Port Townsend Christmas Bird Count (precount meeting December 4, count day and after count party on December 14)
Dec
14
8:00 AM08:00

Port Townsend Christmas Bird Count (precount meeting December 4, count day and after count party on December 14)

Please join us for the Port Townsend Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Saturday, December 14. 
We are looking for experienced birders and beginners. If interested, please come to our regular meeting on Wednesday, December 4, at 7 pm, at the Port Townsend Community Center. We will focus on the count, the birds we expect, and what we are learning from the data. (Did you know that, in 2004, there were no hummingbirds on our count? Now we tally over a hundred.) If you can’t make that, but are interested in participating in the count, contact the count compiler, Steve Hampton, at stevechampton@gmail.com

The count will be followed by the Compilation Potluck at the Rosewind Common House at 5:30pm. Even if you didn’t participate in the count, you are welcome to join us for tall tales and a preliminary tally of the numbers.

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Third Saturday Bird Walk at Anderson Lake State Park
Dec
21
9:00 AM09:00

Third Saturday Bird Walk at Anderson Lake State Park

Meet at 9:00 AM at the parking area straight down the dirt road just beyond the meadows. Discover Pass required for parking.You must contact leader Beverly McNeil to register: bevybirds53@gmail.com. The group size is limited to 5. If the weather is bad we may cancel. Bring binoculars and water, if desired. Distance is 1.5 miles and time of outing is usually 3 to 4 hours. We normally go around the whole lake on Trail B, Anderson Lake State Park (https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/anderson_lake_state_park_overview_map_pdf_1.5mb.pdf). Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing for changeable weather. Please avoid wearing bright clothing.

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Winter Solstice Waterfowl Walk at Kah Tai Lagoon
Dec
21
10:00 AM10:00

Winter Solstice Waterfowl Walk at Kah Tai Lagoon

  • Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Welcome in the start of the winter season with a walk to check for seasonal waterfowl with trip leader Miranda Maxwell and co-leader Betty Renkor. Meet at the main/central parking area near the caretaker and restroom facility at Kah Tai Lagoon Park. Expected species may include wigeons, Buffleheads, Common Goldeneyes, Gadwalls, mergansers, Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teals, Mallards, Ruddy Ducks and scaups. We also may see geese and the possible swan flyover/stopover.  Too, we’ll be sure to keep an eye and ear open for wintering songbirds along our path and in the adjacent trees stands. Bring binoculars, a scope if you have one, and dress warmly/appropriately for December weather. Steady/heavy rain (snow) or winds cancel. Please help keep our birding community healthy and look to join us on a future bird walk if you have COVID or COVID-like symptoms/illness or have had similar exposure. Group size limited to 12. Questions and sign-up: betty.renkor@gmail.com
We look forward to birding together on this first of winter day!

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BIRDING 101
Jan
7
7:00 PM19:00

BIRDING 101

  • Port Townsend Community Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Designed for beginning birders to learn how to get started and grow as a birder.

No fee, but please note that registration is required: contact Barry McKenzie at barrymckenzie52@icloud.com

Dates: Jan 7 and Jan 9, 2025; 7-9pm at the Port Townsend Community Center (620 Tyler St, Port Townsend); Field Trip on Saturday, Jan 11 (8-11am), Location to be announced.

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Third Saturday Bird Walk at Anderson Lake State Park
Nov
16
9:00 AM09:00

Third Saturday Bird Walk at Anderson Lake State Park

Meet at 9:00 AM at the parking area straight down the dirt road just beyond the meadows. Discover Pass required for parking.You must contact leader Beverly McNeil to register: bevybirds53@gmail.com. The group size is limited to 5. If the weather is bad we may cancel. Bring binoculars and water, if desired. Distance is 1.5 miles and time of outing is usually 3 to 4 hours. We normally go around the whole lake on Trail B, Anderson Lake State Park (https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/anderson_lake_state_park_overview_map_pdf_1.5mb.pdf). Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing for changeable weather. Please avoid wearing bright clothing.

