Tahoma Bird Alliance

10/12/2026

NEXT WEDNESDAY: Join us for How Birds Fly: the Science and Art of Avian Flight, a virtual presentation with Peter Cavanagh! Peter is a Washington based scientist, author, and photographer. His book, How Birds Fly, brings the science of avian flight to life in accessible, common-sense language with almost 400 of his photographs, illustrations, and diagrams. It includes descriptions of many aspects of bird flight including evolution, anatomy, aerodynamics, take-off and landing, in flight maneuvers, and migration. A recent review in The Canadian Field Naturalist called the book “.…a masterpiece” and “….a wonderful celebration of birds”. Pay what you can,
$5, $10, or $15. Register on our website: https://www.tahomabirdalliance.org/speaker-series

10/09/2026

It's October, and many Halloween lovers are decorating their yards, windows and balconies. But some common Halloween decorations can pose a threat to birds, especially artificial webbing. Unlike the leaves and branches that birds easily navigate, filaments of artificial webbing are so thin that they easily get caught in bird's feathers, and they don't break as easily as real spiderwebs. Because of these properties, they present a unique hazard for birds when draped on shrubs, trees, and around homes. If you want to use outdoor webs, use thick ropes with wide openings, and check twice a day for trapped birds. Decorating with window clings, or with web inside the window can also help reduce the risk of window strikes!

Click the link below for more tips from National Audubon on how to have a bird-safe Halloween season:
https://www.audubon.org/magazine/how-have-bird-friendly-halloween

https://www.audubon.org/magazine/how-have-bird-friendly-halloween

10/08/2026

Come check out the Tahoma Bird Alliance booth at the Clover Creek Watershed Festival this Saturday!

Join us for the 2nd annual Chambers-Clover Watershed Festival October 10th from 12-4pm!

The event will be held at the Flett Creek Preserve and Natural Labratory at Clover Park Technical College, directly across from the college on Steilacoom Boulevard.

This is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate our watershed in Tacoma, University Place, Parkland, Spanaway, Lakewood, Fredrickson, Fircrest, and large parts of unincorporated Pierce County.

The event will feature tours of the Flett Creek Outdoor Lab, an exhibitor fair, and activities including an invasive Scotch Broom pulling contest! Spread the word and we will see you on October 10th!

Learn more https://clovercreekra.com/clover-chambers-watershed-festival/

10/08/2026

Wahkiakum Wild Bird Fest is a one-of-a-kind birding event to showcase the remarkable abundance and diversity of birds that winter along the Columbia River Estuary and Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer.

Bird lovers and nature enthusiasts are invited to Wahkiakum County, Washington, February 19-21, 2027, to experience the region's abundant ducks, geese, and swans.

Created by a partnership of community organizations led by Willapa Hills Audubon Society, the festival offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the region's beautiful landscapes and discover the birds that call them home.

Visit the festival website at https://www.wildbirdfest.org.

10/05/2026

Wednesday, October 14th, 6-7PM: Join us for a virtual talk with scientist, author, and bird photographer Peter Cavanagh! He will discuss his new book HOW BIRDS FLY: The Science and Art of Avian Flight. The book brings the science of avian flight to life in accessible, common-sense language with almost 400 of his photographs, illustrations, and diagrams. It includes descriptions of many aspects of bird flight including evolution, anatomy, aerodynamics, take-off and landing, in flight maneuvers, and migration. A recent review in The Canadian Field Naturalist called the book “.…a masterpiece” and “….a wonderful celebration of birds”. Online Via Zoom.
Pay What You Can, $5, $10, or $15.
Register on our website: https://www.tahomabirdalliance.org/speaker-series
Purchase the Book: https://www.fireflybooks.com/BookDetails?Pid=28659

10/02/2026

It was a busy weekend with Tahoma Bird Alliance. Last Saturday, we closed a month of Lights Out awareness with a presentation from Patty Giffin with the Olympic Peninsula chapter of DarkSky. She spoke on the importance of preserving darkness not just during the migratory months, but year round too, encouraging attendees to think of the night as a habitat in need of preservation, a concept that really resonated with members and staff!

On Sunday, Tahoma Bird Alliance member and volunteer Ed Beck helped 12 new birders take flight with his twice annual Birding Essentials class. If you missed it, don't worry! This class is offered in Spring and Fall every year to coincide with the migratory seasons. The next class will be held Saturday, April 17th, 2027, from Noon to 2:30.

Thanks to our amazing members, volunteers, board members and presenters for making this weekend a success!

10/01/2026

Another lengthy visit from this beauty again today. She’s become a regular. Today she was stalking a squirrel that was really giving her a run for her money! (BTW we aren’t positive it’s a female but her large size would indicate so we are calling her a female)

09/29/2026

Green Tacoma Day is almost here! Join the Green Tacoma Partnership and Tacoma Green Drinks for an evening of connection, conversation and community as we get ready for Green Tacoma Day 2026.

Tacoma Green Drinks brings together people interested in sustainability, conservation and the environment for casual networking and conversation. Come meet others who care about keeping Tacoma green, learn more about Green Tacoma Day and help us kick off the celebration!

📅 Thursday, October 1, 2026
⏰ 6:00 pm
📍 7 Seas Brewing
🌎 Everyone interested in Tacoma’s environment is welcome!

Come connect with your green community and join us for Green Tacoma Day! 👽🌱

You can learn more and register to volunteer at greentacomaday.org.

09/26/2026

Saturday, September 26th, 1-3PM at the Tahoma Bird Alliance Office: Join us for our member meeting, featuring a free presentation with Patty Giffin from DarkSky Olympic Peninsula, the local chapter of an international organization focused on raising awareness of the effects of light pollution and fostering appreciation for the night sky. Her presentation, 'For the Love of Night, and the Birds' will focus on the effects of light pollution on birds, other animals, and people. This talk invites us to see the night differently—not as empty space that needs to be illuminated, but as an essential part of the living world. This is a free event, but registration is required, as space is limited. RSVP on Our website! https://www.tahomabirdalliance.org/member-meetings