Monthly Programs
Next General Meeting Program: Thursday, April 9, 2026 in person at the Coupeville Rec Hall
Our monthly programs feature a guest speaker presenting a subject of interest to those who love birds. We have nine programs a year, with no program in July, August and December, on the second Thursday of the month, and they are free and open to the public. Drop by and enjoy the company as we all learn something new from our featured guest. See our Calendar or Events List for upcoming programs.
Banner photo by Jann Ledbetter
Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship
and other Banding Research
with Scott Markowitz
7:00 PM, April 9th, 2026
at the Coupeville Rec Hall
901 NW Alexander St, Coupeville, WA
Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship and other Banding Research, a presentation by ornithologist Scott Markowitz of the Puget Sound Bird Observatory will take you through the reasoning and methodology of the Institute for Bird Population's Monitoring of Avian Productivity and Survivorship study. He will share the how the Puget Sound Bird Observatory's two stations operate, and how the data contributes so the scientific understanding of bird population health. PSBO operates MAPS bird-banding stations that are part of a continent-wide network of research stations monitoring the reproduction and survival of bird populations. Markowitz is the director of research at PSBO and is a faculty fellow at Pacific Lutheran University. Scott is also working on the mechanics of sexual selection in Sialia mexicana (Western Bluebird) with regards to coloration as an honest indicator of successful foragers and the connection with the rate of extra-pair copulations, of which he will also share.
Scott Markowitz is an ornithologist with a passion for local birds. He is director of research at the Puget Sound Bird Observatory and a faculty research fellow at Pacific Lutheran University. One area of Scott's research includes looking at molt strategies and coloration in Song Sparrow, Bewick's Wren, Spotted Towhee and Brown Creeper. Another area he and Dr. Julie Smith collaborate on is the mechanics of sexual selection in Sialia mexicana (Western Bluebird) with regards to coloration as an honest indicator of successful foraging and its relationship with the rate of extra-pair breeding opportunity. He lives in Gig Harbor with two very wise cockatiels, twelve wonderful hens, and 80,000 lady honeybees.
Tufted Puffin
in a Dynamic Seascape
with Dr. Scott Pearson
Recorded March 12th, 2026
The Tufted Puffin is an iconic seabird that nests on offshore islands along Washington’s outer coast and on two islands in the Salish Sea. Recent analyses suggest that the puffin is declining from the Gulf of Alaska south to California, with more dramatic declines at the southern end of its breeding range. Scott describes the species’ natural history and provides information on its status in Washington and beyond and on research and conservation efforts to benefit the species locally.
Dr. Scott Pearson is a senior research scientist at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington and his B.S. and M.S. from the University of Michigan. His research is focused on assessing wildlife population status and trends and the underlying mechanisms driving declines to help inform conservation management. His current work is focused on gaining a better understanding of marine bird and mammal diets, habitat use and quality, and the effectiveness of conservation efforts with a focus on several species of conservation concern. Scott also supervises the west-side research team for the Wildlife Program.
It Takes Two:
An introduction to Bird Duets
with Montserrat Alvarado
Meeting recorded on February 12th, 2026
Why do some birds sing together? In many tropical species, pairs coordinate their voices in remarkably precise duets—but how do these songs work, and what are they for?
This talk introduces the fascinating world of bird duets, using tropical species and sound examples to explore when duets occur, who participates, and the different forms they can take. The presentation will also offer a gentle introduction to bioacoustics, showing how recordings and spectrograms help researchers study bird communication.
Whether you’re curious about why two birds can sound like one, or how researchers study songs, this talk offers an accessible look into one of the most intriguing aspects of avian life.
Montserrat Alvarado-Deckwart is a biologist from Costa Rica, specializing in ornithology and vocal communication in birds. She is currently completing a master’s degree with a focus on bioacoustics and animal behavior, studying how birds use song and duets to communicate with mates and neighbors, using the White-eared Ground-Sparrow (Melozone leucotis) as a model species in tropical environments. Her research combines fieldwork and bioacoustics to explore how listening closely to birds can reveal information about behavior, relationships and territory. Montserrat works extensively with field recordings and acoustic analyses and enjoys sharing her research with birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, connecting scientific research and everyday observation of birds.
