The North Olympic Peninsula, a strip of coastlines and forests between million-acre Olympic National Park and the Strait of Juan de ****, is widely known as a great place for bird watching.
The April dates of Olympic BirdFest are timed to overlap wintering birds such as Harlequin and Long tailed ducks, songbirds, and seabirds with spring migration. Rufous hummingbirds arrive in this area from Mexico with the blooming of wild red-flowering currants in early April.
Field trips are planned for Sequim Bay, Port Angeles Harbor, Dungeness Bay, Ediz Hook, Dungeness Spit and the Elwha River, as well as trips through wooded areas and fields to view songbirds.
Two cruises around Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge are available on Sunday, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
In addition to the field trips, birders may participate in presentations, workshops and a banquet with a speaker and raffle.
Sequim is the ancestral home of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe (a partner of the non-profit Dungeness River Nature Center). Their Tribal headquarters are at the head of Sequim Bay at Blyn. A tour explaining traditional Northwest Coast totemic art (totem poles, masks, and signage) at the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Center and their Seven Cedars Resort properties will also be offered.
Schedule of Events:
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM: Birds and Beauty: Elwha to Salt Creek - Trip 1
These trips will take participants to explore some of the magnificent hidden gem locations along the coast of the Strait of Juan de ****. We will start on Ediz Hook, a 3-mile sand spit extending from the shore of Port Angeles, for a look into the harbor that provides shelter for many different species of sea and shorebirds. We will then head to the Elwha River mouth, where phenomenal changes have occurred since the removal of two dams up stream, providing more habitat for gulls and waterfowl. Our next stop is the tranquil Fresh Water Bay, then we will end our trip at the beautiful and scenic Salt Creek Recreation Area. These locations not only provide exceptional bird habitat, but highlight the stunning charm of the North Olympic Peninsula. Some of these locations will include a bit of walking. Dress in layers, be prepared for possible rain, bring lunch, snacks, and extra water for this all-day adventure.
Location: Meets at Ediz Hook, Port Angeles, WA 98363.
Price: $95.00
Note: Driving time from River Center is 30 minutes.
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Birding Elwha Beach Lake and Estuary - Trip 1 & 2
Explore the creation of prime wildlife habitat on the newly formed delta of the Elwha River where beach armoring was removed starting in 2016. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe has granted us permission to explore this transforming landscape. We will walk on gravel, beach and road (up to 3 miles), birding by ear and scoping the Salish Sea and Elwha River Mouth. Excellent bird habitat is provided by stands of conifer and deciduous forest, fresh/brackish water, sand and logs. Forage fish such as herring are preyed upon by numerous local and migratory bird species. Shorebirds are expected to stopover on the estuary as kelp beds form and sand is colonized by mollusks, crustaceans, worms, and other sand-dwelling prey. Dress in layers of clothing that are ideally not 100% cotton (try to avoid jeans) and bring a rain jacket.
Location: Lower Elwha Road, Beach Lake gravel parking area with Port-a-Potty East of Stratton Road, 48.144421, -123.543963, Port Angeles, WA 98363.
Price: $30.00
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Dry Creek Waterfowl Sanctuary - Trip 1
Owned and managed by Arnold and Debbie Schouten since 1980, Dry Creek Waterfowl Sanctuary has many unique waterfowl and shorebird species. It is a private collection and wildlife sanctuary near Port Angeles, Washington. Dry Creek Waterfowl Sanctuary raises 14 species of waterfowl commonly known as sea ducks, all of which are rarely seen up close in the wild. Sea ducks spend most of their lives in salt water, coming to fresh water only during the breeding season. The sea duck group includes some of the most spectacular and highly specialized waterfowl such as Harlequin Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, Scoters, Eiders, Mergansers and Goldeneyes. How do you raise these awesome birds? Very carefully!
You will be walking on a dirt path in a wooded area. It is not ADA accessible.
100% of the proceeds go to the Dungeness River Nature Center.
Note: Average driving time from Sequim to this event is about 25 minutes.
Location: Port Angeles (get directions at registration)
Price: $30.00
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: The Big Year Movie Showing
Celebrate Olympic BirdFest 2024 with a screening of The Big Year, a 2011 film starring Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson. In this comedy, three bird watchers compete to spot the highest number of species and find there is more to life than beating the competition. Rated PG. 100 minutes. Subtitles in English.
This film is adapted from Mark Obmascik’s best-selling book, The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession, available to borrow through NOLS catalog.
Location: Port Angeles Main Library, Carver Room, 2210 South Peabody Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
Price: Free, Pre registration required
Register Here
