The Friends of Tennant Lake and Hovander Park invite you to Tennant Lake, near Ferndale, at dawn Feb. 10 to see as many as 300 Trumpeter and Tundra Swans form into small groups, bob their heads simultaneously, then lift off the water for the day’s forage. On a clear day, swans will lift off promptly at sunrise, so plan to join us at 7 a.m.A guest speaker will be on site in the warm Interpretive Center after the swans fly. Refreshments and hot drinks will be served. As in years past, rehabilitated swans healthy enough to be returned to the wild might be released after the presentation.Dress for the weather. Binoculars will be useful. Bring your camera! This event is free, and all ages are welcome. The Friends are supported by the Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation and operate in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Whatcom County Parks.Find us at 5236 Nielsen Ave. just outside Ferndale, Washington. Take the Ferndale exit (west) off of 1-5. Follow the signs to Hovander Park. Instead of a final right turn into Hovander Park, continue straight on Nielsen Road through the gate to Tennant Lake.
Whatcom Land Trust Bird Survey Summary: 2017
Whatcom Land Trust Bird Survey Summary for 2015 and 2016Project DescriptionBird surveys were initiated in 2015 on twelve Whatcom Land Trust (WLT) properties and three Whatcom County Parks & Recreation (WCPR) properties with conservation easements held by WLT. The WLT properties included Bottiger’s Pond, California Creek, Catalyst, Edfro Creek Preserve, Ladies of the Lake, Maple Creek Reach, North Fork Eagle, Port Blakely, Riverstead, Samish River Headwaters, Fenton Tract, and Kelsey. The WCPR properties included Squires Lake Park, Lily Point Marine Park, and Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve. North Cascades Audubon Society (NCAS) recruited 20 birders to work in pairs, surveying their assigned properties three times a year: during spring migration (early May), breeding season (June), and fall migration (September). Surveys were continued in 2016 and will likely continue in 2017 and into the foreseeable future. These surveys will give WLT and NCAS baseline data on bird species and numbers, enabling us to track changes over time and to identify properties with species of significant concern or importance. The data may also support future grant requests and guide decisions about habitat enhancement, especially if critical species are found.ResultsIn 2015 a total of 116 species of birds were observed on the properties surveyed, with 128 species in 2016. 104 species were observed in both 2015 and 2016, 12 species were observed only in 2015, and 16 species only in 2016. The largest number of species and greatest diversity were found at Ladies of the Lake, Riverstead, Samish River Headwaters, Catalyst, Lily Point, and California Creek (see accompanying table). All of these properties have a number of features favorable to birds, including wetlands, expanses of water, flowing water, forests, and openings such as fields. Given that the survey is only two years old, it’s difficult to describe any trends or to point to specific species or properties that deserve special attention. However, a good start would be to look more closely at those properties with the largest number of species and greatest diversity. Another year’s results should allow WLT and NCAS to better understand the data.
