Bellingham Bird Week is being hosted by North Cascades Audubon Society and Audubon Washington and is a celebration of the important role Bellingham and Whatcom County play in the journey of millions of migratory birds and the everyday lives of our resident birds. Whatcom County currently boasts 355 species recorded (and counting) according to eBird! In addition to Bellingham’s vital location nestled among the Salish Sea, the growing popularity of planting native plants, restoring riparian habitat, bird-friendly education programs, and the upcoming Audubon Washington sponsored Audubon Council of Washington (ACOW) annual conference of Washington Audubon chapters have led to the creation of Bellingham Bird Week, October 5-11, 2026!

North Cascades Audubon and local community partners are creating a week of in-person events centered on celebrating our region’s birds – from birding field trips to bird trivia, documentary films to author talks, Edson Hall of Birds drawing sessions to Bellingham Public Library children’s story time, there's something for all Whatcomtonians to enjoy. Your participation and excitement will help our city continue to be a welcoming home for birds!

More events will be added as they are confirmed!

Monday, October 5th, 7PM
Lyanda Lynn Haupt Author Talk @ Backcountry Essentials

Among the Birds is an enchanting celebration of the Pacific Northwest's birds, brought to life by New York Times-bestselling author and naturalist Lyanda Lynn Haupt. Readers join Haupt on a wandering journey through the region's avian world, drifting intuitively among species, much like you encounter birds on a neighborhood amble, forest trail, or windy shoreline. More than 70 feathered residents and seasonal visitors make an appearance, connected through experience, memory, and the serendipity of dailylife outdoors.

Lyanda Lynn Haupt is an award-winning author, naturalist, ecophilosopher, and speaker whose work explores the beautiful, complicated connections between humans and the wild, natural world.

Tuesday, October 6th, 5PM - 6PM
Family Birding on the Beach Cat Brewing South Paw Deck

Come out with the family at look at birds on the water while enjoying a refreshing brew! North Cascades Audubon Society will set up scopes on the deck and have binoculars available for folks to get a closer look at the avian world and learn what kinds of birds use habitat along Bellingham’s waterfront.

Tuesday, October 6th, 6PM - 8PM
Bird Drawing Session @ John M. Edson Hall of Birds, Whatcom Museum

Join acclaimed artist Vesper Rothberg and fellow NCAS board member Kirsten Anderson as they lead a still life bird drawing session in the John M. Edson Hall of Birds!

Wednesday, October 7th, 5PM - 7PM
BIKE Bellingham x Shifting Gears
Biking & Birding Field Trip

Join Shifting Gears for a group bike ride to test out BIKE Bellingham’s new Bird Bike Route! North Cascades Audubon Society board members will be cruising right alongside you to help with bird ID and expand your connection to the avian world.

The main route is about 18 miles long and will visit a plethora of bird-themed places in town, including spots to birdwatch, murals, sculptures, and a number of bird-themed businesses. There is also a For the Birds Lite route that will be a shorter version about 11-13 miles.

Thursday, October 8th, (time TBA)
Lights Out Texas Documentary with panel discussion @ Whatcom Museum

Join North Cascades Audubon Society and Audubon Washington for a special screening of the Lights Out Texas documentary. Audubon Washington’s Trina Bayard, Director of Bird Conservation will lead a panel discussion to follow the film.

Friday, October 9th, 5:30PM
City of Bellingham Welcome and Official Bird of Bellingham Proclamation
Bellingham Cruise Terminal Dome Room
355 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Details forthcoming!

Friday, October 9th, 6PM
WSACC Meeting & Public Keynote
Bellingham Cruise Terminal Dome Room
355 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

The Washington State Audubon Conservation Council (WSACC) will meet to discuss statewide conservation priorities, resolutions, and advocacy efforts. The evening will conclude with a public keynote address celebrating birds, migration, and conservation.

Saturday, October 10th,
ACOW 2026
Bellingham Cruise Terminal Dome Room
355 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

The 2026 ACOW Saturday program will feature collaborative discussions, strategic breakout sessions, chapter recognition, and opportunities to shape the future of Audubon's conservation work in Washington.

Don't let the name fool you. What began as a formal meeting of the Audubon Council of Washington (ACOW) has evolved into an impactful gathering of chapter leaders, volunteers, and future leaders from across the state. Whether you've been involved for decades or are just beginning your conservation leadership journey, ACOW is a place to connect, learn, and help shape the future of bird conservation in Washington. Register here!

Saturday, October 10th, 6PM - 8PM
Bird Trivia w/ Vesper Rothberg
location TBA

Please join North Cascades Audubon Society and Audubon Council of Washington (ACOW) conference attendees for an evening of bird trivia led by Vesper Rotherberg. As a lifelong birder with a background in biology and fine arts, Rothberg utilizes events like bird trivia, drawing classes, and guided outings to build offline community connection and raise awareness for avian conservation.

Sunday, October 11th, (time TBA)
Queer Birding Field Trip w/ Bird! Bellingham and Shifting Gears
Whatcom Falls Park

Come find your flock with other nature loving queer folks for a birding field trip guided by queer birder and naturalist, Kate Brown.

The Queer Birding field trip is for queer birders of all abilities and experience levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or this is your very first time birding, this is a safe space to be yourself, have fun, and get curious about birds with other nature-loving queer folks! This walk is facilitated by experienced queer naturalist and birder Kate Brown, who has over a decade of experience running birding and nature connection programs for folks of all ages. Bring your coffee, a donut, and anything you need to stay comfortable for the duration of our time outside.

Where to Find Us: We will be meeting in Whatcom Falls Park, using the park entrance with a street address of 1401 Electric Avenue. This entrance is the one directly across from Lafeen's donuts, used to access the tennis court and bike pump-track. We will be meeting at a picnic table in the large lawn across from the tennis court.