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Birding at Fort Flagler State Park
Nov
9
9:00 AM09:00

Birding at Fort Flagler State Park

November birding is often good on our local trails, particularly at Fort Flagler (https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/Fort%20Flagler%20Overview%20Map%204-4-24%20Approved%20Web.pdf). Meet at the first parking lot on the left as you enter Fort Flagler State Park at 9:00 AM. You will need a Discover Pass to park. We will walk the East Searchlight Trail and the Lagoon Trail. These trails pass through coniferous forests and alder where we will learn birding by ear, which is Jackie’s specialty. We will then walk Wansboro Road to the beach and look for seabirds, followed by the nearby grasslands for shorebirds.  Expect to walk about 3 miles and 2.5 hours total. Bring binoculars and be prepared for weather. Trip Leader Jackie Canterbury: RSVP Text 307-763-1953.

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Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park
Oct
19
9:00 AM09:00

Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park

Meet at 9:00 AM at the parking area straight down the dirt road just beyond the meadows. Discover Pass required for parking.You must contact leader Beverly McNeil to register: bevybirds53@gmail.com. Group size is limited to 5. If the weather is bad we may cancel. Bring binoculars and water, if desired. Distance is 1.5 miles and outing is usually 3 to 4 hours. We normally go around the whole lake on Trail B, Anderson Lake State Park (https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/anderson_lake_state_park_overview_map_pdf_1.5mb.pdf). Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing for changeable weather - no bright clothing, please.

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AAS Community Program
Oct
17
7:30 PM19:30

AAS Community Program

  • Port Townsend Community Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park is for the Birds (and other wildlife): How a Controversy Became a Legacy


Admiralty Audubon adopted Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park in 2002 as the city’s first Adopt A Park.  Through conservation efforts and the planting of over 3000 native trees and understory, what started as dredge spoil and a much reduced lagoon now boasts nearly 200 bird species on eBird.  Rick Jahnke’s presentation will trace the contentious and sometimes confrontational development of this park into the Port Townsend centerpiece it has become and the chapter’s role in this transformation.

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AAS Workparty
Oct
13
9:00 AM09:00

AAS Workparty

Work party at Duck Heaven on the NE corner of Kah Tai. Please park along 19th/Blaine near the Recovery Cafe. We will be repairing wire cages and clearing out grass and weeds around the young trees our chapter has planted there over the last eight years.

For more information, contact Rosemary Sikes at (360)-385-0307 or ptrose53@gmail.com.

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Birding at Fort Flagler State Park
Oct
12
9:00 AM09:00

Birding at Fort Flagler State Park

Fall birding is often good on our local trails, particularly at Fort Flagler (https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/Fort%20Flagler%20Overview%20Map%204-4-24%20Approved%20Web.pdf). 

Meet at the 1st parking lot on the left as you enter Fort Flagler State Park at  9:00 AM. You will need a Discover Pass to park. We will walk the East Searchlight Trail and the Lagoon Trail. These trails pass through forest where we will learn birding by ear, which is Jackie’s specialty. We will then walk Wansboro road to the beach and look for seabirds, followed by the nearby grasslands for shorebirds. Expect to walk about 2.5 miles and 2 hours total. Bring binoculars, and be prepared for weather. Trip Leader Jackie Canterbury: RSVP Text 307-763-1953.

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Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park
Sep
21
9:00 AM09:00

Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park

Meet at 9:00 AM at the parking area straight down the dirt road just beyond the meadows. Discover Pass required for parking.You must contact leader Beverly McNeil to register: bevybirds53@gmail.com. Group size is limited to 5. If the weather is bad we may cancel. Bring binoculars and water, if desired. Distance is 1.5 miles and outing is usually 3 to 4 hours. We normally go around the whole lake on Trail B, Anderson Lake State Park (https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/anderson_lake_state_park_overview_map_pdf_1.5mb.pdf). Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing for changeable weather - no bright clothing, please.

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AAS Workparty
Sep
15
9:00 AM09:00

AAS Workparty

We will have a workparty at Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park pulling invasives and picking up trash. Since we figured out that all those little hawthorns in the park are not invasive hawthorns but rather native Douglas hawthorns that have been kept from growing due to deer grazing on them, we will be making cages for those volunteer hawthorns. Meet at the bench closest to Chase Bank and park in the Chase Bank parking lot on the corner of Kearney and Hwy 20.

For more information, contact Rosemary Sikes at (360)-385-0307 or ptrose53@gmail.com.