| WLT Bird Survey-Summary of Observations by Property 2015 and 2016 | ||||
| # of Species Observed | ||||
| Property | 2015 | 2016 | Most Prevalent Species Seen | Unusual Species or Species of Concern |
| Bottiger's Pond WLT | 34 | 43 | Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, American Robin, Common Yellowthroat, Red-Winged blackbird | Vaux's Swift, Red-Breasted Sapsucker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific Wren, Varied thrush, MacG+E16illivray's Warbler, Black-Throated Gray Warbler, Evening Grosbeak |
| California Creek WLT | 39 | 50 | Wood Duck, Olive-Sided Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, American Crow, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-Crowned Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow | Black Swift, Rufous Hummingbird, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-Sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Red-Eyed Vireo |
| Catalyst WLT | 52 | 55 | Turkey Vulture, Willow Flycatcher, Red-Eyed Vireo, Northern rough-Winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, White-Crowned Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-Headed Grosbeak, Red-Winged Blackbird, American Goldfinch | Turkey Vulture, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-Breasted Sapsucker, American Kestrel, Willow Flycatcher, Red-Eyed Vireo, Savannah Sparrow, Evening Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting |
| Edfro Creek Preserve WLT | 28 | 24 | Common Merganser, Red-Breasted Sapsucker, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Pacific Wren, Swainson's Thrush, Wilson's Warbler, Spotted Towhee | Red-Breasted Sapsucker, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Pacific Wren, Black-Throated Gray Warbler |
| Fenton Tract WLT | 47 | 44 | Wood Duck, Hooded merganser, Black-Capped Chickadee, Chestnut-Backed Chickadee, Pacific Wren, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing | Hooded Merganser, Red-Breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-Sided Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Pacific Wren, Black-Throated Gray Warbler |
| Kelsey WLT | 39 | Western Wood Pewee, Black-Capped Chickadee, Swainson's Thrush, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Black-Headed Grosbeak | Rufous Hummingbird, Willow Flycatcher, Red-Eyed Vireo, Pacific Wren, Yellow Warbler, Savannah Sparrow | |
| Ladies of the Lake WLT | 49 | 72 | Band-Tailed Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-Breasted Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Steller's Jay, Violet-Green Swallow, Black-Capped Chickadee, Pacific Wren, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-Crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, White-Crowned Sparrow, Golden-Crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Western Tanager | Ruffed grouse, Band-Tailed Pigeon, Vaux's Swift, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-Breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Pacific Wren, American Dipper, Orange-Crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Macgillivray's Warbler, Yellow-Breasted Chat, Evening Grosbeak |
| Maple Creek Reach WLT | 46 | 42 | Canada Goose, Red-Breasted Sapsucker, Willow Flycatcher, American Crow, Northern rough-Winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Common Yellowthroat, Red-Winged Blackbird | Ruffed Grouse, Turkey Vulture, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-Breasted Sapsucker, Willow Flycatcher, American Dipper, |
| North Fork Eagle WLT | 34 | 36 | Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Black-Capped Chickadee, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Wilson's Warbler, Black-Headed Grosbeak | Ruffed Grouse, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Macgillivray's Warbler, Evening Grosbeak |
| Lily Point Marine Park | 39 | 51 | Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Glaucous-Winged Gull, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, American Crow, Black-Capped Chickadee, Chestnut-Backed Chickadee, Red-Breasted Nuthatch, Pacific Wren, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Orange-Crowned Warbler, Spotted Towhee, American Goldfinch | Harlequin Duck, Common Loon, Pileated Woodpecker, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Pacific Wren, Hermit Thrush, Black-Throated Gray Warbler, |
| Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve | 33 | 34 | Surf Scoter, Pelagic Cormorant, Black-Capped Chickadee, Chestnut-Backed Chickadee, Pacific Wren, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Black-Headed Grosbeak | Horned Grebe, Olive-Sided Flycatcher, Brown Creeper, Pacific Wren |
| Port Blakely WLT | 8 | 17 | Swainson's Thrush | Black-Throated Gray Warbler |
| Riverstead WLT | 63 | 66 | Common Merganser, Turkey Vulture, Spotted Sandpiper, Rufous Hummingbird, Western Wood Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, American Crow, Black-Capped Chickadee, Bushtit, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, European Starling, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Black-Headed Grosbeak, American Goldfinch, Evening Grosbeak | Common Merganser, Turkey Vulture, Spotted Sandpiper, Barn Owl, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-Breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Western Wood Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Common Yellowthroat, Black-Throated Gray Warbler, Catbird, Bullock's Oriole, Evening Grosbeak |
| Samish River Headwaters WLT | 64 | 61 | Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-Breasted Sapsucker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Black-Capped Chickadee, Bushtit, Marsh Wren, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Song Sparrow, Black-Headed Grosbeak, Red-Winged blackbird | Wood Duck, Turkey Vulture, Band-Tailed Pigeon, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-Breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat, Evening Grosbeak |
| Squires Lake Park | 29 | 28 | Wood Duck, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Pacific Wren, American Robin, Wilson's Warbler, Song Sparrow | Wood Duck, Pileated Woodpecker, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Pacific Wren, Black-Throated Gray Warbler |
| * Species which may be affected by climate change or decrease in habitat in the future. | ||||
| Compiled 3/5/2017 | ||||
Backyard Habitat and Native Flora Fair
April 29, 2017: 10am - 3pmFairhaven Village Green1207 10th St, Bellingham, Washington 98225Learn how to make your yard, school yard or business landscape wildlife friendly! Featuring:-Native Plant Sale with experts from the Washington Native Plant Society-1pm: Native Plant walk-Nesting boxes for cavity nesting birds-Children's activitiesAll are welcome! This event is free to attend with native plants available for purchase. Questions? Call the Parks Volunteer Coordinator at 778-7105Event sponsored by Koma Kulshan chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society, North Cascades Audubon Society and Bellingham Parks & Recreation.
