Training for Pigeon Guillemot Monitoring Begins in May!
There is still time to sign up as a survey volunteer! There are openings for regular beach monitors and substitute monitors, primarily for sites from mid-Island-Greenbank and North to Oak Harbor and we could definitely use volunteers with Navy Base access for the colonies on the base.
Online and in-person volunteer trainings will take place May 14, May 21, May 28 and May 28.
Birding in Neighborhoods - North Report
On April 9, ten birders met at Joseph Whidbey State Park on a cool gray morning. We walked into a forest full of spring green leaves and birdsong. Among the species we identified were Dark-eyed Junco, Pine Siskin, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Black-capped Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Golden-crowned Kinglet.…
Legislative Updates; Osprey Nest Removed
Conservation Committee Chair Jackie Lasater shares updates about the Kelp Forest Protection Bill and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and a call for help identifying who removed an Osprey nest from a Greenbank telephone pole.
Election of New Board Officers at May Membership Meeting
Elections will be held at the May 8 membership meeting to fill the executive officer positions of secretary and treasurer. Both positions are for two-year terms.
We are exceptionally fortunate to have two strong candidates running for these positions.
Flocks of Fun: Meet the Birdathon 2025 Teams!
Six teams will be gathering pledges from friends and family members and recording the species of birds they see during a 24-hour period in early May. The funds they raise will support Whidbey Audubon’s scholarship program and the general fund.
Birding in the Neighborhoods - South Report
We’ve nearly doubled our species sightings in just a couple weeks! Back in early April at Waterman Shoreline Preserve, even missing the usual shore-type ducks and peeps, we did identify at least 30 species, plus a couple who were too quick for us….
Birdathon 2025 Is Taking Flight!
Birdathon is a friendly competition to see which team can identify the most species of birds in a 24-hour period. Modeled on the Global Big Day of Birding which is May 10 this year, Birdathon is similar to a walk-a-thon, but instead of miles, you pledge for each bird species identified. But we give you the first two weeks of May to pick the best day for you. This event also serves as our spring bird count, adding to the longitudinal data we have been collecting.
Annual Pigeon Guillemot Season Is Here!
The Salish Sea Guillemot Network will launch the 2025 season of the Pigeon Guillemot Summer Breeding Season Survey on June 1.
If you love birds, especially Pigeon Guillemots, you can join in the monitoring, spend time at the beach this summer and be part of a citizen science project. We are seeking new and seasoned volunteers for sites from Greenback to Oak Harbor, including the Navy base.
A Season of Growth and Renewal: Call for Board Officers and Members
It’s the time of year for our board of directors to renew itself to ensure the organization remains fresh and vital, that we have the energy to continue to fulfill our mission and serve our community.
Pursuant to our bylaws, election for secretary and treasurer should occur at our May membership meeting. Both of these positions remain open, and we are urgently looking for any members who might be willing to serve in either. Several cabinet chair positions need to be filled. There are also two at-large vacancies….
Birding in Neighborhoods - North Report
In spite of the cold and windy weather, eight birders joined the BINN outing on March 12. We visited three marine environments and were rewarded by seeing 29 species.
Our first stop was Mueller Beach Access on Madrona Way to see what birds were sheltering in Penn Cove. There we found numerous Common Goldeneye and a few Barrow’s Goldeneye, Scaup and Bufflehead….