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Big Sit Hangout at Point Wilson
Sep
14
11:00 AM11:00

Big Sit Hangout at Point Wilson

We’re planning another Big Sit Hangout, open house style, meaning you can join or leave at any time. We did this in May atop Fort Worden and ended up with over 50 species, including some rarities.This time we’ll be at the tip of Point Wilson, beyond the lighthouse, on the last bit of land between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. 


We’ll hope for four alcids: Rhinoceros Auklet, Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, and Marbled Murrelet, plus some returning loons, grebes, shorebirds, and - with luck - jaegers!  No RSVP necessary. Just stop by the point any time you want! If you have a scope, bring it. Trip Leaders are Steve Hampton and Ali Kasperzak. Contact Steve at stevechampton@gmail.com for any questions.

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Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park
Aug
17
9:00 AM09:00

Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park

Meet at 9:00 AM at the parking area straight down the dirt road just beyond the meadows. Discover Pass required for parking.You must contact leader Beverly McNeil to register: bevybirds53@gmail.com. Group size is limited to 5. If the weather is bad we may cancel. Bring binoculars and water, if desired. Distance is 1.5 miles and outing is usually 3 to 4 hours. We normally go around the whole lake on Trail B, Anderson Lake State Park (https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/anderson_lake_state_park_overview_map_pdf_1.5mb.pdf). Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing for changeable weather - no bright clothing, please.

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Shorebirding in Sequim
Aug
10
9:00 AM09:00

Shorebirding in Sequim

Southbound shorebird migration spans late June thru October, though July and August are by far the peak. Winging south from as far away as the North Slope of Alaska, thousands of these little travelers rest and feed on the mudflats around Dungeness Bay. We’ll hit Three Crabs and Dungeness Landing, two of the hottest hotspots in the state (with 254 and 218 species respectively). Bring a scope if you have one, and be prepared for sun and wind. Meet at the Haines Place Park and Ride (across the street from Safeway) at 9 AM. We’ll carpool from there. Max of four cars. RSVP to Steve Hampton, stevechampton@gmail.com 

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AAS Workparty at Salish Coast Elementary School
Aug
4
10:00 AM10:00

AAS Workparty at Salish Coast Elementary School

  • Salish Coast Elementary School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Salish Coast Elementary’s Discovery Road entrance native plant garden. We will be weeding the beds of thistles and other invasives. Bring weeding tools and buckets if you have some. We will also be clearing out weeds in the wire cages protecting our plantings. Park on Grant Street or on Discovery by the school.
For more information, contact Rosemary Sikes at (360)-385-0307 or ptrose53@gmail.com.

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Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park
Jul
20
9:00 AM09:00

Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park

Meet at 9:00 AM at the parking area straight down the dirt road just beyond the meadows. Discover Pass required for parking.You must contact leader Beverly McNeil to register: bevybirds53@gmail.com. Group size is limited to 5. If the weather is bad we may cancel. Bring binoculars and water, if desired. Distance is 1.5 miles and outing is usually 3 to 4 hours. We normally go around the whole lake on Trail B, Anderson Lake State Park (https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/anderson_lake_state_park_overview_map_pdf_1.5mb.pdf). Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing for changeable weather - no bright clothing, please.

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AAS Workparty at Kah Tai
Jul
7
9:00 AM09:00

AAS Workparty at Kah Tai

Work party at Duck Heaven on the NE corner of Kah Tai. Please park along 19th/Blaine near the Recovery Cafe. We will be repairing wire cages and clearing out grass and weeds around the young trees our chapter has planted there over the last eight years.
For more information, contact Rosemary Sikes at (360)-385-0307 or ptrose53@gmail.com

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Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park
Jun
15
8:30 AM08:30

Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park

Meet at 8:30 AM at the parking area straight down the dirt road just beyond the meadows. Discover Pass required for parking.You must contact leader Beverly McNeil to register: bevybirds53@gmail.com. The group size is limited to 5. If the weather is bad we may cancel. Bring binoculars and water, if desired. Distance is 1.5 miles and time of outing is usually 3 to 4 hours. We normally go around the whole lake on Trail B, Anderson Lake State Park (https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/anderson_lake_state_park_overview_map_pdf_1.5mb.pdf). Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing for changeable weather. Please avoid wearing bright clothing.

