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.

Gulls of Washington (online class, optional field trip add-on)

Online class: October 17, 7:00-9:00pm

Optional field trip add-on: October 19, 8:00am-1:00pm (limited to 12 participants)

Instructor: David Droppers

Learning your gulls is like getting your flu shot - you don't want to but you know you should. They are daunting, but they are everywhere, and oh so entertaining. David Droppers will share the keys to identifying adult gulls (sorry, he's not so confident on his immatures, maybe a class in several years), and then, for those intrepid souls, venture out the following weekend to put what we've learned into practice. We will likely cruise from marina to marina, looking for wintering and migrating gulls. David will also share a tool he has developed to make identification a bit more methodical, taking much (but not all) of the pain out of the process. Learn your gulls - can't you hear them? They're laughing at you!

The class will be recorded and registrants will have access to the recording until November 7.

Registration:

Online class: $15 for PAS members, $20 for non-PAS members

Field trip: $25 for PAS members, $35 for non-PAS members

The Raptors Among Us (online class)

November 12, 19, 26, & December 3

7:00-8:30pm

Instructor: Connie Sidles

Few observations in nature delight the soul more than the sight of a hawk or an eagle circling lazily in the sky. But looks can be deceptive. These are working birds, actively hunting for prey to chase down and eat. "Raptor" comes from the Latin word for "seize or plunder," and that is indeed what these magnificent hunters do. Washington is host to 20+ species of vultures, eagles, hawks, and falcons! Come let master birder Connie Sidles show you how to identify them all. Class is designed for advanced-beginner and intermediate birders.

The class will be recorded and registrants will have access to the recordings until December 24.

Registration: $45 for PAS members, $60 for non-PAS members