Spokane Audubon Society Field Trips
The following list shows field trips planned by the Spokane Audubon Society. Trips may be added with short notice so check the website often. Trips also may be canceled at any time due to bad weather, too few participants, or the lack of a leader. Contact the leader for more information and to reserve a spot. If you are unable to register before the schedule deadline yet want to attend, be sure that you check with the leader to ensure that the trip is still on. Leaders are club volunteers and are not compensated. Field trips are free. However, if you carpool with somebody, you will be expected to compensate the driver for your share of gas and vehicle use. You are also responsible for any park entry fees, camping fees, or motel bills. Starting times published below are when we leave so arrive earlier than the posted hour. Participants need to provide their own binoculars, food and drink, adequate clothing, and transportation unless you find somebody with whom to carpool.
Our 2013 Field Trips list can be downloaded, but be sure to check back here or call the trip leader for last minute changes. The January 2013 issue of the Pygmy Owl also has our field trips listed. (SAS 2013 Field Trips.pdf)
Field Trip Levels
We provide a variety of trips that accommodate many birding skill levels. Birders of all levels are welcome on all trips. However, please bear in mind that some beginners may get frustrated or bored on trips designed for advanced birders, where much of the birding is done by ear and the pace is very fast. Some advanced birders might find the trips geared toward beginning birders too basic and slow-paced. Some trips are five or six hours; some are 12 hours or longer. Read the trip descriptions carefully to see if a trip is right for you.
2013 Spokane Christmas Bird Count – December 29, 2013
All SAS members as well as new birders are always welcome to join the Christmas count, which encompasses the Spokane Count Circle Center: 47° 43' N by 117° 25' W (approximately Division St. and Francis Avenue). Please contact Alan McCoy (509-448-3123) for information about the Spokane CBC.
2013 Field Trips at a Glance
(1) January 12, 2013, Saturday-Banana Belt Trip
Leader: Cindy McCormack
(2) February 9, 2013, Saturday–Snowy Owl Trip
Leaders: Joyce Alonso and Fran Haywood
(3) February 24, 2013, Sunday–Scotchman’s Winter Highlights
Leader: Jon Isacoff
(4) March 16, 2013, Saturday-Bluebird Trip
Leader: Marian Frobe
(5) March 23, 2013, Saturday-Turnbull NWR Beginning Birder Basic Trip
Leader: Fran Haywood
(6) April 6, 2013, Saturday-Sagebrush Specialty Trip
Leader: Cindy McCormack
(7) April 18 to 23, 2013, Thursday to Tuesday-Point Reyes, California Trip
Leader: Kim Thorburn
(8) April 20, 2013, Saturday–Sprague Lake Field Trip
Leader: Fran Haywood
(9) April 27, 2013, Saturday–West Plains Early Migrant Trip
Leader: Alan McCoy
(10) May 4, 2013, Saturday-Douglas Creek/Waterville Plateau Trip
Leader: Kim Thorburn
(11) May 5, 2013 Sunday-Slavin Ranch Wetland Trip
Leader: Alan McCoy
(12) May 6, 8, 10; Mon, Wed, Fri-Bird Identification Workshops
Leaders: Gary Blevins and Kim Thorburn
(13) May 11, 2013, Saturday-Bird ID Workshop Trip to Turnbull NWR
Leaders: Gary Blevins and Kim Thorburn
(14) May 18, 2013, Saturday–Southern Pend Oreille County Trip
Leader: John Stuart
(15) May 19, Sunday–Little Pend Oreille NWR Trip
Leader: Cindy McCormack
(16) May 25, 2013, Saturday-Iller Creek Songbirds Trip
Leader: Cindy McCormack
(17) May 26, 2013, Sunday-Mosquito Springs Trip
Leader: Kim Thorburn
(18) June 2, 2013, Sunday-Little Spokane Natural Area Trip
Leader: Lindell Haggin
(19) June 8, 2013 Saturday–Liberty Lake Trip
Leaders: Joyce Alonso and Brian Miller
(20) June 15, 2013, Saturday–Swanson Lakes Trip
Leader: Kim Thorburn
(21) June 16, 2013, Sunday-Palisades/Indian Canyon Trip
Leader: Lindell Haggin
(22) June 22, 2013, Saturday-Mount Spokane Subalpine Birds Trip
Leader: Jim Hudlow
WOS Conference June 21 to 24-Washington Ornithological Society Conference, Omak
See www.wos.org for more information
(23) June 28 to June 30, Friday to Sunday–Pend Oreille or Stevens County Lake Camping Trip
Leaders: Joyce Alonso and Fran Haywood
(24) July 13, 2013, Saturday-Little Spokane River Canoe Trip
Leader: Gary Blevins
(24a) July 13, 2013, Saturday Audubon Butterfly Observation Field Trip to Mt Kit Carson.