WLT: Faith and Nature Dialogue
Faith & Nature Dialogue, Episode 5March 20, 20176:30pm - 8pmFairhaven Library1117 12th Street, BellinghamHow can faith inform a love for nature? This is the central question driving the year-long series, Faith & Nature, hosted by Whatcom Land Trust.Echoes Lutheran Minister Charis Weathers will facilitate this discussion with Elkah Katz, a seminary student working toward ordination as a Jewish chaplain, and Yisrael Bisman, a Spiritual Yogi who hosts a creative Podcast called Dharma Review.Space is limited. Please pre-register at www.whatcomlandtrust.org/eventsQuestions? info@whatcomlandtrust.org360.650.9470
Free Series "Marine Birds of the Salish Sea”
North Cascades Audubon Society offers free educational series “Marine Birds of the Salish Sea”Participants will learn about physical features, behaviors, and history of more than 30 bird species in the Salish SeaBELLINGHAM, WA — Marine bird experts will host a free educational series “Marine Birds of the Salish Sea” from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, February 22-23, at RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, 2309 Meridian St., Bellingham. The event is sponsored by North Cascades Audubon Society in collaboration with RE Sources for Sustainable Communities and the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve Citizen Stewardship Committee.The two-part series — taught by Caanan Cowles, a biologist with more than a decade of experience researching seabirds in the Salish Sea, and Pam Borso, president of North Cascades Audubon Society — will teach participants about physical characteristics of more than 30 species, their behavior, and interesting facts about their histories. Participants are encouraged to attend both classes. Previous class participants are welcome to attend.After the classes, participants will have the opportunity to go on a birding tour led by North Cascades Audubon Society. The field trip time and date will be decided during the class.North Cascades Audubon Society has been conducting surveys of marine birds for several years at Cherry Point. The series is intended to increase awareness of marine birds and the reasons the North Cascades Audubon Society monitors them.North Cascades Audubon Society also hosts monthly guided birding tours from 9 a.m. to noon the first Saturday of the month at Semiahmoo Park, 9261 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine.To register for the event, email Lyle Anderson at lyleand2@comcast.net or call 360-739-9249. For more information, visit northcascadesaudubon.org/calendar/.###Media Contacts:Lyle Anderson, North Cascades Audubon Society, lyleand2@comcast.net, 360-739-9249Virginia Cleaveland, RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, virginiac@re-sources.org, 360-733-8307Since 1970, the North Cascades Audubon Society has represented the interests and importance of wildlife, habitat and the environment in Whatcom County. Through scientific research, environmental education, stewardship and advocacy, NCAS provides a variety of services and opportunities for members and the public to engage with the natural world. northcascadesaudubon.orgRE Sources for Sustainable Communities is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the health of Northwest Washington’s people and ecosystems through the application of science, education, advocacy, and action. re-sources.orgThe Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve Citizen Stewardship Committee increases public awareness and enjoyment of the Reserve and assists the Department of Natural Resource’s Aquatic Reserve Program to successfully implement the Reserve’s management plan. aquaticreserves.org
Raptors in our Lives & How to Find Them
Raptors in our Lives & How to Find ThemThursday, December 1st, 2016 7 PMAll Ages - FreeLecture Room at the Central Librarywww.bellinghampubliclibrary.orgJoin the Bellingham Public Library and Bud Anderson, founder of the Falcon Research Group, for a free presentation and discussion about raptors. The presentation will focus on raptors found in the Pacific Northwest and will include identifying birds of prey and how to find them, their migratory patterns and their role in our ecosystem. The Falcon Research Group (FRG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting field research, public education and raptor conservation. Bud Anderson is an internationally recognized and respected raptor expert, and leads the FRG's efforts in public education, long-term field research projects, and projects focused on raptor breeding, migration, wintering and genetics studies both locally and internationally.Please join Whatcom Land Trust at the Bellingham Public Library to celebrate these beautiful creatures! Come early to ensure you get a seat, as we expect this presentation to fill the available space!
