The North Olympic Peninsula, a strip of prairie and forest between million-acre Olympic National Park and the Strait of Juan de ****, is widely known as a great place for bird watching.

The April date of Olympic BirdFest is timed to overlap wintering birds such as Harlequin and Long tailed ducks, songbirds, and seabirds with spring migration.

Rufous hummingbirds arrive in this area from South America with the blooming of wild red-flowering currants in early April.

Field trips are planned for Sequim Bay, Port Angeles Harbor, Ediz Hook, Dungeness Spit and the Elwha River, as well as trips through wooded areas and fields to view songbirds.

A cruise around Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge is available on Sunday morning.

In addition to the field trips, birders may participate in presentations, workshops and a banquet with a speaker and raffle. Thursday night's Kick Off is followed by a presentation on owls; the Saturday night banquet features speaker Scott Pearson's "A Tale of Two Puffins," about Tufted Puffins and Rhinoceros Auklets.

Schedule of Events

April 11-13, 2023

San Juan Islands Cruise

Join us for a three-day, two-night nature cruise to the spectacular San Juan Archipelago on the M/V Glacier Spirit with a naturalist. Sightings of Orca, Minke, and Gray and Humpback whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and many sea birds are possible.

We depart from John Wayne Marina in Sequim at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning, April 11 on a heated whale-watching boat with comfortable seats, large windows, restrooms, and outdoor observation decks. Please arrive by 9:30 AM.

We'll cross the Strait of Juan de ****, stay two nights at historic Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island; visit Sucia Island, a WA State Marine Park; and cruise through the breathtaking Deception Pass on our way home. Cruise package includes all lodging, transportation, breakfasts, and lunches.

Cost: $1,395.00 per person double occupancy, $1595.00 single occupancy

Launch from: The north boat ramp at John Wayne Marina

3.00 PM-6:00 PM: BirdFest Kick Off

Meet your field trip leaders, other participants, and staff in the new Dungeness River Nature Center's Rainshadow Room to kick off BirdFest 2023!

Find answers to last minute questions, directions, and loads of information about local areas.

We'll have brochures about major natural attractions in the area, including totemic art at the Jamestown S'Klallam headquarters in Blyn, waterfalls, Olympic National Park; what to see and do in Neah Bay, information about the San Juan Islands, and much more.

Cost: Free

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center

6:30 PM-8:30 PM: Owls of the Olympic Peninsula

This is a seminar style presentation on the owls that call the Pacific Northwest home and how they are adapted to be masters of the night. Led by the Dungeness River Nature Center Director Powell Jones, this program will explore the lives of these fantastic creatures with an emphasis on understanding the unique and amazing adaptations that they utilize to survive in a competitive environment.

Cost: $20.00

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center

8:30 AM-11:30 AM and 1:00 PM-4:00 PM: Birding Elwha Beach Lake and Estuary

Explore the creation of prime wildlife habitat on the newly formed delta of the Elwha River where beach armoring was removed starting in 2016. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe has granted us permission to explore this transforming landscape. We will walk on gravel, beach and road (up to 3 miles), birding by ear and scoping the Salish Sea and Elwha River Mouth. Excellent bird habitat is provided by stands of conifer and deciduous forest, fresh/brackish water, sand and logs. Forage fish such as herring are preyed upon by numerous local and migratory bird species. Shorebirds are expected to stopover on the estuary as kelp beds form and sand is colonized by mollusks, crustaceans, worms, and other sand-dwelling prey. Dress in layers of clothing that are ideally not 100% cotton (try to avoid jeans) and bring a rain jacket.

Cost: $30.00

Location: Lower Elwha Road, Beach Lake gravel parking area with porta potty east of Stratton Road, 48.144421, -123.543963

April 14, 2023

9:00 AM-12:00 PM: Drawing Bird Feathers with Robert Amaral

Instructors: Shirley Anderson & Robert Amaral

Explore the anatomy of feathers and learn to illustrate different varieties of feathers with biology teacher Shirley Anderson and artist Robert Amaral. All skill levels are welcome.

