Bushtits on suet balls—Photo: Dee Renee Ericks

OPAS Backyard Birding: “Backyard Birds in Winter”
Presenter: Ken Wiersema
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Rainshadow Hall, Dungeness River Nature Center
Suggested donation: $5

Ken Wiersema

As days grow shorter, rainfall increases, and temperatures drop, birds across the Olympic Peninsula respond in remarkable ways. Our region's diverse habitats, from snowy mountain slopes to the sheltered waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, support an extraordinary variety of bird life throughout the year. Winter brings seasonal movements, changes in plumage and vocalizations, and opportunities for birders to observe species that may not be present during other seasons.

This December program will help birders sharpen their winter identification skills. Using Dow Lambert's local bird photos and recordings, Ken will explore how birds adapt to winter, including patterns of movement, changes in appearance, and seasonal vocalizations. He will also introduce useful online and mobile birding resources, along with recommended reference books and field guides.

The program will offer practical tips for supporting wintering birds with supplemental food, water, and shelter, including the value and design of brush piles and roost boxes. Attendees are encouraged to bring their winter bird-identification questions, observations of bird behavior, and favorite birding resources to share.

We'll also explore our OPAS chapter's participation in the nationwide Christmas Bird Count and explain how you can join the fun, whether by counting birds in your own backyard or participating with a field team.

Admission to each Backyard Birding program is free. Donations of $5 per person to support ongoing OPAS education programs are appreciated.