WinterFest: Gifts Inspired by Nature
WinterFest ~ Gifts Inspired by NatureThursday December 15, 20165pm – 8pmWhatcom Land Trust Offices412 N. Commercial StBellingham360.650.9470Join us at Whatcom Land Trust on North Commercial Street between 5PM and 8PM for a cup of cocoa and soft music by Swing Set while you shop directly from local artisans. Featured artists include John D’Onofrio, Andrea Gabriel, Mark Turner, Ginger Oppenheimer and AnnMarie Cooper to name a few. Look for stocking stuffers, notecards and books galore, signed by our local scribes. Gifts Inspired by Nature is also featuring local food favorites as gifts—everything from berries to chocolate. Free all-natural gift wrapping provided and a portion of sales benefit Whatcom Land Trust’s work preserving and protecting the Nature of Whatcom County.
WLT: Faith and Nature Dialogue
How can faith fuel a love and protection for nature? This is the central question that we will be exploring in Whatcom Land Trust's innovative nine-episode series "Faith and Nature," beginning September 19th, 2016 and running through May 2017. Rev. Charis Weathers, local Lutheran pastor of Echoes Bellingham, will moderate this September discussion with dialogue partners Peter Illyn (Christian) and Aneesa Ahad, Muslim).Appropriate for all ages. Free.September 19, 20166:30 pm - 8:00 pmBellingham Unitarian Fellowship1207 EllsworthBellinghamMore information and RSVP athttp://www.whatcomlandtrust.org/?page_id=23Questions? Please contact Colleen Carroll at Whatcom Land Trust by phone 360.650.9470 or email colleen@whatcomlandtrust.org
Skulls and Skins Event
Skulls and SkinsSunday July 171pm-4pmTennant LakeFree for all agesThe Friends of Tennant Lake and Hovander Park invite everyone to the annual “Skulls and Skins” event with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Attendees will touch and learn about tortoise shells, wolf skins, deer antlers and more. The Tennant Lake Interpretive Center will be open, as will the tower and boardwalk, so visitors can plan for an afternoon adventure.Find us at 5236 Nielsen Ave. just outside Ferndale, Washington. Take the Ferndale exit (west) off of 1-5. Follow the signs to Hovander Park. Instead of a final right turn into Hovander Park, continue straight on Nielsen Road through the gate to Tennant Lake.
Oil, Orcas & Oystercatchers: Preparing for the Inevitable
Do you love the beauty of the Salish Sea, marine birds, and the southern resident orcas that call it home? As part of the 10th annual Orca Month, we will celebrate and learn about the health of Salish Sea marine bird populations and the region’s iconic Southern-resident orca population, hear in detail the threats they face due to increased oil tanker and vessel traffic, and participate in a hands-on introduction to citizen science first response observance training – a meaningful way volunteers can take action in the event of an oil spill. Join us for this free event that is open to the public. We ask that you RSVP here:https://www.tfaforms.com/425810What: Oil, Orcas, and Oystercatchers: Preparing for the InevitableDate: Sunday, June 26, 2016 Time: 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm Location: Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 10441 Bayview-Edison Rd, Mount Vernon Speakers: Dr. Deborah Giles, Research Director, Center for Whale Research Dr. John Bower, Professor, Western Washington UniversityStephanie Buffum, Executive Director, FRIENDS of the San Juans Jerry Joyce, MoonJoyce Resources Sponsors: Washington Environmental Council, Audubon Washington, Skagit Audubon Society, FRIENDS of the San Juans, Evergreen IslandsPartners: Climate Solutions, Stand Up to Oil campaign Numerous proposals to increase oil-by-rail transport are underway in Washington State. In Skagit County, Shell Oil is looking to add an oil-by-rail facility to its existing refinery in Anacortes, bringing in six oil trains per week and 60,000 barrels per day. As we prepare to comment on the Shell-Anacortes Draft Environmental Impact Statement this fall, we are also learning how citizen science action could make a difference during an inevitable oil spill disaster in our marine waterways. We hope that you will feel empowered to act and understand why your participation does make a difference for marine life in the Salish Sea. For more information about Orca Month activities, visit http://www.orcamonth.com/events.php OR www.orcasalmonalliancce.org
January Events - Happy New Year!