Class size limit: 14
Cost: $40.00

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center

9:30 AM-4:30 PM: Bays & Coasts of the Olympic Peninsula

Winter resident and migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors are the focus of this all day field trip. Guided by Bob Boekelheide, the group will explore the very best coastal birding between Sequim Bay and the Elwha River. Dress in layers, be prepared for possible rain, bring lunch, snacks, and extra water for this all-day adventure.

Cost: $95.00

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center

8:30 AM-11:30 AM and 1:00 PM-4:00 PM: Birding Sequim Bay & John Wayne Marina

Sequim Bay, one of the great, protected embayments of the North Olympic Peninsula, attracts a wonderful variety of shorebirds, alcids, gulls, and waterfowl. The bay provides great opportunities to see Rhinoceros Auklets and Marbled Murrelets. Possible Ducks include Barrow's Goldeneyes, Hooded Mergansers, Surf and White-winged Scoters and Long-tailed Ducks.

Cost: $30.00

Location: North boat ramp at John Wayne Marina

1:00 PM-4:00 PM: Birding Three Crabs & Dungeness Bay

Dungeness Bay is a spectacular estuary at the mouth of the Dungeness River, one of the prime birding areas of the North Olympic Peninsula. Deemed an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, it is rich in birdlife throughout the year. Waterfowl gather here by the thousands, including Brant, who feed on eelgrass during migration and in winter. At the right tide, shorebirds include plovers, dowitchers, yellowlegs, several sandpipers, Whimbrels, and godwits feeding in easy view, along with eagles and falcons.

Cost: $30.00

Location: Dungeness Landing County Park

8:30 AM-11:30 AM: Birding Dungeness Spit and Adjacent Forests

The longest natural sand spit in the United States, Dungeness Spit juts over five miles into the Strait of Juan de ****. Part of the Dungeness NWR, the Spit offers viewing of birds in the Strait with those of an inshore bay. We will walk through forested uplands to find song birds, then emerge onto viewing sites to scope inshore and offshore waters for loons, grebes, sea ducks, auklets, murrelets, and more. We'll descend a paved trail onto the Spit and walk a sandy portion of the shoreline. Later we'll walk several trails in the Dungeness Recreation Area to see birds of upland rain shadow habitats, mixing thickets of forest with open grasslands and marshes. Where else can you see Black Scoters and Red-throated Loons in the same morning as Northern Harriers and Golden-crowned Sparrows? The trip includes walking approximately 2 miles over both paved and graveled trails.

Cost: $30.00

Location: Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge parking lot

1:00 PM-4:00 PM: Bird Drawing Class with Robert Amaral

Enhance your enjoyment of birds by drawing them! Join artist/instructor Robert Amaral in this workshop where he will focus on such fundamentals as seeing the bird's basic shapes, progressing from simple to complex forms, relating proportions and capturing the posture of our birds. There will be drawing demonstrations and you will draw birds from the Dungeness River Nature Center's extensive collection of mounts. All skill levels are welcome.

Class size limit: 14
Cost: $40.00

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center

6:00 PM-8:00 PM: Zippy, Vocal and Ravenous—Everything We Love about Hummingbirds

This is a seminar style lecture, led by Dungeness River Nature Center director Powell Jones. He will explore the lives of these fantastic and often misunderstood birds. Come learn about their lightning fast lives and the extreme adaptations hummingbirds employ to live day to day.

Cost: $20.00

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center

1:00 PM-4:00 PM: Dry Creek Waterfowl Sanctuary

Owned and managed by Arnold and Debbie Schouten since 1980, Dry Creek Waterfowl Sanctuary has many unique waterfowl and shorebird species. It is a private collection and wildlife sanctuary near Port Angeles, Washington. Dry Creek Waterfowl Sanctuary raises 14 species of waterfowl commonly known as sea ducks, all of which are rarely seen up close in the wild. Sea ducks spend most of their lives in salt water, coming to fresh water only during the breeding season. The sea duck group includes some of the most spectacular and highly specialized waterfowl such as Harlequin Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, Scoters, Eiders, Mergansers and Goldeneyes. How do you raise these awesome birds? Very carefully!

