Birders—Photo: Skip Perkins

Field Trip Highlights: October 2025

By Marie Grad 

Seasonal Transitions

As October arrives, the bays and inlets will become lively with the arrival of wintering waterfowl. Among the notable species to watch for are Buffleheads, Brant, American Wigeons, and possibly Eurasian Wigeons, along with a variety of others. Fall is also when local bird species that spend the breeding season at higher elevations return to our parks and backyards. Golden-crowned and Fox Sparrows are just a couple of the species that return from their breeding grounds in Alaska and Northern Canada to spend their winters here.

Upcoming Field Trips

The "Birding for Beginners" field trip is on October 18th at the Dungeness River Nature Center from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Led by Marie Grad, the event covers basic birding and helps participants identify local species. There will be a special focus on identifying birds that spend their winters in our area.

Kathy McCoy is leading a field trip to Port Williams and Gibson Spit at 8:30 a.m. on October 20th. Several different species of seabirds and waterfowl spend the winter in our local bays and inlets. Kathy will be helping participants spot and identify those returning birds.

Trip Details and Registration

Detailed information and registration options for all field trips are available on the Events Calendar page of the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society website. Interested participants are encouraged to visit the site to learn more about upcoming opportunities and to secure their spots in advance.

Participant Reminder

If you have registered for a field trip but find that you are unable to attend, please inform the organizers as soon as possible. You can do this by emailing webmaster@olympicpeninsulaaudubon.org or by reaching out directly to the field trip leader. Timely communication helps ensure that field trips run smoothly and that waitlisted participants may have the opportunity to join.

Wednesday Bird Walk

Date and Time: Every Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m.
Meeting Place: Outside the Dungeness River Nature Center
Features: Easy guided bird walk through Railroad Bridge Park to see birds of the Dungeness River riparian area and adjacent fields and open areas.
Bring: Binoculars, scope, and appropriate clothing for the weather.
Cost: Free