January 2015 Newsletter is Online
Go to www.northcascadesaudubon.org to download the PDF. (Click "Newsletter" in the menu.)
Jan Events and Field Trips Are Online
Visit our website to see what's coming up this month. (Upcoming events are listed on the home page as well as on the Calendar.)
Thank You and Happy New Year! Thanks to everyone who participated in NCAS events this year, everyone who helped with this year's Christmas Bird Count and to everyone who attended our Holiday Potluck. See you next year! General Membership Meeting with Mitch Friedman
This month's exciting membership meeting! See below for date, time, and NEW location.
The State of Carnivore Recovery in Washington State. Join Mitch Friedman, Executive Director of Conservation Northwest, as he presents an overview of popu- lation status and trends, recovery efforts and legal protection levels for gray wolves, grizzly bears, lynx, fishers and wolverines in Washington State. The Washington State populations of these carnivores were all drastically reduced or eliminated during the past 150 years. Mitch will discuss what is being done to bring back these ani- mals. Mitch will also talk about the Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan for Washington and the key role Conservation Northwest is playing investing in conflict avoidance efforts to build increased social tolerance for wolves.
Mitch Friedman founded Conservation Northwest in 1988. He has a degree in zoology from the University of Washington and has received conservation awards from Sunset Magazine, Society for Conservation Biol- ogy, The Wilderness Society, and others. At Conservation Northwest Mitch has led the effort to infuse land- scape scale conservation biology into advocacy strategies. The success of this approach is evident in great gains protecting habitat connectivity between the North Cascades Ecosystem and wild areas to the south (Central Cascades), east (the Rockies), and northwest (B.C. Coast and Chilcotin Ranges), as well as recovery of native carnivores including gray wolves, fishers, lynx and wolverines.
Always on the 4th Tuesday of the month:January 27th, 7pm at the Whatcom Museum,** free & open to the public!
**in the Rotunda Room of the Old City Hall building
Summer Events for NCAS
Happy Summer, everyone! While NCAS takes a break from membership meetings over the summer, there are still some exciting events to check out. Below is a brief list of these events, and be sure to go to our website for full details.
Saturday, July 5 : Semiahmoo Spit birding field tripSaturday, August 2 : Semiahmoo Spit birding field tripThursday, August 21 : Bird Watchers Walk and Talk with Dick McNeelyFriday, August 22 : Everyone Can Draw Birds!Sundays, August 24 and 31 : Syre Center's Treasure HuntThursday, August 28 : Birds on the Move! Paper Bird MobileFriday/Saturday, August 29-30 : Bird Nest Boxes
Thank You, Members
We'd like to take this opportunity to say "thank you!" to all the wonderful members who have attended meetings, gone on field trips, donated to our organization, volunteered in some way, or participated in any of our activities this past year. We truly appreciate you!
May Newsletter is Online - May and June Field Trips
May 2014 Newsletter is Online
Go to www.northcascadesaudubon.org to download the PDF.
May and June Field Trips are Online
Visit our website to see what's coming up this month. (Our FREE beginning birder workshop is at the end of May, more details online!)
General Membership Meeting with Gary Slater, Shorebird Ecology and Conservation in North Puget Sound
This month's exciting membership meeting! See below for date, time, and NEW location.