Cost: $30.00

Location: Port Angeles (get directions at registration)

April 15, 2023

8:30 AM-3:30 PM: Bays & Coasts of the Olympic Peninsula

Winter resident and migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors are the focus of this all day field trip. Guided by Bob Boekelheide, the group will explore the very best coastal birding between Sequim Bay and the Elwha River. Dress in layers, be prepared for possible rain, bring lunch, snacks, and extra water for this all-day adventure.

Cost: $95.00

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center

8:30 AM-11:30 AM and 1:00 PM-4:00 PM: Birding Sequim Bay & John Wayne Marina

Sequim Bay, one of the great, protected embayments of the North Olympic Peninsula, attracts a wonderful variety of shorebirds, alcids, gulls, and waterfowl. The bay provides great opportunities to see Rhinoceros Auklets and Marbled Murrelets. Possible Ducks include Barrow's Goldeneyes, Hooded Mergansers, Surf and White-winged Scoters and Long-tailed Ducks.

Cost: $30.00

Location: North boat ramp at John Wayne Marina

1:00 PM-4:00 PM: Dry Creek Waterfowl Sanctuary

Owned and managed by Arnold and Debbie Schouten since 1980, Dry Creek Waterfowl Sanctuary has many unique waterfowl and shorebird species. It is a private collection and wildlife sanctuary near Port Angeles, Washington. Dry Creek Waterfowl Sanctuary raises 14 species of waterfowl commonly known as sea ducks, all of which are rarely seen up close in the wild. Sea ducks spend most of their lives in salt water, coming to fresh water only during the breeding season. The sea duck group includes some of the most spectacular and highly specialized waterfowl such as Harlequin Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, Scoters, Eiders, Mergansers and Goldeneyes. How do you raise these awesome birds? Very carefully!

Cost: $30.00

Location: Port Angeles (get directions at registration)

1:00 PM-4:00 PM: Birding Three Crabs & Dungeness Bay

Dungeness Bay is a spectacular estuary at the mouth of the Dungeness River, one of the prime birding areas of the North Olympic Peninsula. Deemed an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, it is rich in birdlife throughout the year. Waterfowl gather here by the thousands, including Brant, who feed on eelgrass during migration and in winter. At the right tide, shorebirds include plovers, dowitchers, yellowlegs, several sandpipers, Whimbrels, and godwits feeding in easy view, along with eagles and falcons.

Cost: $30.00

Location: Dungeness Landing County Park

8:30 AM-11:30 AM: Birding Dungeness Spit and Adjacent Forests

The longest natural sand spit in the United States, Dungeness Spit juts over five miles into the Strait of Juan de ****. Part of the Dungeness NWR, the Spit offers viewing of birds in the Strait with those of an inshore bay. We will walk through forested uplands to find song birds, then emerge onto viewing sites to scope inshore and offshore waters for loons, grebes, sea ducks, auklets, murrelets, and more. We'll descend a paved trail onto the Spit and walk a sandy portion of the shoreline. Later we'll walk several trails in the Dungeness Recreation Area to see birds of upland rain shadow habitats, mixing thickets of forest with open grasslands and marshes. Where else can you see Black Scoters and Red-throated Loons in the same morning as Northern Harriers and Golden-crowned Sparrows? The trip includes walking approximately 2 miles over both paved and graveled trails.

Cost: $30.00

Location: Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge parking lot

6:00 AM-7:30 AM: Saturday Dawn Chorus

Rise and shine! The lower 11 miles of the Dungeness River pass through large stands of intact riparian forests, and has been designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. Railroad Bridge Park is one of the few public accesses to this habitat, where Bald Eagles, American Dippers, and Common Mergansers cruise the rivers and Brown Creepers, vireos, warblers, and other forest birds cruise the canopy. Join us for a lovely walk by the river.

