Dungeness River Audubon Center Classes, Presentations, and Events

Winter 2010

Contact the River Center at 360-681-4076 or email rivercenter@olympus.net for more information, or to register for sessions. Pre-registration is encouraged, especially for classes.

The Dungeness River Audubon Center is located at RR Bridge Park, 2151 Hendrickson Road, PO Box 2450, Sequim, WA. Hours are Tue. to Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sun., 12 to 4 p.m. The River Center partners with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society, and Audubon WA.

Bird Walks
Date: Every Wed. morning; Time: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Meet at the River Center for a lovely walk to see and hear the birds of the Dungeness riparian forest. Information from walks helps us understand the annual cycle of birds in RR Bridge Park.

Dungeness River Management Team
Time: Second Wed. of every month, 2 to 5 p.m.
Experts and informed public that oversee the management of the Dungeness River meet monthly at the River Center.

Work Party
Date: Variable During Winter (contact center to be added to contact list)
The volunteers of Railroad Bridge Park and the River Center need help to maintain the beauty of the Park and River Center. Please join us on anytime snow removal is necessary.

Natural Science Study Group
Dates: Second Mon. of the month, 10 a.m. (No December meeting)
This adult discussion group focuses on the most interesting aspects of the natural world that affect the north Olympic Peninsula. Discussion topics vary with group interests.

Winter Birds of the North Olympic Peninsula
Dates: Six Thursdays, Jan. 14 to Feb. 18, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: River Center Partners: $40; non-members: $60
An intermediate birding class to learn identification, natural history, and ecological preferences of the winter birds of the north Olympic Peninsula. We will include field trips to local habitats; we will be outside nearly every session. Limit 16 people.

Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society Monthly Meeting
Date: Wed., Jan. 17, 7 p.m.
Speaker: Lynn Brookes – “Backyard Birds of Iowa”
Dr. Brookes presents an illustrated talk about the Central Flyway and the common birds of the Midwest.

Corvids in Winter
Date: Sat. Jan. 30; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person
Ken Wiersema leads this special class to explore the fascinating lives of crows, ravens, and jays in winter. Come learn to identify corvids by behavior, ranges, vocalization, as well as hear anecdotes about these intelligent creatures. The class begins with a presentation at the River Center followed by field trip.

Owl Prowl in the Owlympics
Date: Sat. Jan. 30; 7 p.m. to after midnight, OR Sat. Feb. 27; 7 p.m.
Cost: $30 per person
Join Bob Boekelheide on an exploratory journey in the northeastern Olympic foothills to find owls and other night creatures. You must pre-register for this trip at the River Center (681-4076); limited to 10 participants each trip. Dates may change depending on weather.

Septics 101
Date: Tues., Jan 19, 6-8 p.m. (also Wed., Feb 18 and Tues., Mar. 23)
The septic system is one of the most expensive parts of many homes, requiring regular inspection and maintenance. This class, taught by Clallam Co. Environmental Health Div., covers how they work, different designs, and how to keep systems working. You must pre-register with Clallam Co. by calling 360-417-2258.

Raptors in Winter: A Presentation with David Drummond
Dates: Fri. evening talk, Feb. 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Sat. field trip, Feb 13, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $50 per person
Join Merlin researcher and raptor expert David Drummond for this special two-day class about the eagles, hawks, and falcons of our area, their adaptations for hunting and survival, and their fascinating lives during winter. Please pre-register: limit 18

Great Backyard Bird Count
Dates: Fri., Feb. 12 through Mon. Feb. 15
Every year at President’s Day weekend, people are asked to count birds in their backyards and everywhere else, to assess how populations are changing in North America. Be part of the count! Go to www.birdcount.org for more information.

Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society Monthly Meeting
Date: Wed., Feb 17, 7 p.m.
Speakers: Bill and Karen Parker – “Midnight Sun Birding”
The Parkers show and tell about their recent trip to the Yukon to see birds of the Arctic.

Olympic Driftwood Art Show
Date: Sat. & Sun, Feb. 20 to 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Olympic driftwood sculptors present prize-winning pieces and recent works by members, plus demonstrate sculpture techniques. Driftwood products available by order will also be present.

Annual Bird Nest Box Building Class
Date: Sat, Feb. 27; 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: $15 per person, $12.50 per person for 2 or more participants
Learn how to build a birdhouse, then take one home by the end of the class. This is our annual class to design and construct simple birdhouses. By the time you leave you will have a birdhouse ready for swallows, chickadees, or, if you’re lucky, bluebirds. Please pre-register: limit 16 people.

Introduction to Birds and Birding
Day Class: Six Mon. Mornings, Mar. 1 to Apr. 5; 9 to 11 a.m.
Cost: River Center Partners: $40; non-members $60.
This class is designed for beginning birders, new residents, and anyone who wants to better understand birds in general. These seminars include basic bird identification, bird feeders, birdhouses, field guides, and birding optics. Limit: 16 people.

Early Spring Birds of the North Olympic Peninsula
Date: Six Thursdays, Mar.4 through Apr. 1; 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $40 for River Center partners, $60 for non-members
The calendar may say winter, but some birds have already begun breeding activities. This intermediate birding class includes several field trips to local habitats to see and hear the early breeders and winter holdovers. First lesson at the River Center; other sessions will be outside, weather permitting. Limit: 16 people

Olympic Peninsula BirdFest
Dates: Fri. to Sun., Apr. 9 to 11
Join us for the fifth annual Olympic Peninsula BirdFest, a great time to celebrate the birds and natural history of our unique area. Festival events include special field trips, presentations, a banquet, owl prowls, and lots of birdy activities. Please visit www.olympicbirdfest.org website for information and registration.

San Juan Island Three-day Cruise
Date: Sun. to Tue., Apr. 11 to 13
Join us, for a three-day, two-night birding cruise through the San Juan Archipelago. Relax at historic Roche Harbor Resort. Enjoy whale watching, northwest seabirds, and the spectacular scenery of the San Juan Islands. Details and registration forms for the San Juan cruise can be found at www.olybird.org

OPAS Field Trips: Jan. 16, Feb. 20 &, and Mar. 27. Contact www.olympicpeninsulaaudubon.org for more details.