Shorebirds are a conspicuous feature in the coastal estuaries of northern Puget Sound. These long-distance travelers rely on both estuarine and terrestrial habitat as refueling sites during migration and for overwintering. Understanding how shorebirds navigate this highly altered landscape is critical for crafting conservation strategies aimed at reversing long-term population declines. Join us as Gary Slater presents information on shorebird ecology and life history, shares results from research in the Skagit-Stillaguamish River Delta, and describes how citizen scientists can participate in a new Puget Sound-wide monitoring effort. Gary Slater is the founder and Executive Director of Ecostudies Institute, a non-profit organization committed to conserving birds and their habitats. He received a B.S. in Wildlife Science from Purdue University (1989) and a M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Florida (1997). Gary oversees a diverse program that uses science, restoration, and outreach to advance bird conservation. Some of his current research focuses on the wintering and stopover ecology of shorebirds in Puget Sound and the reintroduction and population dynamics of cavity-nesting birds in Washington State and south Florida.
Always on the 4th Tuesday of the month: May 27, 7pm at the Whatcom Museum,** free & open to the public!
**in the Rotunda Room of the Old City Hall building
NCAS Officer Nominations It is customary for NCAS to conduct its annual election of officers at the May Membership Meeting. Nominations may also be made from the floor at the meeting if there are others interested in running. The slate of officers being presented by the Board of Directors are:
Pam Borso, PresidentPaul Woodcock, Vice PresidentJudy Krieger, SecretarySteven Harper, Treasurer
Annual NCAS CampoutFriday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8For the third year NCAS has reserved the group camp at Pearrygin Lake State Park, just north of Winthrop, for a weekend of outstanding birding under the warm, clear skies of Okanogan County. The birding was exciting last year so if you enjoyed it, please come again. If you missed it, here is another chance. Birds such as ruffed grouse, red-naped sapsucker, common poorwill and white-breasted nuthatch visited our campsite. Redhead, veery, MacGillivray’s warbler, Nashville warbler and lazuli bunting were seen within easy walking distance. Our Audubon group listed over a hundred species within the 48 hour period including field trips to Beaver Pond and Pipestone Canyon. The group camp is separated from the main campground and situated in the midst of excellent habitat. The site is accessed by a narrow, gravel drive and is designated for tent camping only but smaller RVs can be parked in the adjacent lot. Cost for the two days is $20.00 per camping unit to cover the rental fees. For more information please contact Pam Borso at president@northcascadesaudubon.org or (360) 319-9004.
Beginning Birding Workshop, May Field Trips and more...
Beginning Birding Workshop
(Free!) May 31 - June 1
Are you just getting started in birding? Are you seeing birds but donʼt know what they are? Are you worried that you donʼt know enough to go on field trips? If youʼve answered yes to any of the above questions and want to learn about birds and birding, then this in-depth workshop is just what you need. We will cover topics ranging from how to choose and effectively use a pair of binoculars to how to find and identify birds. The workshop will concentrate on birds found in our local area, but will also provide knowledge and skills that will allow you to bird anywhere. The goal is to increase your enjoyment of watching and learning about our fascinating feathered friends! All ages welcome, but children 12 and under must participate with an adult. For more information or to register contact Ken Salzman at: kpsalzman@comcast.net or 756-0347. Registration is limited to 25 people, so register early!
Early May Field Trips
Please check out our field trip page for more details!More May field trips will be posted at the end of the month. Sunday, May 4: May Meander 9 AM. Trip limit: 12. Trip leader, Joe Meche, 739-5383 or mechejmch@aol.com. Sunday, May 18: Whatcom Creek Walk 10 AM. Trip limit: 12. Trip leader: Joe Meche, 739-5383 or mechejmch@aol.com.