Leader: John Baumann
(25) August 31, 2013, Saturday- Summer Migrant Trip
Leader: Jon Isacoff
(26) September 7, Saturday–Philleo Lake Special Access Trip
Leader: Ivan Lines
(27) October 26, 2013 Saturday–Grant County Late Fall Migrants Trip
Leader: Gary Blevins
(28) November 23, 2013, Saturday-Douglas Plateau Northern Visitors Trip
Leader: Kim Thorburn
(29) December 14, 2013 Saturday-Winter Lake and Wetbelt Trip
Leader: Joyce Alonso
2013 Field Trip Schedule
(1) January 12, 2013, Saturday
LC Valley Banana Belt Trip
Leader: Cindy McCormack
Limit: 3 vehicles
This all-day trip is geared toward all levels of birders. The Lewiston/Clarkston (LC) Valley often has slightly more moderate temperatures in winter, which can make for some great winter birding. We will carpool down to the LC Valley from the Latah area Trading Co. parking lot unless otherwise arranged. Come prepared for winter weather; bring snacks, water, and lunch. Contact Cindy at nwbirder@gmail.com or call 939-4448 by January 9 for more information or to register for the trip.
Note: This trip will be dependent on weather and road conditions.
Target Species: A variety of waterfowl (including Long-tailed Duck), roosting owls, wintering passerines, and Black-crowned Night-Herons.
(2) February 9, 2013, Saturday
Snowy Owl Trip
Leaders: Joyce Alonso and Fran Haywood
This trip is geared toward all levels of birders. We will spend most of the day exploring the area around Reardan and Davenport. We will meet at Spokane’s Coeur- d’Alene Park at 7:30 AM. Contact Joyce Alonso (448-2447) by February 2 if you plan to attend.
Target Species: Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks, Prairie Falcon, Snowy Owl, Short-eared Owl, Northern Shrike, Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspur
(3) February 24, 2013, Sunday
Scotchman’s Winter Highlights
Leader: Jon Isacoff
Limit: 7 Participants
This is an all-day trip to the northeast corner of Bonner County and the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Area, and is co-sponsored with Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness and the Washington Ornithological Society (WOS). For interesting details about the Friends and the region, see www.scotchmanpeaks.org. The trip will focus on waterfowl on Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest and deepest lake, as well as upland winter birds and rarities in the Lightning Creek area. Be prepared to drive approximately five hours round-trip and to walk on gravel roads approximately two miles. Bring WARM clothes as it can be brutally cold in this area in winter and bring lunch, snacks, and water as there will be very limited services except in Sandpoint on the way to and from the trip. Tentatively, we will meet at Liberty Lake Albertson’s (just off I-90, Exit 296) at 7:00 AM. Contact Jon Isacoff (isacoff@gonzaga.edu or 509-448-2629) by February 17 to reserve spot.
Note: This trip is dependent on weather and road conditions.
Target Species: Common and Pacific Loons; Surf and White-winged Scoters; Long-tailed Duck; Northern Goshawk; Thayer’s, Glaucous, Lesser Black-backed, and Mew Gulls; Northern Pygmy Owl; Pine Grosbeak; White-winged Crossbill; Common Redpoll. Though not to be counted on, Yellow-billed Loon and Iceland Gull are possible.
(4) March 16, 2013, Saturday
Bluebird Trip
Leader: Marian Frobe
This is a family friendly half-day trip and a great way to greet spring. We will drive a route on Paradise Prairie to see returning favorite birds. We will probably end up at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. The trip usually ends around 2 PM. We will meet at Spokane’s Coeur d’Alene Park at 7:00 AM. Call leader Marian Frobe at 328-0621 by March 12, if you plan to attend.
