
April 9, 2021
Dead Birds Do Tell Tales: A Citizen Science Story
Guest Speaker: Dr. Julia Parrish
Hands-on citizen science offers an opportunity to collect environmental data over stretches of space and time that no research lab could hope to attain on its own. It also offers a unique opportunity for non-academics to connect with the practice of science. The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) is a 21-year-old environmental citizen science project that trains participants to identify what floats in on the tide.
COASST beached seabird data have been used in academic research and resource management, and have empowered thousands of coastal residents to monitor marine ecosystem health. Between 2014 and 2020, COASST documented a series of mass mortality events, collectively accounting for millions of birds, and including a die-off of Rhinoceros Auklets in Puget Sound. Beyond the documentation of mortality events, COASST data suggest that: (1) people are highly motivated to contribute to place-based science; (2) with rigorous training, non-scientists are as good as scientists at data collection; and (3) program participants are hungry for ecosystem knowledge.
Julia K. Parrish is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of the Environment at the University of Washington, where she holds a Lowell A. and Frankie L. Wakefield Professorship in Ocean Fishery Sciences. She is a marine biologist, conservation biologist, and specialist in citizen science.She is the founder and Executive Director of the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team.
March 12, 2021
White Geese of Winter
Guest Speaker: Martha Jordan
Register to Attend (free)
Snow Geese: Many arrive each fall from their breeding grounds on Russia’s Wrangel Island to spend their winter in the Skagit Valley, Washington and Frasier Delta, Canada. In the 1970s this population of snow geese was in trouble and much effort by Russia, Canada and the U.S. was made to be sure they survived. They not only survived, they have thrived. The Wrangel Island population has grown exponentially over the decades and is now a concern to many waterfowl managers, farmers and others throughout the Pacific Flyway as this increase in population creates an ever growing throng of winter birdwatchers who drive an economic boom of ecotourism as well as a serious human-wildlife conflict with farmers and more.
This program will present information on how what we once knew about the lesser snow goose no longer applies. Why are lots of snow geese now in eastern Washington? Learn about migration routes, where are all these snow geese are wintering, how many are there, and the conflicts that rise with their growing numbers.
February 12, 2021
Salmonellosis in Pine Siskins
Guest Speaker: Dr. Ian Cossman, DVM
In the last few months, we have seen a huge irruption of Pine Siskins in northern Washington as they migrate through our neighborhoods. While they have been strongly welcomed by birders, their arrival has been encumbered by an outbreak of salmonellosis. In the past month alone, we have seen at least 68 affected animals at our hospital. Fortunately, birders have the power to reduce infection rates before they ever arrive at our door. Join Dr. Ian Cossman, DVM, Wildlife Veterinarian at PAWS Wildlife Center as he discusses the history of Salmonella (and other) outbreaks in anthropogenically supplemented populations, the ways in which bird feeders impact wild populations, and how you can help to control the current Salmonella outbreak.
Dr. Ian Cossman graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. He completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine at the Veterinary Specialty Center in Seattle, and is currently a veterinary intern through the Partners for Wildlife program taking place at PAWS Wildlife Center. His primary background is in seabird rehab, but he also has completed field studies in Western Pond Turtle populations and has an interest in zoological and companion animal medicine.
January 8, 2021
Special Birds of Mount Rainier
Guest Speaker: Jeff Antonelis-Lapp
To most birders, Mount Rainier National Park is a mecca for subalpine and alpine birds that include Gray Jay, Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Bluebird, and many other species. It’s also home to highly sought-after specialties that include Boreal Owl, White-tailed Ptarmigan, and Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch. But did you know that it and its neighboring watersheds host Northern Spotted Owl, Marbled Murrelet, and Streaked Horned Lark, all protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act? Join Jeff Antonelis-Lapp, Emeritus Faculty at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, as he shares the status of these key species from Tahoma and Its People, his natural history of Mount Rainier National Park book, published this spring by Washington State University Press. Learn more at https://jeffantonelis-lapp.com/.
After graduating from college, Jeff Antonelis-Lapp worked two summers at Mount Rainier National Park, igniting a connection to the mountain that endures today. He has summited the mountain, hiked all of its mapped trails, and completed the 93-mile Wonderland Trail five times.
Jeff began writing Tahoma and Its People after being unable to find a current natural history for a course he planned to teach at The Evergreen State College. He conducted over 250 days of fieldwork for the book, many of them in the company of park archaeologists, biologists, and geologists.
While at Evergreen, he taught Native American Studies, natural history, environmental education, and served as the Library Dean before retiring in 2015.
November 13, 2020
Seattle Merlin Project
Guest Speakers: Ben Vang-Johnson, Kim McCormick
Merlins are small falcons that live and breed in neighborhoods in and around Seattle. In 2013, Ben Vang-Johnson and Kim McCormick launched a research study of Merlins in the greater Seattle metropolitan area. At this event, Ben and Kim will present highlights of their research; including nest site characteristics, behavioral observations, and urban habitat adaptations. For more information, see:
https://urbanraptorconservancy.org/research/seattle-merlin-project/
October 9, 2020
The Dinosaurs Among Us
Guest Speaker: Kim Adelson, PhD
Virtually all paleontologists agree that birds evolved from dinosaurs, and most even go so far as to claim that birds are, in fact, living dinosaurs. Come learn about the remarkable similarities between birds and the creatures they evolved from. We guarantee that you will not only be surprised as to how dinosaur-like birds are, but also how very bird-like dinosaurs were. You will never think about T. rex in the same way again!
Kim Adelson, who is a Board member of the Black Hills Audubon Society, was a professor of psychology for almost 30 years. Before she switched fields so as to better study behavioral evolution, she earned a master’s degree in evolutionary biology. Paleontology has been one of her avocations since she was a child. Kim has previously spoken at Pilchuck about the birds of New Zealand.
