Removing the Harlequin Duck for Presentation—Photo by Rhonda Coats
Narrative by Dee Renee Ericks
Wednesday, June 17th was our first potluck dinner meeting since COVID, and it was followed by the annual election of officers. Following a delightful array of foods, the OPAS awards presentation began, recognizing individuals in our community and within OPAS whose outstanding work has protected birds and their habitats. Fun was had by all!
First, the 2026 Conservation Award was presented to Cindy Daily, Director of Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue. What an amazing service she offers to our area birds!
Cindy Daily was invited to attend our potluck and make a short presentation with her education hawk, a Swainson’s named “Rider.” Little did she know we had a surprise for her!
Cindy with “Rider,” a rescued and now education raptor—Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
The Award was presented to Cindy by Conservation Committee Co-Chairs Bob Phreaner and Joyce Volmut.
Bob Phreaner, Cindy Daily, and Joyce Volmut—Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
Our next Award was presented to Shelly Ament for Career Achievement in Conservation. Shelly has been retired two weeks now from her 34-year career with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Photo above of Trumpeter Swan by John Gussman
Liam Antrim and Laura Davis presented the Award to Shelly Ament (middle). Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
Shelly offered insightful comments to an appreciative audience. Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
The final award was kept hush-hush! The 2026 Harlequin Award was presented by 2025 winner Dee Renee Ericks to Joyce Volmut! With a beaming smile, Joyce accepted the trophy with a hand-carved Harlequin Duck on top. Joyce hails from Kansas where she is famous for her hand-carved birds.
Dee Renee presenting the 2026 Harlequin Award to Joyce. Photo by Kristy Henderson
Following that presentation, all Harlequin Award winners in the room gathered for the yearly group photo.
From left, past Harlequin Award winners: Dee Renee Ericks, Shirley Anderson, Marion Rutledge, Enid Phreaner, Joyce Volmut, Audrey Gift, Bob Phreaner, Clare Hatler, Bob Boekelheide, Annette Hanson, and Ken Wiersema. Photo by Kristy Henderson
For those interested in viewing the awards presentation and the evening program “Partners in Birding” with Michael Glore, Executive Director of the Dungeness River Nature Center, the video is available here: “Partners in Birding” and Awards Video.