Director’s Report from the National Audubon Leadership Conference
When I initially heard about the 2025 National Audubon Leadership Conference in Montreal, I quickly put aside the idea of attending. Even ignoring the distance to Quebec, the entrance fee for the event was expensive, and I suspected (correctly) that very few chapters would be attending from our state. Even so, as the conference crept closer, I had a nagging feeling that I had to go, knowing that the opportunity to connect with both the larger international conservation community and the hundreds of Audubon chapter leaders from around the country was one I couldn’t let pass by. Just a few hours before the registration closed….
Birding in Neighborhoods North–Summer Sightings
BIN-North birders met three times this summer, including in a trip with BIN-South in August. Highlights included watching the antics of a family of California Quail, being buzzed by a territorial Red-breasted Nuthatch, and seeing a mother river otter and her pup catching fish among the tide pools. Find out else delighted and surprised the group in Nancy’s BIN-North report.
Connecting with the Community at Whidbey Renaissance Fair
Whidbey Audubon had a magical time connecting with more than a hundred bird lovers at this year’s Whidbey Renaissance Faire! From curious kids to new volunteers, read about all the exciting connections we made in our full event recap.
Birding in Neighborhoods - South
On the first of the month, between wandering the Greenbank Farm grounds and our stroll to the Wonn beach access, we identified at least 36 species. There was a little of everything, including the most exciting, a closeup look at a gorgeous pair of Blue-winged Teal right there in the pond…
Western Purple Martin Nesting Updates, Call for Volunteer Monitors
The future is bright for Whidbey Island’s nesting population of Western Purple Martins! The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife has taken an interest and is gathering data. Volunteers have installed a new “flock” of eight PVC nest boxes at Crockett Lake. And tyhe Crockett Lake Purple Martin colony is big enough to be monitored.
Field Trip Report: Fort Casey State Park and Crockett Lake Area, May 16
This Wings Over Whidbey field trip met at wind-blown Fort Casey State Park. We started our efforts atop the high bluff in order to scope for waterbirds. A large flock of Rhinoceros Auklets with interspersed Double-crested and Pelagic Cormorants was found immediately. …
Birding in Neighborhoods - North
On another cool gray morning, eleven birders met at the Pacific Rim Institute on May 14 to look for birds and wildflowers. Hearing that Barn Owls are nesting in the 1910 pole barn, we walked in the direction of the forest….
Board of Directors News: Welcome, and Thanks
Whidbey Audubon welcomed two new officers and two new members and bade goodbye to four members in May. We appreciate members who have given of their time and talents in the past and who are filling vital roles going forward.
Reifel Island Bird Sanctuary, Delta B.C., April 8
I had the pleasure of leading the first official Whidbey Audubon trip to Reifel in many years. Twelve enthusiastic participants and I met at the Reifel entrance station…
Field Trip Report: Hoypus Point, April 5
Five enthusiastic participants met me and the state park employee at the locked gate to the Hoypus Point Road.