General Membership Meeting with Dan Froehlich
Frequent Fliers of the Bird World: Long Distance Migrants
Check out our website to see a description of this talk. Always on the 4th Tuesday of the month: April 22, 7pm at the Whatcom Museum The Sibley Guide to Birds, 2nd Edition Book signing with David Allen Sibley Co-sponsored by the North Cascades Audubon Society & North Cascades Institute. Visit Village Books to learn more! Sunday, April 20, 4pm at Village Books 1200 11th Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Annual NCAS Campout Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8 For the third year NCAS has reserved the group camp at Pearrygin Lake State Park, just north of Winthrop, for a weekend of outstanding birding under the warm, clear skies of Okanogan County. Our Audubon group listed over a hundred species within the 48 hour period including field trips to Beaver Pond and Pipestone Canyon. The group camp is separated from the main campground and situated in the midst of excellent habitat. The site is accessed by a narrow, gravel drive and is designated for tent camping only but smaller RVs can be parked in the adjacent lot. Cost for the two days is $20.00 per camping unit to cover the rental fees. For more information please contact Pam Borso at president@northcascadesaudubon.org or (360) 319-9004.
March Newsletter, Field Trips, and more...
March 2014 Newsletter is Online
Go to www.northcascadesaudubon.org to download the PDF.
March Field Trips are Online
Visit our website to see what's coming up this month.
General Membership Meeting with Julia Parrish - It's not Rocket Science, it's Citizen Science: the Power of Real People
This month's exciting membership meeting! See below for date, time, and NEW location.
In spring 2005, hundreds of marine birds washed up on Pacific Northwest outer coast beaches. In fall 2007, almost fifty murres floated in to usually empty Puget Sound beaches. In summer 2009, thousands of wayward sea ducks washed ashore along the Olympic Peninsula. What provoked these die-offs? Are they connected? How do we even know about them? The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) is a citizen science program bringing together over 600 real people with marine scientists from the University of Washington. Since 1999, COASST has collected data on over 30,000 beached birds (144 species!) from more than 320 coastal locations throughout the North Pacific. These real data from real people form the definitive baseline against which the impacts of oil spills, fishery bycatch, harmful algal blooms, and global warming can be assessed. Julia K. Parrish is the Lowell A. and Frankie L. Wakefield Professor of Ocean Fishery Sciences, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Diversity in the College of the Environment at the University of Washington. An expert on the natural history, ecology and conservation of marine birds, and author of many scientific articles and books, Julia has spent the last 20 years roaming the seabird colonies and beaches of the North Pacific working to understand the forces affecting coastal marine ecosystem health.
Always on the 4th Tuesday of the month: March 25, 7pm at the Whatcom Museum,** free & open to the public!
**in the Rotunda Room of the Old City Hall building
NCAS Program Chair Wanted Our chapter’s meeting programs are a central part of our educational efforts. Choosing pertinent topics, finding qualified presenters, arranging for the venue and seeing to all the necessary details required to facilitate a successful meeting is no small task. Nevertheless, the chapter has been functioning without a Program Chair for over four years and these tasks are being performed by other board members. Finding an energetic volunteer to fill this role would greatly enhance the functioning of our board and allow NCAS to better serve our community. Currently NCAS presents educational programs at eight monthly meetings annually, September through May. Those meetings, plus the Holiday Potluck in December, are the extent of our programming efforts and the responsibilities of the Program Chair. This is the status quo and not a limitation if someone out there wants to do more. Your board members are enjoying themselves doing Audubon work. There is always more that could be done. If you are interested in joining the NCAS team as Program Chair or in another capacity please contact Pam Borso at: president@northcascadesaudubon.org
February Newsletter, Field Trips, and more...
February 2014 Newsletter is Available Below:
Click here!
* Please note, the newsletter is not yet available online, so please refer to this email below for field trip details OR download the file at the link above. Thanks!
