What we’re about
South Sound Birders is a community of people that appreciate birds, nature, and enjoying the outdoors together. Activities will include field trips, wildlife-oriented classes, lectures, and other events. Many of these events will be sponsored by the Black Hills Audubon Society, but you do not need to be a member of BHAS to participate. Anyone can post impromptu bird walks, chase trips for rarities, carpooling, or other non-sponsored events.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Field Trip to Edmond MarshCowlitz Indian Tribe Office-Dupont, Dupont, WA
It’s spring – time to listen and look for our migrant birds. Edmond Marsh in Dupont has a variety of habitats that appeal to our arriving visitors. Join us on a level, wide gravel path that circles Edmond Marsh with a side jaunt to a small lake. Last May our group found 43 species, including five species of warblers.
Leaders: Gary Wiles and Kathleen Snyder
Address: 1000 Davis Place, Dupont (Cowlitz Tribal building). Park at the far end.
Facilities: There are no restrooms on this 3.5-mile walk.
Bring: Dress for the weather, bring optics and water/snacks as desired.
Questions? Contact Kathleen at ksnyder75@gmail.com
Photo credit: Common Yellowthroat by Mick Thompson - Prairie Appreciation Day Bird WalkNeeds location
This is an opportunity to see prairie birds at Glacial Heritage, a preserve which is normally closed to the public. The prairie habitat hosts raptors, meadowlarks, Savannah Sparrows, bluebirds, and other migrant birds. The oak woodland should have flycatchers, House Wrens, and other colorful birds such as Black-headed Grosbeaks and Western Tanagers. We should also see other resident birds. Mid-May is the height of blooming for prairie plants, with camas turning the prairie blue.
We will meet at the parking area (see directions below) at 7:30 AM.
The walk runs to around 10 AM. The walk is 2-3 miles through prairie and oak riparian woodland on gravel roads and dirt trails. You don’t need to sign up in advance, though we will ask you to sign in when you get there.
Black Hills Audubon will have a bird booth with information and attractions for kids, as well as other details in honor of World Migratory Bird Day (also May 10th), that operates after 10 AM.Prairie Appreciation Day is celebrated by the Friends of Puget Prairies at the Glacial Heritage Preserve, a South Sound prairie managed by the Center for Natural Lands Management. Flyers about Prairie Appreciation Day will also be available onsite in Spanish this year. You can find more details at the following website: http://www.prairieappreciationday.org/
Directions to Glacial Heritage Preserve From I-5:
- Take I-5 to Exit 95 (Littlerock/Maytown) and head West on Maytown Road toward the town of Littlerock.
- Follow Maytown Road until you reach the stop sign at Littlerock Elementary. Continue straight onto 128th Ave. SW and continue straight until the ‘T’ at Mima/Waddel Creek rd.
- At the ‘T’ take a left and follow Mima Road SW for 2.7 miles.
- You will see a tractor precaution sign followed shortly by a gravel road and brown sign marking Glacial Heritage Preserve on the left.
- Take a left onto the unmarked gravel road.
- Follow the road around the corner, through the white gate, and to the parking area on the right.
Photo Credit: Western Bluebird over Camas by Rachel Hudson
- Prairie Appreciation Day at Glacial Heritage PreserveNeeds location
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Of the 150,000 acres of prairies originally in this area, there are less than 15,000 remaining, most in poor condition. As more and more people and warehouses move into the area there is continuing pressure to develop them. Come join us in celebrating this unique ecosystem and learn what you can do to help save it! Glacial Heritage is the best prairie off JBLM, so come out and enjoy it.
As always, we need lots of VOLUNTEERS to help pull this off. No special knowledge or skills are necessary. Please contact getrotter@comcast.net
Please leave your pets at home. This is not an appropriate event for them. Scatter Creek is a wonderful alternative prairie to take your dog for a great on-leash experience and some nice prairies.
Handicapped Accessibility: Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve includes a paved 1/2 mile ADA accessible interpretive trail. Discover passes are required.
You’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch to the event. Alternatively, we anticipate having the Hungarian Kitchen Food Truck available at Glacial Heritage again this year. Plan on bringing your own food and refreshments to any of the alternate locations.
We are accepting donations to the Thurston County Food Bank. No glass please.
