Mindfulness, or intentional noticing, can be learned and has big payoffs, such as calming the central nervous system, enhancing creativity, improving memory, and deepening relationships with others and your surroundings. Birdwatching is a great way to learn how to notice more, while getting a good walk and fresh air. Here is a round-up of bird-related events going on this winter. For exact dates, times, and to sign up, go to https://www.whidbeyaudubonsociety.org/events-calendar.
Birding at Deception Pass: A Whidbey Audubon and Deception Pass State Park Partnership.
On select Saturdays each month, join AmeriCorps Interpretive Staff and expert volunteers from the Whidbey Audubon Society to discover some of the common, and not so common, species of birds that call the park home. Walks are designed for birders of all levels. Practice bird identification skills, explore unique bird habitats and learn from other birders. There is no cost to attend, but it is recommended to bring your own binoculars and/or scopes, though there will be a few on hand to borrow. A Discover Pass or day permit is required for each vehicle.
Whidbey Audubon monthly programs are open to the public and both January and February will be virtual. Sign up on the Whidbey Audubon Event page to get the Zoom link.
- Thursday, January 9: Books, Birds and Following Passion’s Path with Julie Zickefoose
- Thursday, February 13: Under the Surface: Bird Bones and Skeletons with David Lukas
- Thursday, March 13: Grebes Are Great with Connie Sidles (This will be a hybrid meeting. Attend in person at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation meeting house, Freeland.
The Winter Special Skagit and Samish Deltas Field Trip will be on Sunday, February 16, led by Jay Adams and Ruth Richards. The area is considered one of the top winter raptor viewing sites in the U.S. and also has large concentrations of waterfowl. More details and sign-up on the Whidbey Audubon Event page.
2025 Snow Goose & Birding Festival – Saturday, February 22, 2025
Experience one of Western Washington’s most spectacular natural events – the annual winter gathering of thousands of Snow Geese and Trumpeter Swans. The festival will include birding lectures, live bird displays, speakers, art, children’s activities, vendors, plus shuttles, maps, tours and guides. There is a small entrance fee, but children under 12 are free. For more information, go to https://www.sahs-fncc.org.
Bio:
Adam Sawyer is an outdoor and travel writer, photographer, published author, guide, and public speaker based in Tillamook. In addition to authoring numerous guidebooks, his work has appeared in several local and national outlets. His weekly Substack newsletter, Collecting Sunsets, covers a broad set of topics including grief, addiction and recovery, travel, and the healing powers of nature.
