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

The April dates of Olympic BirdFest are 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 Mexico with the blooming of wild red-flowering currants in early April.

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

Two cruises around Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge are available on Sunday, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

In addition to the field trips, birders may participate in presentations, workshops and a banquet with a speaker and raffle.

Sequim is the ancestral home of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe (a partner of the non-profit Dungeness River Nature Center). Their Tribal headquarters are at the head of Sequim Bay at Blyn. A tour explaining traditional Northwest Coast totemic art (totem poles, masks, and signage) at the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Center and their Seven Cedars Resort properties will also be offered.

Schedule of Events:

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM: Birds and Beauty: Elwha to Salt Creek - Trip 2

These trips will take participants to explore some of the magnificent hidden gem locations along the coast of the Strait of Juan de ****. We will start on Ediz Hook, a 3-mile sand spit extending from the shore of Port Angeles, for a look into the harbor that provides shelter for many different species of sea and shorebirds. We will then head to the Elwha River mouth, where phenomenal changes have occurred since the removal of two dams up stream, providing more habitat for gulls and waterfowl. Our next stop is the tranquil Fresh Water Bay, then we will end our trip at the beautiful and scenic Salt Creek Recreation Area. These locations not only provide exceptional bird habitat, but highlight the stunning charm of the North Olympic Peninsula. Some of these locations will include a bit of walking. Dress in layers, be prepared for possible rain, bring lunch, snacks, and extra water for this all-day adventure.

Location: Meets at Ediz Hook, Port Angeles, WA 98363.

Price: $95.00

Note: Driving time from River Center is 30 minutes.

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Dry Creek Waterfowl Sanctuary - Trip 2

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!

You will be walking on a dirt path in a wooded area. It is not ADA accessible.
100% of the proceeds go to the Dungeness River Nature Center.

Note: Average driving time from Sequim to this event is about 25 minutes.

Location: Port Angeles (get directions at registration)

Price: $30.00

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

Trip Leader: Judy Mullally

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).

Location: Ediz Hook - Port Angeles, WA.

Price: $30.00