Cost: $20.00

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center

10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Beginning Birding Basics

Are you new to birding or want to see what it's all about, then this is the class for you! This seminar-style class taught by the director of the Dungeness River Nature Center, Powell Jones, is designed to get you started in the world of birds. Learn the basics including where to bird, strategies for identification, optics, references, digital resources, and how to identify 20 common birds of the Pacific Northwest.

Cost: $20.00

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center

10:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-3:00 PM: Totem Tour

Meet your tour group at the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe's Native Art Gallery and jump onto a bus for a guided tour of their renowned totem poles. Your host will give an "up-close" view of the poles, explaining the historical figures and legends that inspired their designs. You will learn about the "Founding Fathers" of the Jamestown Tribe, discover why the S'Klallam are called the "Strong People," and why the wolf is so well respected. The numerous stories and folk tales of these carved columns will be revealed to you. Limited to 14 participants.

Cost: $30.00

Location: Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe's Native Art Gallery

1:00 PM-4:00 PM: Ediz Hook and Port Angeles Harbor

Port Angeles Harbor, surrounded on its north side by Ediz Hook, provides shelter for many species of waterfowl, alcids, gulls, grebes, loons, and cormorants. It is one of the best places to see beautiful Harlequin Ducks up close, and to compare all three species of roosting cormorants (Pelagic, Double-crested, and Brandt's). We will look for Black Scoters and Long-tailed Ducks swimming on the north side in the Strait. April is also a good month to see Marbled Murrelets and Rhinoceros Auklets swimming within the harbor. We will stop at the best places at the Hook and around the harbor, depending on birds. Some short walking at viewpoints; we may carpool to facilitate parking. Dress in layers for warmth and rain protection if needed. Meet by the restrooms near the tip of Ediz Hook (across from the small grove of pine trees near the entrance to the Coast Guard base).

Cost: $30.00

Location: Ediz Hook

1:30 PM-3:30 PM: Ravens, Crows and Jays (and how Raven stole daylight)

A seminar style presentation on the local members of the Corvid family. Ravens, Crows and Jays are year-round residents of our Olympic Peninsula. We'll explore the rich history of these birds related to the Native American culture and the exploration and settlement of the Pacific Northwest by European peoples. We'll also cover the ranges and changes occurring in Corvid populations and behavior caused by Climate Change. The program will be led by Dungeness River Nature Center volunteer Ken Wiersema, and richly illustrated with the work of local photographers. Enjoy and improve your understanding of these omnipresent, intelligent birds. A short walking field trip to view the Corvids in Railroad Bridge Park may be included (weather permitting). Bring your binoculars. Spotting scopes are also welcome.

Cost: $20.00

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center

6:00 PM-8:30 PM: BirdFest Banquet with Guest Speaker Dr. Scott Pearson

Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner from appetizer to dessert in the new Dungeness River Nature Center Banquet Hall. Kokopelli Grill will be catering the event again this year, providing entree options of Salmon Filet with an ancho light butter or Pasta La Casa in a luscious cream sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. Of course all of the accompanying sides will be there as well. After dinner relax with coffee, tea and yummy cupcakes from That Takes the Cake bakery.

Please register for this event by choosing either the salmon option or vegetarian option. Raffle tickets will be available at the banquet. This event always sells out so don't miss it.

Banquet Presentation: Research Scientist Dr. Scott Pearson

Dr. Scott Pearson manages extensive research and monitoring projects, from studies of Streak Horned Larks (not a seabird!) to Snowy Plovers, colony studies of Marbled Murrelets, Common Murres, Tufted Puffins and Rhinoceros Auklets. Long-term monitoring helps piece together changes in the environment from climate change and other factors. "Changes in the nearshore marine environment are already occurring," he says, with significant effect on plankton, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals." His talk, "The Tale of Two Puffins," addresses the state of two Puffin species: Tufted Puffins and Rhinoceros Auklets.