September 24, 2020
A Dead Tree’s Excellent Adventure
Guest Speaker: Ken Bevis, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources
What happens when a tree dies in the forest? Follow along as we track the changes in the dead tree, from fresh dead, to hard snag, to soft snag to down log, and all of the life that follows in the decaying wood. The important ecological role of dead trees is explored, particularly by way of habitat use by the many species. In fact, almost 40% of forest wildlife are somehow dependent and tied to dead wood for their survival. That's a lot. Suggestions for management are also included. The presentation is photo rich and might even include a song!
Ken Bevis is the Stewardship Biologist for the Washington Department of Natural Resource’s (DNR) Small Forest Landowner office. Ken is a lifelong hiker, hunter, fisherman, skier, bird watcher and avid naturalist. Originally from Virginia, he has lived in Washington since 1986, and has held a variety of positions in natural resource management including; the Forest Service, Yakama Indian Nation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (15 years) and now, DNR. Ken has a BS in Forestry and Wildlife from Virginia Tech (1979), and a Masters of Biology from Central Washington University (1994), where he studied Cavity Nesting Birds in three eastern Washington forest types. He now helps landowners learn how to manage small private forest lands for wildlife on their property. He makes frequent presentations for workshops, classes and Washington State University Extension programs and is a talented singer/guitar player as well. He continues to be fascinated with dead trees, and works daily on finding humor in everything.
September 18, 2020
Swifts Night In: Vaux’s Happening, 15 million and counting. Where we’ve been and where we’re going
Guest Speaker: Larry Schwitters
For many, the transition from summer to fall is a time for gathering around the old chimney at the Frank Wagner Elementary School in Monroe to watch the dazzling display of migrating Vaux’s Swifts. Each year, thousands of Vaux’s Swifts use the chimney as a roosting stop on their migratory journeys, both north and south.
For several years, we’ve been hosting a Swifts Night Out event, where we have invited the community to gather at the school and observe those magnificent birds filing into the roost. But due to the health concerns of our communities, we’re forgoing an on-site event this year.
Yet, just as the swifts have adapted to use chimneys in place of old growth trees, we too are adapting, and will host the first ever Swifts Night In! This year’s event will be online via Zoom, with a presentation by our beloved swift expert, Larry Schwitters.
Larry will be presenting an update on the Vaux’s Happening project and where he sees it going in the future. At the end of the presentation, we will have a question and answer session where you can ask Larry to impart his vast swift knowledge upon you.
Sunset will be around 7:15pm that night, so we encourage you to tune in to the webcam on the chimney after the presentation to see if you can spot any swifts coming in for the night!
August 14, 2020
Leque Island Estuary Restoration Project
Guest Speaker: Loren Brokaw, WDFW
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Ducks Unlimited, and local contractor Strider Construction completed construction of the Leque Island Estuary Restoration Project in late 2019. After removing the dike surrounding the island on October 14, 2019, the first high tide entered the 250‐acre area of Leque Island for the first time in 135+ years, which marks the beginning of the land transitioning back to an intertidal marsh. Leque Island is owned and managed by WDFW, and is the area you cross as you go over the bridge to Camano Island.
The project is designed to benefit all species that rely on estuary habitat as part of their life cycle, including salmon, shorebirds, waterfowl, and a host of other species. In addition to habitat benefits, there is a new 0.7‐mile‐long elevated walking trail and a non‐motorized boat launch to allow people to continue to enjoy the site. Pilchuck Audubon was a key participant in the stakeholder advisory group that provided input on the project design.
Loren Brokaw is the Restoration Projects Coordinator for WDFW in the North Puget Sound region, which extends from the Washington/Canada border down to just south of Seattle. Loren manages habitat restoration projects on WDFW lands that involve restoration of natural processes to benefit fish, wildlife, and their habitats including a local project at Leque Island. Much of his work involves partnering with local organizations, planning and executing stakeholder outreach plans, and securing grant funding to achieve habitat restoration objectives. Loren was born and raised in Stanwood, and his family has lived in the Stanwood‐Camano area for five generations.
July 10, 2020
2020 Birdathon Summary and Photography Contest Slideshow
Join Executive Director Brian Zinke as he provides a summary of this year’s Birdathon. Brian will recap some of the changes we went through this year to both comply with COVID-19 safety precautions as well as improve the event overall, introduce the teams, and announce the teams with the most species seen and most donations collected.
Additionally, we’ll announce the Top 3 places for the Adult and Youth categories in this year’s Birdathon Photography contest. We’ll then round out the night by finishing up with a slideshow of all the photos entered into this year’s contest. The variety of birds and photographs submitted this year were breathtaking and it’s sure to bring a smile to your face!
Since this will be a pre-recorded video, you won’t need to use Zoom and you don’t have to watch it at normal meeting time. You can watch it at your leisure over the next few weeks.
June 12, 2020
50/50/50 – A Passionate Birding Adventure
Guest Speaker: Blair Bernson
50/50/50 - A Passionate Birding Adventure recounts Blair Bernson’s journey to all of the 50 United States finding 50 bird species on single days in each. Following his passion for birds and people, the journey was undertaken to get a better understanding of the great variety of beliefs, backgrounds, histories and contexts found in our remarkably diverse country which have increasingly and sadly become a basis for an “us” versus “them” conflict. Intersecting with birders in each state, he hoped to find a unifying commonality. The birds and the people surpassed his wildest hopes providing memories for a lifetime, insights into how to bridge our differences and to better appreciate and build upon our great diversity. By the numbers, there were more than 660 species seen in the company of more than 300 people. He has no number for the many lessons learned or stories to tell. His presentation shares many of those birds, people, lessons and stories.