In response to the COVID-19 virus, some of our general meetings are being held at the Padilla Bay Interpretive Center with an option to attend via Zoom, while others will be available on Zoom only. Please check the monthly program description for meeting details. As with our hikes and field trips, only vaccinated, symptom-free individuals should attend meetings in person.
“A Bird’s Eye View of Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge”
Presented by: Jared Strawderman, Stewardship & Community
Engagement Coordinator, Gorge Refuge Stewards
Tuesday, June 13th at 7:00 pm
Please join us for this month’s meeting which will be held on Zoom only (no in-person attendance). To attend the Zoom event, please register at: https://bit.ly/SASJun1323. Preregistration for Zoom is required and please only one Zoom registrant per household. After you register, you will receive an email with the link to sign in at the time of the event. If you register and are unable to attend the Zoom event, please cancel your registration. Thank you. Questions? Contact programs@skagitaudubon.org.
Jared will provide an overview of the history of this refuge on the Lower Columbia River, the purpose, and benefits of the project, including new avian species seen, and community engagement and focus on accessibility of the refuge. Jared is the Stewardship & Community Engagement Coordinator with the Gorge Refuge Stewards. He majored in Biology at Bridgewater College in Virginia. He has worked at several National Wildlife Refuges including Pea Island, Ridgefield, Steigerwald, Franz Lake and Pierce. He is also Vice President of Vancouver Audubon. He enjoys hobby nature photography, and spending time exploring nature with his 5-year-old son.
RECORDINGS OF PAST PRESENTATIONS NOW AVAILABLE:
May 9th presentation “Endangered Tufted Puffins of Smith Island” by Amanda Colbert is available at the following link: https://youtu.be/Sd6xF1nCahM
Note: Amanda has provided this link to a report from WDFW for those interested: https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/02051/wdfw02051.pdf
April 11th presentation “Who Are You Calling a Bird Brain?” by Dr. Kim Adelson is available at the following link: https://youtu.be/mo12BiPhrEg
February 14th presentation “Birds of the Sonoran Desert” by Chris Williams is available at the following link: https://youtu.be/exrtm6X12mo
The Puget Sound Seabird Survey is looking for birders in Skagit County – in particular, the Edison area - to join this established Community Science program. Volunteers are asked to conduct 7 surveys with a small team of fellow surveyors at specific locations throughout the Sound. All surveys are synchronized to take place once per month on the first Saturday, October – April. You will be provided training in the survey technique, and ideally will have good seabird identification skills. However, there are roles on the survey teams for birders of all levels. Now in its 15th season, you’ll be contributing to valuable science that monitors wintering seabirds across Puget Sound and informs important management decisions. Previously, the project was part of Birds Connect Seattle’s (formerly Seattle Audubon) science program but transitioned to its new home at Puget Sound Bird Observatory in 2022. More information can be found at https://www.pugetsoundbirds.org/about-psss and if interested in taking part, please reach out to Program Manager Toby Ross t_ross@pugetsoundbirds.org. Photo: Common Loon by Doug Schurman
HAVE YOU SEEN A BANDED BIRD OR FOUND A SICK OR INJURED BIRD?
To report a bird with a federal band or color marker, please visit the USGS’ Bird Banding Laboratory website.
In addition to reporting collars to the USGS Bird Banding Lab, please report swan collars to Northwest Swan Conservation Association.
To report other bands or tags for local projects, please visit the Washington Ornithological Society’s Research page to view current projects, the types of markers they use, and how to report them.
SWANS
All swans that are dead, sick, or injured need to be reported to the WDFW hotline by calling (360) 466-4345, ext. 266. Swans should be taken to the Whatcom Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Their phone number is (360) 966-8845. Please let them know if you need assistance with transporting a swan.
SICK OR INJURED BIRDS
Contact one of these organizations if you are sure the bird requires rescuing:
The Education Committee needs volunteers to help with a number of adult presentations coming up in the next several months. These Power Point presentations are scheduled at libraries and private organizations/clubs in the area. If you can help give part of a presentation (already written), that would be great; or, you can assist with the computer and help answer questions from the audience. If you can lend a hand, please contact Committee Chair Jeff Osmundson at education@skagitaudubon.org.
Read The Skagit Flyer, Our Newsletter
Skagit Audubon Society holds monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month except for the months of July and August. We meet at 7:00 pm at Padilla Bay Interpretive Center (Google map), 10441 Bayview-Edison Rd. Mount Vernon. Meetings are open to all.
The board of directors meets at the same location at 7:00 pm on the first Tuesday of each month, except for the months of July and August.
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