May-June 2008 issue of the Echo (228 kb PDF)

  The Great Washington State Birding Trail maps.  Four maps are now available from Audubon Washington.

Upcoming Field Trips and Events in 2008 (more details and trips in the current issue of the Echo):

2008

• July 26th, Saturday, 6:30 am to late afternoon.
  Naches Pass area. 
  Leader:  Kristin Stewart
  
  This area, mostly in southeastern King County, but bordering on Pierce, Kittitas and Yakima counties as well, offers a westside chance to find eastside montane bird species. Red-naped Sapsuckers, Cassin’s Finches, Rock Wrens, Mountain Bluebirds, Townsend’s Solitaires, Pine Grosbeaks are possible, as are other high country breeders such as Fox, Chipping, and Lincoln’s Sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, or Hermit Thrushes. Expect some hiking, and driving on narrow FS roads. Meet at the Martin Way Park and Ride ready for a 6:30 departure. Call the BHAS phone at 360-352-7299 to register. Limit of 3 cars.

• August 2nd, Saturday, 6:00am to late afternoon. 
  Mt Rainier National Park.
  Leader: Kristin Stewart
  
  Join us for our annual trek to the mountain to enjoy the wildflowers, and look for a few higher altitude bird species. There are not many species there, but we have been successful in locating White-tailed Ptarmigan in recent years, as well as a few Gray-crowned Rosy Finches. We also enjoy the Hoary Marmots, and now and then we see a Pika. This trip involves hiking from about 5400 ft to approximately 7200 ft, so be sure to bring enough food and water, wear sunscreen, and good boots. Parking is very limited at Paradise due to construction, so there will be a 3 car limit. Call BHAS at 360-352-7299 to register.

• September 13th, 7:30 am to evening.
  Tokeland, Bottle Beach, Midway Beach
  Leader: Phil Kelley
  
  Phil will go to Bottle Beach, (which has recently undergone a major transformation by Washington State Parks), Midway Beach, Tokeland and other spots along the way. This trip is looking for the usual migrating shorebirds, other birds normally seen along this route, and any rarities that might be found along the way. High tide is about 1:00 pm. Meet at Mud Bay Park and Ride, prepared to leave at 7:30 am. We will not return until early evening. There is a 4 car limit. Please call Phil at 360-459-1499 to reserve your spot.

• September 27th, Saturday, 7:30 am to evening. 
  Tokeland, Bottle Beach, Midway Beach and environs.
  
  Leader: Scott Morrison
  This is a follow-up to Phil Kelley’s September 13th Tokeland trip. We’ll see what kinds of changes in the migration pattern have occurred. High tide is at 12:40 pm, se we’ll leave the Mud Bay Park and Ride at 8:30 am, and then stop at a couple of spots along the way. Call Scott Morrison at 360-412-1260 to reserve a place on the trip. Limited to 3 vehicles and 12-15 people. Let him know if you are willing to drive.

• September 28th, Sunday, 9:00 am to late afternoon. Exploring Capitol Forest—Fall
  Leaders: Jim Pruske and Lonnie Somer
   
  Spend the day exploring Capitol Forest. We will be searching for birds that utilize forest habitat after the breeding season. Gray Jays, Hermit Thrushes, Varied Thrushes, Fox Sparrows, and woodpeckers are expected. As in the spring, we will attempt to find Northern Pygmy Owls and Mountain Quail. Unique elements of Capitol Forest flora will be examined, and there will be an emphasis on mushrooms.
  If anyone has special knowledge or tips about Capitol Forest, please feel free to contact Jim (459-3656) or Lonnie at wheelermombi@comcast.net .
  Meet at Mud Bay Park and Ride at 9:00 am. This trip is limited to 3 cars. Call BHAS at 360-352-7299 for reservations.

• October 5th, Sunday, 9:00 am to late afternoon. 
  Skokomish Birds and Mushrooms
  Leader: Jim Pruske
   
  Spend the day exploring the Skokomish River Valley, and the Brown Creek entrance into Olympic National Forest. A special attempt will be made to find American Dippers. Many other bird species that spend the fall near river and forest will be found. We will search for mushrooms near Brown Creek Campground. About 25 fungi species can be found, including Gold and White Chantrelles. Bring a full lunch, old hiking boots for the forest, and of course, rain gear.
  Meet at Mud Bay Park and Ride at 9:00 am. A stop will be made at the George Adams Salmon Hatchery parking lot at 9:45 to meet anyone who lives near Shelton. The trip is limited to 5 cars. Call BHAS at 360-352-7299 to register. If you have questions, you can Jim at 459-3656.

• December 6, Saturday, Leave at 7:00 am from Mud Bay Park & Ride.  Point Wilson, Fort Flagler, and Port Townsend environs.
  Leader: Lonnie Somer
  
  The primary targets for this field trip are winter water fowl in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the northern Puget Sound. Hoped for species include Marbled and Ancient Murrelet, Pigeon Guillemot, Rhinoceros Auklet, Common Murre, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Brants, 3 species of loon, and several other species as well.
  Dress for cold, wind, and the ever-present possibility of rain. Bring lunch, snack, and liquids. We will return by early evening.
  Trip limited to 12 people (3 cars). Call the BHAS office at 360-352-7299 for registration.