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AAS Kah Tai Workparty
Jun
2
9:00 AM09:00

AAS Kah Tai Workparty

We will be removing invasives (i.e., Scot’s broom, spurge laurel, holly and ivy) and picking up trash. Scot’s Broom pullers, garbage bags and garbage grippers and refreshments will be provided. Park in the Chase Bank parking lot. We will also be making and installing 20 cages for the fall planting. Look for the white pickup next to the bench closest to Chase Bank. For more information email ptrose53@gmail.com or call 360-385-0307.

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Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park
May
18
8:30 AM08:30

Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park

Meet at 8:30 AM at the parking area straight down the dirt road just beyond the meadows. Discover Pass required for parking.You must contact leader Beverly McNeil to register: bevybirds53@gmail.com. The group size is limited to 5. If the weather is bad we may cancel. Bring binoculars and water, if desired. Distance is 1.5 miles and time of outing is usually 3 to 4 hours. We normally go around the whole lake on Trail B, Anderson Lake State Park (https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/anderson_lake_state_park_overview_map_pdf_1.5mb.pdf). Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing for changeable weather. Please avoid wearing bright clothing.

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AAS Community Program: Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue live Ambassador birds
May
16
7:30 PM19:30

AAS Community Program: Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue live Ambassador birds

The public is invited to attend our May community program, Uptown at Lawrence & Tyler.

Cindy Daily of Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue will bring her live Ambassador birds. These birds are ones who have either been rehabilitated after suffering injuries sufficient that they cannot be released to the wild but are calm around humans or have been patterned on humans so that they cannot survive in the wild. Some also serve as foster parents to rescued young of their species. This is a wonderful educational program especially for children to see live birds and learn about their behaviors. For more information email ptrose53@gmail.com or call 360-385-0307.

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Conservation Corner: Opportunities at Short Farm
May
15
5:30 PM17:30

Conservation Corner: Opportunities at Short Farm

Short Farm is one of the more popular and interesting local birding spots. It was recently purchased from the Short family by the Port of Port Townsend, a public entity. The Port is currently in a public “visioning process” to determine exactly how the 253-acre property should be managed. The website for that process is here: https://portofpt.com/shorts-family-farm/.

While all the planning meetings are open to the public, only a few are specifically designed to take public comment. The next one is set for Wednesday, May 15. Check the link for more information and times.

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AAS Kah Tai Workparty
May
12
9:00 AM09:00

AAS Kah Tai Workparty

Invasives removal and trash pickup. We will be removing invasives (i.e., Scot’s broom, spurge laurel, holly and ivy) and picking up trash. Scot’s Broom pullers, garbage bags and garbage grippers and refreshments will be provided. Park in the Chase Bank parking lot and look for the white pickup next to the bench closest to Chase Bank. For more information email ptrose53@gmail.com or call 360-385-0307.

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Fort Worden Birdwalk, Big Sit, Hawk Watch & Hangout
May
11
10:00 AM10:00

Fort Worden Birdwalk, Big Sit, Hawk Watch & Hangout

Beginners and newcomers welcome! 
A “Big Sit” involves seeing how many birds you can see or hear from a given spot for a given length of time. We’ll run this like an open house and social gathering, meaning you can join or leave at any time. The location will be the magnificent meadow and viewpoint at Alexander’s Bluff  (48.137, -122.766) (just west of the Vault Loop Trail) at Fort Worden. We’ll be there from 10 AM to 1 PM. If the weather is nice, this should coincide with vulture and raptor migration, so it will double as a “hawk watch.” Regardless, it should be primetime for spring migration of neotropical migrants (e.g. flycatchers, vireos, warblers, etc.). Bring a lawn chair if you want!

Early birders can meet at Reveille Cafe by 9 AM (we’ll be there by 8:30 for coffee). From there, we’ll walk up behind the buildings to Battery Way East, ending up at Alexander’s Bluff by 10 AM. This south-facing slope is often very good for birds on a spring morning. No RSVP necessary. Just stop by the bluff any time you want, or join us for the walk up! Trip Leaders are Steve Hampton and Ali Kasperzak. Contact Steve at stevechampton@gmail.com for any questions.

