Washington Ornithological Society

11/04/2024

TONIGHT at 7:30pm PST via Zoom - “Clever, Curious, and Charismatic Crows!"

The antics of crows, ravens, and other members of the Corvid family have captivated our imaginations throughout history. Many of our myths, legends, and stories revolve around the astonishing brainpower these birds possess. But what is fact and what is fiction? Join us as Loma Pendergraft presents fun facts about crows, discusses the capabilities (and limits) of their intelligence, and the research that scientists at the University of Washington have conducted on these fascinating birds.

This meeting is open to all and can be accessed through our website meeting page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/. The link to access this meeting is also available in our bio! Sign-in begins at 7:15pm PST. Please turn off your video and audio during this meeting and type any questions you may have in the chat.

We look forward to seeing you there!

10/31/2024

One of the most common owls in Washington is the Great Horned Owl. These impressive birds are known for their large size and striking tufts that resemble little horns. Great Horned Owls are often linked to Halloween because their haunting calls can be heard echoing through the night, creating an eerie atmosphere. Additionally, their ability to hunt silently and blend into their surroundings adds to their mysterious reputation, making them a fitting symbol for this spooky season.

Happy Halloween!

10/28/2024

Join us on November 4, 2024, at 7:30pm PST via Zoom in welcoming Loma Pendergraft as he presents “Clever, Curious, and Charismatic Crows!"

The antics of crows, ravens, and other members of the Corvid family have captivated our imaginations throughout history. Many of our myths, legends, and stories revolve around the astonishing brainpower these birds possess. But what is fact and what is fiction? Join us while we discuss fun facts about crows, the capabilities (and limits) of their intelligence, and the research that scientists at the University of Washington have conducted on these fascinating birds. Loma Pendergraft earned his Ph.D. studying crow behavior at the University of Washington. His research has been featured in Audubon Magazine, National Geographic, and Bill Nye Saves the World. He currently works for the UW as an instructor of animal behavior and wildlife science.

This meeting is open to all and can be accessed through our website meeting page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/. The link to access this meeting is also available in our bio! Sign-in begins at 7:15pm PST. Please turn off your video and audio during this meeting and type any questions you may have in the chat.

We look forward to seeing you there!

10/22/2024

CALL FOR CONTRIBUTORS - We’re looking for passionate photographers and writers within our membership to contribute to future newsletters. If you are a member and have birding stories, field notes, or captivating bird photography, we’d love to feature your work! For more information, head over to our website at https://wos.org/publications/newsletters/

10/16/2024

The latest edition of the WOS Newsletter ( #203) is now available! This issue features new research on Rough-legged Hawks by a Patrick Sullivan Young Birders Fund recipient, 3 captivating stories on notable species from our members, and much more. Download your copy today!

Mason Maron, recipient of a Patrick Sullivan Young Birder’s Fund award, says he would not have been able to complete his research project without the money from the award. Mason first got involved in an ongoing undergraduate research project on Rosy-finches at Washington State University that pete...

10/12/2024

Join us today, October 12, for eBird’s October Big Day, a global event where birders document as many species as possible to support research on migration and seasonal movements. It’s a great opportunity to observe changes in bird behavior like the Sooty Grouse’s dietary shift from leaves and berries to conifer needles—an adaptation that helps them survive when food is scarce.

Will you be participating in the October Big Day?

10/07/2024

TONIGHT at 7:30pm PST via Zoom - Hummingbirds, Masters of the Air

With their ability to hover in place, fly upside-down or backwards, and cross seas without stopping, hummingbirds seem immune to the ordinary laws of physics. Find out more about one of the fiercest birds in the animal kingdom, as Master Birder Connie Sidles brings us an appreciation of the wonders of hummingbirds and tells you how to attract them to your yard.

This meeting is open to all and can be accessed through our website meeting page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/. The link to access this meeting is also available in our bio! Sign-in begins at 7:15pm PST. Please turn off your video and audio during this meeting and type any questions you may have in the chat.

See you tonight!

10/03/2024

Did you know that a membership to the Washington Ornithological Society includes access to Birds of the World by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology? This incredible resource provides comprehensive information on bird species from around the globe, including detailed articles, multimedia, and research by top ornithologists.

Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, Birds of the World is a valuable tool to deepen your knowledge and enhance your birding! If you're not a member yet, now's the perfect time to join and enjoy this amazing benefit. Head on over to https://wos.org/membership/ today to join!

09/30/2024

Join us on October 7, 2024, at 7:30pm PST via Zoom in welcoming the first speaker of our 2024-25 monthly meeting cycle, Master Birder Connie Sidles, as she presents "Hummingbirds, Masters of the Air!"

With their ability to hover in place, fly upside-down or backwards, and cross seas without stopping, hummingbirds seem immune to the ordinary laws of physics. Their jewel-tone feathers flash in the sun brighter than rubies or emeralds. Their wings flap faster than the eye can see. Their courtship flights defy gravity. These tiny dynamos of the avian world both fascinate and flummox us. Find out more about one of the fiercest birds in the animal kingdom, as Connie Sidles brings us an appreciation of the wonders of hummingbirds and tells you how to attract them to your yard.

This meeting is open to all and can be accessed through our website meeting page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/. The link to access this meeting is also available in our bio! Sign-in begins at 7:15pm PST. Please turn off your video and audio during this meeting and type any questions you may have in the chat.

We look forward to seeing you there!

09/26/2024

Don't be left owl-t of the loop! Keep an eye on our calendar for updates on field trips, monthly meetings, and other events. Items are added irregularly, so make sure to check in often so you don't miss a hoot. Stay informed, stay involved, and we'll see you on our next adventure

Happy birding! 🐦

08/25/2024

For our last bird for we wanted to spotlight a species that, more often than not, is a steward of cooler weather. Known for its distinctive orange and black plumage, the Varied Thrush thrives in dense, moist, coniferous forests, foraging on the forest floor for insects, berries, and seeds. Their eerie, flute-like song is a signature sound of Washington's woodland areas. As a migratory species, Varied Thrushes can be seen in lower elevations and even suburban areas during the winter months, making them a familiar sight to many. Interestingly, the this bird was featured in the opening sequence of the television series "Twin Peaks," showcasing its iconic presence in our region.

08/19/2024

The Canyon Wren takes center stage for week three of ! Canyon Wren are small, distinctive birds that are most often found in steep, rocky canyons, cliffs, and rocky outcroppings at low elevations along the eastern slopes of the Cascades and in the steppe zones of eastern Washington. This bird is well adapted to it's environment with a long bill and flat head that allow it to reach into crevices to find prey. Most notably, the Canyon Wren has a unique descending, echoing song that reverberates across the rocks it calls home. These wrens are permanent residents in Washington, and in winter they move away from cliffs into vegetation as they are sensitive to cold weather.