Target Species: Migrant ducks and geese, raptors, woodpeckers, Say’s Phoebe, Western Bluebird
(5) March 23, 2013, Saturday
Turnbull NWR Beginning Birder Basics Trip
Leader: Fran Haywood
This is a half-day driving and walking trip for all levels of birders. Meet at the refuge headquarters near Cheney at 7 AM. Contact leader Fran Haywood, 484-8666, birders13@gmail.com by March 16 if you plan to attend.
Note: A small refuge entrance fee is required.
Target Species: Breeding waterfowl; Tundra and Trumpeter Swans; Great Blue Heron; Red-tailed Hawk; woodpeckers; Pygmy, Red-breasted, and White-breasted Nuthatch; Western Bluebird; Song Sparrow; Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbird; Red Crossbill
(6) April 6, 2013, Saturday
Sagebrush Specialty Trip
Leader: Cindy McCormack
This is a full-day trip to western Grant County open to all birders. The birds of the sage habitat are splendid and not to be missed. Because the best observation time is near sunrise, we will have a very early departure at 5:30 AM from Coulee City. We will probably start by birding Moses Coulee and its environs. Then the itinerary likely will include St Andrews, Banks Lake, Sun Lakes, etc. It is COLD at early morning in the sagebrush, so bring warms clothes. Bring food because there aren’t many restaurants in the Moses Coulee. Also be advised that the trip will take full advantage of all rest stops but there may be long intervals without any formal bathroom facilities. Contact Cindy McCormack at nwbirder@gmail.com or 939-4448 to sign up or for more information.
Target Species: Loggerhead Shrike, Sage Thrasher, Savannah Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow
(7) April 18-23, 2013, Thursday-Tuesday
Point Reyes, California Field Trip
Leader: Kim Thorburn
Limit: 6 Birders
This six-day trip is for intermediate and advanced birders. Kim Thorburn will provide lodging for up to six participants and lead field trips on Bolinas Lagoon and beach, Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Bodega Bay. This region is a year-round birding hot spot, site of the filming of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” and home of elite birder and artist Keith Hansen. There is a variety of pelagic and other waterfowl, migrating shorebirds and warblers, and lots of land natives that we don’t often see here. Participants will be responsible for their own air travel to Oakland and we’ll split the cost of land transportation and food. We’ll need to coordinate arrival and departure in Oakland. Contact Kim Thorburn by April 1 if you’re interested in learning more. 465-3025, kthorburn@msn.com.
Target Species (examples): Acorn Woodpecker, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Wrentit, Allen’s Hummingbird, Whimbrel, Snowy Plover, Western Gull, Common Murre, Red-shouldered Hawk, White-tailed Kite, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Wrentit
(8) April 20, 2013, Saturday
Sprague Lake Field Trip
Leader: Fran Haywood
This is an all-day trip to the Sprague Lake area open to all birders. We will look for migrating and early resident species, especially ducks. We hope to find Swainson’s Hawks, American White Pelicans and if we get lucky, Long-billed Curlew. We will meet at Spokane’s Coeur d’Alene Park at 6:30 AM. Contact Fran Haywood (484-8666, birders13@gmail.com) Target Species: Migrant ducks and geese, American White Pelican, Swainson's Hawk, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Caspian Tern, Say's Phoebe, Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-crowned and Savannah Sparrows
(9) April 27, 2013, Saturday
West Plains Early Migrant Trip
Leader: Alan McCoy
Limit: 15 Birders
This all-day trip is for all levels of birders. We will stop at Reardan’s Audubon Lake where we will look for waterfowl and shorebirds. We will check out the Davenport Cemetery, which can be great for migrants. Then we will go north to the Little Falls Dam and follow the Spokane River upstream and finish up at the Indian Canyon Springs area. We will meet at 6:00 AM at the Rosauer's parking lot in Browne's Addition (near 2nd Avenue and Sunset Highway) and plan to return about 6:00 PM. Contact leader Alan McCoy at 448-3123, 448-8861 or ahm2352@gmail.com by April 20 to reserve your place.