Doors open at 5:30 PM
Cost: $75.00 (casual dress)

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center

9:00 AM-4:00 PM: Birds in the Lens—Photography Basics and Beyond

Whether your goal is simply to take your birding to another level or to produce professional-level documentary or fine art pictures of birds, this workshop will introduce basic concepts, equipment, technique, field craft, and composition to get you started or help you make better photographs. While the workshop is primarily a classroom activity, two breaks will give you the opportunity to practice in woodland and riparian areas around the Dungeness River Nature Center.

Olympic Peninsula author and photographer Robert Steelquist has photographed birds (and other things) in locations as diverse as the Yucatan Peninsula, Alaska, Okefenokee Swamp and throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canadian Rockies. His bird photography is in the permanent collection of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and on display at the tribe's Justice Center in Blyn. He is currently documenting Pacific Flyway Sandhill Cranes throughout their migratory range

Class size limit: 14
Cost: $95.00

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center

April 16, 2023

7:00 AM-9:00 AM: Gardiner Beach & Diamond Point

We will cover land and water birds on this trip. We will have a variety of species. There will be a limited amount of walking on this trip.

Cost: $30.00

Location: Meet at Gardiner Boat Ramp

9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-4:00 PM: Protection Island Cruise

This 3-hour boat trip aboard the M/V GLACIER SPIRIT will cruise around Protection Island, a U.S. National Wildlife Refuge. Marine birds and mammals will be the targets of this trip, and we should see Rhinoceros Auklets, Long-tailed Ducks, Common Murres, loons, cormorants, gulls, harbor seals, and possibly porpoises, elephant seals, and sea lions. The GLACIER SPIRIT is an enclosed, comfortable boat (although the best wildlife viewing is done out in the weather), and snacks and beverages are available for a small price. This trip is limited to 65 persons and will probably sell out rapidly, so get your reservations early.

Cost: $95.00

Location: Near the north boat ramp at John Wayne Marina

10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue Meet and Greet

DBWBR is a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation center located in Port Townsend, WA. Rescued birds are found throughout the Olympic Peninsula and are brought to the Center where they are treated for illnesses and injuries and eventually released back to their natural habitat. In this presentation you will hear all about what it's like at a rescue hospital and meet some of their non-releasable raptors and learn their individual stories. Photographs are allowed and questions encouraged! Donations to DBWBR are appreciated.

Cost: $25

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center

April 16, 2023

2:00 PM-3:00 PM: Neah Bay: Birding at the Beginning of the World

Join Bob Boekelheide, Bob Steelquist and Stacey Fradkin for a unique, two and a half day birding experience to one of the most remote and wild birding areas of Washington State. We will explore the Makah Indian Nation's best and most beautiful birding hot spots searching for migrating raptors, seabirds, and songbirds—one day on land and one day aboard the M/V Wind Song, a sturdy fishing charter boat (weather permitting).

Our adventure begins at 2:00 PM Sunday afternoon at Clallam Bay County Park in the town of Clallam Bay. There you will meet Bob Boekelheide to bird the park and beach. You will then continue on to Neah Bay with additional birding stops along the way.

The next two days will be spent birding at places such as Cape Flattery, Wa'atch Valley, Hobuck Beach, Bahokus Peak and Neah Bay itself. On the six-hour boat trip, we'll be looking for pelagic seabirds as well as marine mammals. Whales, seals, and sea lions are always a possibility. Plan on slow walking up to 3 miles a day over varying terrain.

Cost of the trip: The trip includes all meals from Sunday night dinner through Tuesday lunch, Makah Tribal passes, entrance fee to the Makah Museum, and guides. All gratuities are included. Participants must book and pay for their own lodging.

Lodging Options: Because Neah Bay is extremely busy during fishing season, we have arranged with the Makah Tribe to set aside a block of cabins at the beautiful Hobuck Beach Resort for Sunday and Monday nights. These rooms are available to BirdFest participants at a discounted rate until APRIL 2, 2023 when they will be released for public use. Hobuck Beach cabins normally sell out from March to May so you must CALL to select lodging of your choice as soon as possible. Their phone number is 360-645-2339. When you call, you must mention Olympic Birdfest to receive the discount.