February Field Trips
Sunday, February 16, George Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, B.C.Time: 8 AM - full day (half day option possible)Trip Leaders: Dave Schmalz and Diane Birsner Trip limit: 12 To register and for trip details contact Dave Schmalz: 360-671-1537 Located approximately 45 minutes north of Bellingham near Ladner, B.C., Reifel Sanctuary is one of the premier birding spots in our area. Expect to see a number of different species of shorebirds, raptors, passerines and waterfowl. Passport/enhanced driver’s license required.Thursday, February 20, Samish FlatsTime: 8:30 AM - half day trip Trip Leader: Steven Harper To register and for more details contact Steven Harper at 360-650-9065 or stevenharper2@msn.com Explore the Samish Flats for raptors, short-eared owls, waterfowl and resident year-round birds.Saturday, March 1, Semiahmoo SpitTime: 9 AM at Semiahmoo Park - 3 hoursTrip Leader: Paul Woodcock No registration required This trip offers a wide range of bird species any time of year but the birds can be very special in winter. Spring isn’t far away so there could be some surprises. Co-sponsored by NCAS and Whatcom County Parks & Recreation, the trip covers all of the spit and is great for beginning birders.
General Membership Meeting with Sue Taylor: Garden to Make a Difference
This month's exciting membership meeting! See below for date, time, and NEW location.
Healthy intact ecosystems perform many critical services on which we as humans are dependent for our continued well-being and existence. About 95% of the land in the continental U.S. has been converted to cities and towns, and to some form of agricultural or recreational use. With only 5% of the land in its natural state, habitat loss and species decline are interfering with the ability of ecosystems to successfully purify our air and water, produce oxygen, sequester carbon, cycle nutrients, pollinate plants, and to perform so many other vital functions. Residential landscapes that are structurally complex and species rich provide an opportunity to reverse the trend of habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation that are the primary reasons for the decline of so many species. The choices we make on our own little piece of earth matter. Living “in” a natural oasis filled with the sights and sounds of birds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects is the perfect counterbalance to the stresses of our busy lives. Join us to learn how to transform your landscape into an environmental asset – one small step at a time. Sue Taylor is a visionary gardener, teacher and native plant landscaper who teaches classes on sustainable landscaping at WSU’s Whatcom Extension.
Always on the 4th Tuesday of the month: February 25, 7pm at the Whatcom Museum**, free & open to the public!
**in the Rotunda Room of the Old City Hall building
January Newsletter, Field Trips, Membership Meeting, and more...
January 2014 Newsletter is Online
Go to www.northcascadesaudubon.org to download the PDF.
January Field Trips are Online
Visit our website to see what's coming up this month.
* Note: Joe Meche's "Whatcom Creek Walk" on Sunday, January 12, starts at 10AM -- an incorrect time is listed in newsletter.
General Membership Meeting with Tim Wahl: Searching for the Lummi River
This month's exciting membership meeting! See below for date, time, and NEW location.
Tim Wahl is a local landscape historian particularly interested in how European settlement of Whatcom County changed local ecology. Join NCAS as Tim discusses his research into channel changes of the Nooksack River downstream from Ferndale since the pioneer settlers arrived. He uses the historic record and lidar images to interpret Whatcom County before the changes of the last 150 years. Another project Tim is working on for NCAS is the creation of a new set of digital maps for the Bellingham Christmas Bird Count. Some of these maps will be used in this presentation. Tim works as Greenways Coordinator for Bellingham Parks and Recreation.
Always on the 4th Tuesday of the month: January 28, 7pm at the Whatcom Museum, free & open to the public!
***ATTENTION: Starting January 28, 2014, NCAS membership meetings will be held at the Whatcom Museum.***
NCAS Program Chair Wanted Our chapter’s meeting programs are a central part of our educational efforts. Choosing pertinent topics, finding qualified presenters, arranging for the venue and seeing to all the necessary details required to facilitate a successful meeting is no small task. Nevertheless, the chapter has been functioning without a Program Chair for over four years and these tasks are being performed by other board members. Finding an energetic volunteer to fill this role would greatly enhance the functioning of our board and allow NCAS to better serve our community. Currently NCAS presents educational programs at eight monthly meetings annually, September through May. Those meetings, plus the Holiday Potluck in December, are the extent of our programming efforts and the responsibilities of the Program Chair. This is the status quo and not a limitation if someone out there wants to do more. Your board members are enjoying themselves doing Audubon work. There is always more that could be done. If you are interested in joining the NCAS team as Program Chair or in another capacity please contact Pam Borso at: president@northcascadesaudubon.org
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