A busy room in the Bird Specimen Collection exhibit at the 2026 WoW.
Volunteers ensured a very successful Bird Specimen exhibit at our 2026 Wings over Whidbey celebration. The exhibition space was filled with visitors, many of them young people, for nearly the entire six-hour period. WAS volunteers (= Bird Ambassadors) answered questions, demonstrated features on specimens and swapped bird stories. In addition to the exhibit, bird expert Connie Sidles and professional taxidermist Matt Klope answered questions and demonstrated museum preparation methods, while Marie Bergstrom’s team provided birdy activities for children, such as building cardboard binoculars. The generosity of all these volunteers in sharing their time and knowledge was essential to the success.
WAS Bird Ambassadors (in approximate alphabetical order) were: Charlene Arnold (Owls), Susan Bennett (Ducks), Cathi Bower and Patricia Duarte (Chickadees, Wrens, Thrushes, Sparrows, Finches), Cheryl Bradkin (Hummingbirds), Andy Clay (Corvids), Bruce Faulkner (Woodpeckers), Linda Griesbach (Seabirds, Owls), Kim Kinsman and Robin Llewellyn (Wings), Louie Shellenberger (Flycatchers and Blackbirds), Sherry Zoars and Linda Rhodes (Raptors), Tony Zoars (Vireos, Warblers). Cathi Bower decorated walls with entertaining and educational material, and Jim DeForrest provided four magnificent close-up photographs of American White Pelicans for display.