Cost: $550

Location: Clallam Bay County Park

April 17, 2023

2:00 PM-3:00 PM: Neah Bay: Birding at the Beginning of the World

Join Bob Boekelheide, Bob Steelquist and Stacey Fradkin for a unique, two and a half day birding experience to one of the most remote and wild birding areas of Washington State. We will explore the Makah Indian Nation's best and most beautiful birding hot spots searching for migrating raptors, seabirds, and songbirds—one day on land and one day aboard the M/V Wind Song, a sturdy fishing charter boat (weather permitting).

Our adventure begins at 2:00 PM Sunday afternoon at Clallam Bay County Park in the town of Clallam Bay. There you will meet Bob Boekelheide to bird the park and beach. You will then continue on to Neah Bay with additional birding stops along the way.

The next two days will be spent birding at places such as Cape Flattery, Wa'atch Valley, Hobuck Beach, Bahokus Peak and Neah Bay itself. On the six-hour boat trip, we'll be looking for pelagic seabirds as well as marine mammals. Whales, seals, and sea lions are always a possibility. Plan on slow walking up to 3 miles a day over varying terrain.

Cost of the trip: The trip includes all meals from Sunday night dinner through Tuesday lunch, Makah Tribal passes, entrance fee to the Makah Museum, and guides. All gratuities are included. Participants must book and pay for their own lodging.

Lodging Options: Because Neah Bay is extremely busy during fishing season, we have arranged with the Makah Tribe to set aside a block of cabins at the beautiful Hobuck Beach Resort for Sunday and Monday nights. These rooms are available to BirdFest participants at a discounted rate until APRIL 2, 2023 when they will be released for public use. Hobuck Beach cabins normally sell out from March to May so you must CALL to select lodging of your choice as soon as possible. Their phone number is 360-645-2339. When you call, you must mention Olympic Birdfest to receive the discount.

Cost: $550

Location: Clallam Bay County Park

April 18, 2023

2:00 PM-3:00 PM: Neah Bay: Birding at the Beginning of the World

Join Bob Boekelheide, Bob Steelquist and Stacey Fradkin for a unique, two and a half day birding experience to one of the most remote and wild birding areas of Washington State. We will explore the Makah Indian Nation's best and most beautiful birding hot spots searching for migrating raptors, seabirds, and songbirds—one day on land and one day aboard the M/V Wind Song, a sturdy fishing charter boat (weather permitting).

Our adventure begins at 2:00 PM Sunday afternoon at Clallam Bay County Park in the town of Clallam Bay. There you will meet Bob Boekelheide to bird the park and beach. You will then continue on to Neah Bay with additional birding stops along the way.

The next two days will be spent birding at places such as Cape Flattery, Wa'atch Valley, Hobuck Beach, Bahokus Peak and Neah Bay itself. On the six-hour boat trip, we'll be looking for pelagic seabirds as well as marine mammals. Whales, seals, and sea lions are always a possibility. Plan on slow walking up to 3 miles a day over varying terrain.

Cost of the trip: The trip includes all meals from Sunday night dinner through Tuesday lunch, Makah Tribal passes, entrance fee to the Makah Museum, and guides. All gratuities are included. Participants must book and pay for their own lodging.

Lodging Options: Because Neah Bay is extremely busy during fishing season, we have arranged with the Makah Tribe to set aside a block of cabins at the beautiful Hobuck Beach Resort for Sunday and Monday nights. These rooms are available to BirdFest participants at a discounted rate until APRIL 2, 2023 when they will be released for public use. Hobuck Beach cabins normally sell out from March to May so you must CALL to select lodging of your choice as soon as possible. Their phone number is 360-645-2339. When you call, you must mention Olympic Birdfest to receive the discount.

Cost: $550

Location: Clallam Bay County Park

April 1-30, 2023

BirdFest-BirdQuest

Cost: Free

Location: Downtown Sequim and Dungeness River Nature Center

Date: April 13-16, 2023

Location: Various Town in Washington

Click Here for more information