Birders—Photo: Skip Perkins

Field Trip Program Update – May 2026

by Marie Grad 

Spring migration is underway. Winter birds are starting to leave for their summer breeding grounds, and our summer birds are starting to return to our yards and natural areas.

There is only one field trip scheduled for this month on May 31st to the Dungeness Levee restoration area. Kathy McCoy and Ben Hannah are the leaders for this field trip.

In June we’re offering a field trip focused on birding by ear, led by Dave Swinford and Greg Irving. Greg uses high‑quality recording equipment to capture bird vocalizations as a way to sharpen identification skills, and he’ll be recording the species heard during the outing. The recordings will be shared on eBird.

The area chosen for this trip is a clear cut, mixed habitat south of the Dungeness fish hatchery. This is a prime area for various warblers, flycatchers, finches, grosbeaks, woodpeckers and various other species. It’s also a great area for House Wrens and Ruffed Grouse.

This trip is limited to 12 participants. Each person will be assigned a bird species to learn by sound, and during the outing they’ll be asked to identify their assigned species for the group.

Look for the announcement for this trip to be available on our website in the next few weeks.

Details and sign-up information for field trips can be found on the OPAS website Events Calendar .

When you register for a field trip on our website now, you will be notified of our liability disclaimer.

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