Upcoming Classes:
Gulls Identification Class
Learning your gulls is like getting your flu shot - you don't want to but you know you should. They are daunting, but they are everywhere, and oh so entertaining. David Droppers will share the keys to identifying adult gulls (sorry, he's not so confident on his immatures, maybe a class in several years), and then, for those intrepid souls, venture out the following weekend to put what we've learned into practice. We will likely cruise from marina to marina, looking for wintering and migrating gulls. David will also share a tool he has developed to make identification a bit more methodical, taking much (but not all) of the pain out of the process. Learn your gulls - can't you hear them? They're laughing at you!
Dates
Tuesday, October 7th, 7pm - 9pm (online session)
Saturday, October 11th, 8am - 2pm (field trip to North Puget Sound
Cost
$60.00 per person
About the Instructor
David Droppers has been teaching courses on topics from birds to butterflies to trees to microorganisms for a variety of groups, including college biology courses and non-profit environmental groups. He has put his expertise to work for the National Park Service, Forest Service, University of Washington, and Woodland Park Zoo, among many others. He is ecstatic about sharing his passion for the natural world with others who wish to learn. His enthusiasm is said to be contagious!
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made 14 days or more in advance of the starting date of the course will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made within 7-13 days will incur a 20% fee. Cancellations made within 3-6 days will incur a 30% fee. Cancellations made within 48 hours to the start of the course are nonrefundable.
If you are unable to attend this course, you may transfer your registration to a friend. To cancel or transfer your registration to a friend, send an email to office@eastsideaudubon.org with the course name in the subject line.
Beginner and Intermediate Birding Class
Kevin O’Malley, a naturalist and birder, will teach birding basics to beginner and intermediate birders starting in March.
He has led education walks since 2004 and heads the South Sound Nature School. He will be assisted by Barbara Petersen, an avid birder who regularly leads field trips for the Rainier Audubon Society.
The classes will be held at a key birding area within the Eastside Audubon’s area — Marymoor Park.
No birding experience is necessary. Binoculars are recommended but not required. Classes will be limited to about 10 people. They will be geared towards adults but families are welcome. Children under xx years are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
Dates
Saturday, August 30th at Marymoor Park
Cost
$35 per person
Sorry, no refunds will be available.
About Marymoor Park
Marymoor Park, in Redmond, is a premier destination for birdwatchers. With diverse habitats—wetlands, fields, and woods—it attracts over 200 bird species year-round. Birders can spot raptors like bald eagles and hawks, as well as songbirds and waterfowl. The park's trails and viewing areas make it accessible for all enthusiasts. Seasonal migrations offer unique chances to observe rare and transient species.
About the Instructors
Kevin O’Malley grew up exploring Lake Erie’s lands and waters, which inspired his decision to pursue a degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Toledo. He became a Naturalist-in-Residence for Juneau schools, and he expanded his skills through the Wilderness Awareness School ‘s (WAS) nine-month Immersion Program and Kamana Four Certification. Kevin has worked as a freelance naturalist, served as In-School Programs Specialist at Seward Park Audubon and taught in the WAS Adult Tracking Intensive Program. A Cybertracker Level 3 Wildlife Tracker, he coordinates the Ellensburg Tracking Club and leads South Sound Nature School, teaching birding field classes statewide and serving as Education Chair of Juneau Audubon for three years.
Barbara Petersen is a retired teacher who taught for thirty years in Highline School District's Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students, where she enjoyed working with students from preschool through high school as well as their parents. She helps with a monthly bird census for the City of Kent at the Green River Natural Resources Area and has birded across the U.S., as well as many other South American and African countries, including the Peruvian Amazon, Costa Rica, Botswana, and Brazil.