Classes
Being a birder and a good steward of wildlife are lifelong endeavors that both require and allow us to continually learn. It is our goal to help you in that process by providing high-quality, fun, and informative classes.
All of our classes are taught by instructors who are highly knowledgeable about the topic, and we are scheduling classes throughout the year so be sure to check back often for our new offerings.
Membership discounts apply to Pilchuck Audubon Chapter members only. If you’re unsure of your membership status please email director@pilchuckaudubon.org to verify before registering, or become a member here.
Upcoming Classes
Sparrows are Inspiring [online]
February 6, 20 & 27
7:00-8:30pm
Instructor: Connie Sidles
If you've been confused, amused, and otherwise disabused of the notion that you'll ever be able to identify all the sparrow species that populate our Northwest habitats, have no worries. Master Birder and nature author Connie Sidles will take you through the 21 regularly occurring sparrow species of Washington State in three classes that will tune you up to know and understand our common residents. As time allows, we'll also cover the rare vagrants that make our eyes pop. With the help of this class, you'll be ready and waiting to ID this challenging but rewarding group of birds.
This class will be recorded and registrants will have access to the recordings until March 20th.
Registration: $35 for PAS members, $45 for non-PAS members
Getting to Know Washington’s Woodpeckers [online]
March 4
7:00-8:30pm
Instructor: Jeff Kozma
Jeff Kozma, Wildlife Biologist with the Yakama Nation and lead author of the Birds of the World account for the White-headed Woodpecker, will review key plumage and vocal characteristics needed to identify all 12 of Washington's breeding woodpecker species. Jeff will also discuss habitat and behavioral differences between the species to further aid in identification.
This class will be recorded and registrants will have access to the recordings until March 25th.
Registration: $12 for PAS members, $15 for non-PAS members
From Mountains to Molehills: the Mammals of Washington [online]
May 15 & 22
7:00-9:00pm
Class instructor: Mike Donahue
This class will give an overview of the mammal diversity in the state, emphasizing the species most likely to be seen, their natural history, and where to see them. Mike recommends "A Field Guide to Mammals of North America North of Mexico" by Fiona Reid. (Also available as an app.) Mike grew up in Washington State and has been seeking out mammals as well as birds over the last 45 years. He has done a Washington State mammal big year.
This class will be recorded and registrants will have access to the recordings until June 12th.
Registration: $30 for PAS members, $40 for non-PAS members
The Swallows of Washington: Aerial Harbingers of Spring [online]
June 9
7:00-8:30pm
Instructor: Connie Sidles
For us birders, the true signs of spring aren't early daffodils or crocuses. Our spring ''flowers" are the flocks of swallows returning from the south to grace our skies with their beauty as they speed over lake and field on the hunt for insects. So swiftly do they fly, they seem to almost leave jet contrails in their wake. Washington is home to seven species of these neotropical migrants. Join master birder Connie Sidles in this one-off class as she describes the lives and field marks of these aerial specialists.
This class will be recorded and registrants will have access to the recordings until June 30th.
Registration: $12 for PAS members, $15 for non-PAS members
Winter Waterfowl [online]
October 22 & 29, November 5 & 12
7:00-8:30pm
Instructor: Connie Sidles
Everybody knows a Mallard, right? And Northern Shovelers are those guys with big bills, while Buffleheads are the little black-and-white "rubber duckies.” But do you *really* know your waterfowl, even the so-called easy ones? Can you identify each species by gender, in eclipse, in flight, and by voice? Western Washington is the winter home for more than three dozen different species of swans, geese, and ducks. It’s possible to know them all, in all their guises. Let master birder Connie Sidles take you on a virtual journey through our state’s waterways to discover the ins and outs of our winter waterfowl in four Zoom classes.
This class will be recorded and registrants will have access to the recordings until December 3rd.
Registration: $45 for PAS members, $60 for non-PAS members