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Mark your Calendar (Zoom Event): Caspian Tern Situation in Puget Sound
May
2
7:00 PM19:00

Mark your Calendar (Zoom Event): Caspian Tern Situation in Puget Sound

Presenters: Katie Haman and Scott Pearson
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/846321439207?aff=oddtdtcreator
Description: The presentation focuses on the ecological and epidemiological aspects of the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among Caspian Terns, Glaucous-winged Gulls (and their hybrids) and Harbor Seals.  This outbreak appeared to spread from tern colonies on the lower Columbia River to several locations in the Puget Sound region with the highest mortality rates observed on Rat Island.  The outbreak resulted in very high mortality rates for adult and chick terns on Rat Island and appeared to have regional flyway level impacts to tern populations. Interestingly, there was little mortality to adult gulls on Rat Island despite high mortality to gull chicks.

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Birding by Ear Along the Larry Scott Trail CANCELED
Apr
27
8:30 AM08:30

Birding by Ear Along the Larry Scott Trail CANCELED

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS HAD TO BE CANCELED DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES

Meet at the Milo Curry parking lot near Four Corners, off of Discovery Road. This will be a stumble-free slow walk along the paved Larry Scott Trail deciphering all the myriad bird songs. We should get good views as well. This is such a rich time to bird as the full contingent of resident and migratory birds are busy with their lives and oblivious to birders and their peering binoculars. Limit of 12 people. Contact Monica Fletcher:  monicaflet@gmail.com or by phone 360-379-3136.

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Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park
Apr
20
8:30 AM08:30

Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park

Meet at 8:30 AM at the parking area straight down the dirt road just beyond the meadows. Discover Pass required for parking.You must contact leader Beverly McNeil to register: bevybirds53@gmail.com. The group size is limited to 5. If the weather is bad we may cancel. Bring binoculars and water, if desired. Distance is 1.5 miles and time of outing is usually 3 to 4 hours. We normally go around the whole lake on Trail B, Anderson Lake State Park (https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/anderson_lake_state_park_overview_map_pdf_1.5mb.pdf). Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing for changeable weather. Please avoid wearing bright clothing.

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AAS Kah Tai Workparty
Apr
14
9:00 AM09:00

AAS Kah Tai Workparty

We will be removing invasives (i.e., Scot’s broom, spurge laurel, holly and ivy) and picking up trash. Scot’s Broom pullers, garbage bags and garbage grippers and refreshments will be provided. Look for the white pickup near the bench along the main trail between the bridge and Kearney St. The nearest parking is at Chase Bank on the corner of Hwy 20 and Kearney St. For more information email ptrose53@gmail.com or call 360-385-0307

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Kah Tai Lagoon to Froggy Bottoms
Mar
23
8:30 AM08:30

Kah Tai Lagoon to Froggy Bottoms

Meet at the Park and Ride near Safeway, NOT the Kah Tai Park parking lot. We will spend time looking at waterfowl. I will have a couple of scopes. We will note what we hear in the shrubbery and trees there and then move up Kearney Street to skirt the bird-rich shrubby areas areas above the golf course, eventually following the path near Quimper Village, and come back pretty much the same route to our cars.  Who knows what one might see! This is a two plus hour walk based on interest and interestingness. Bad bird weather (high winds/real rain) cancels.  Limit of 12 people. Contact Monica Fletcher: by phone 360-379-3136 monicaflet@gmail.com.

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Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park
Mar
16
9:00 AM09:00

Third Saturday at Anderson Lake State Park

Meet at 9 AM at the parking area straight down the dirt road just beyond the meadows. Discover Pass required for parking.You must contact leader Beverly McNeil to register: bevybirds53@gmail.com. The group size is limited to 5. If the weather is bad we may cancel. Bring binoculars and water, if desired. Distance is 1.5 miles and time of outing is usually 3 to 4 hours. We normally go around the whole lake on Trail B, Anderson Lake State Park (https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/anderson_lake_state_park_overview_map_pdf_1.5mb.pdf). Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing for changeable weather. Please avoid wearing bright clothing.

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Gull Identification Workshop at Point Hudson
Mar
15
12:30 PM12:30

Gull Identification Workshop at Point Hudson

Gull School is back! Steve Hampton will lead a Gull Identification workshop at Point Hudson. There will be a low outgoing tide this afternoon. Hopefully, the weather and gulls will cooperate and line up on the spit. If not, there will be other birds. Bring a wind shell and good gloves, and a scope if you have one. RSVP to stevechampton@gmail.com (cap at 15 people).

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