Rufous Hummingbirds - Photo: Dow Lambert

Backyard Birding: May & June 2024

Backyard Birding 2023-2024 Series Update

by Rhonda Coats

In March, a record number of attendees (117) enjoyed Bob Boekelheide’s presentation on “Bird Migration.” Bob focused on the migratory bird species seen in Clallam County—discussing why they migrate, how they navigate, and the routes they travel. He emphasized why migration stopovers in Clallam County, such as Dungeness Bay and riparian forests, are so important for certain species. The series continued in April with “Sounds of Spring,” presented by Ken Wiersema and Dow Lambert—featuring Dow’s excellent local photos as well as his sound and video recordings. Attendees increased their bird identification abilities by recognizing bird songs and calls of spring heard throughout our local yards, fields, forests, and shores.

Coming attractions for the series will include:

Backyard Birding: “Bird Insectivores”
Presenter: Ken Wiersema
Saturday, May 4, 2024
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (please note special start time)
Rainshadow Hall at Dungeness River Nature Center

Backyard Birding continues in May with Ken Wiersema presenting on the topic of “Bird Insectivores”—specifically birds that feed mainly on insects, spiders, and invertebrates. Ken has prepared this brand new seminar as a companion to the May 11th Clallam County Birdathon and World Migratory Bird Day. This year, the theme for World Migratory Bird Day underscores the vital significance of insects for migratory birds. These birds depend on energy from protein-rich insects being available at the right times in each annual cycle to feed chicks at their nesting destinations and to fuel migratory flights. Insectivorous birds are at risk as insect populations dwindle due to a host of reasons including pesticides, herbicides, climate change, industrialized agriculture, and habitat degradation.

Backyard Birding: “Out of the Nest—the Vulnerability of New Birds”
Presenter: Ken Wiersema
Saturday, June 1, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Rainshadow Hall at Dungeness River Nature Center

On June 1st, Backyard Birding continues with “Out of the Nest” presented by Ken Wiersema. This program will delve into the roles parent birds play in protecting, feeding, and leading their offspring as they grow and leave their nests. Late spring and early summer are vulnerable times in the life of fledglings and new birds. Ken will expand on how different species vary in raising their young. Attendees will gain an understanding of changing food needs in early bird development and will learn ways to make their yards more inviting and less hazardous for young birds.

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The 2023-24 series will conclude on July 6th with “Gulls and Local Shorebirds” presented by Bob Boekelheide.

Admission to the series is free. However, we suggest a donation of $5.00 per person to support ongoing OPAS education and bird conservation programs.