Target Species: Migrant ducks, raptors, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Bewick’s Wren, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Red-necked Grebe, Calliope Hummingbird, Orange-crowned, Nashville and Yellow warblers, Say's Phoebe, Western and Mountain Bluebirds.
(10) May 4, 2013, Saturday
Douglas Creek/Waterville Plateau Trip
Leader: Kim Thorburn
All levels of birders are welcome to join this all-day trip to Waterville Plateau birding hotspots. We will bird Douglas Creek (rough road access), the Waterville STP, and Badger Mtn. Contact Kim Thorburn at 465-3025 or kthorburn@msn.com by May 1.
Target species: Variety of migrating warblers, Lazuli Buntings, Rock and Canyon Wrens, and much more (Douglas Creek); all varieties of swallows along with shorebirds and waterfowl (Waterville STP); Warbling Vireos, several varieties of warblers and more (Badger Mtn.)
(11) May 5, 2013, Sunday
Slavin Ranch Wetland Trip
Leader: Alan McCoy
This is an annual trip to Slavin Ranch for Spokane Audubon. It is a half-day walking trip along a primitive trail through open Ponderosa pine scab rock country with many views of seasonal wetlands. All levels of birders are welcome. The Slavin Ranch is a Conservation Futures acquisition located about 10 miles south of downtown Spokane and a mile west of Hwy 195. We will start at the Slavin Ranch parking lot at 7:00 AM and end about 1:00 PM. Please call leader Alan McCoy at 448-3123 or 448-8861,ahm2352@gmail.com by May 5 if you plan to attend.
Target Species: Breeding ducks and geese, Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe, breeding Black Tern, woodpeckers, 6 swallow species, Western Wood Peewee, Eastern and Western Kingbird, Marsh Wren, Song Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat
(12) May 6, 8, 10; Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Bird Identification Workshops
Leaders: Gary Blevins and Kim Thorburn
OK. Novices and beginners, this is your chance. Two instructors will teach a series of three classes on beginning birding and bird identification by sight and sound. Workshops will be held at a site to be determined from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. Slides and computer programs will be used to introduce you to many of the bird species commonly observed in the Spokane area. A $20 donation to Spokane Audubon is requested. A field trip for workshop participants to Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge will be held on International Migratory Bird Day, May 12. For more information or to reserve your place for the workshop, contact Gary Blevins at (533-3661 or GaryB@spokanefalls.edu) by May 1.
(13) May 11, 2013, Saturday
Bird Identification Workshop Field Trip to Turnbull NWR
Leaders: Gary Blevins and Kim Thorburn
Come celebrate International Migratory Bird Day by birding. Although the trip is specifically designed for the Bird Identification Workshop participants, other birders are welcome. We will meet at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, near Cheney, in the parking lot across from Pine Lake at 7:00 AM and bird the refuge until 2:00 PM. Contact leader Gary Blevins at (533-3661 or garyb@spokanefalls.edu) by May 4 to register for the trip.
Target Species: Wilson’s Snipe, Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbirds, Virginia Rail, Marsh Wren, American Bittern, various waterfowl, Great Horned Owl, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Cassin’s Finches
(14) May 18, 2013, Saturday
Southern Pend Oreille County Trip
Leader: John Stuart
Limit: 3 Cars
Join resident expert John Stuart on a beautiful excursion to southern Pend Oreille County. Some of the state’s most enjoyable birding spots can be found here, including Calispell Lake, the crown jewel of Southern Pend Oreille County and an Important Bird Area. Other locations include the Kalispell Indian Reservation lands along the Pend Oreille River and perhaps a few "local surprises." Contact John Stuart by May 11 (509-447-2644 or ninebark@povn.com) if you plan to attend.
Target Species: Waterfowl; Ruffed Grouse; Black Tern; hummingbirds; woodpeckers; Hammond’s, Dusky, Willow, and Pacific-Slope Flycatchers; Warbling, Cassin's, and Red-eyed Vireos; Swainson’s Thrush; Gray Catbird; American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, Orange-crowned, Nashville, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Townsend’s, and MacGillvray's Warblers
(15) May 19, Sunday
Little Pend Oreille NWR Trip
Leader: Cindy McCormack
Little Pend Oreille NWR in spring can be fantastic! This trip will be geared to all levels of birders. We will carpool north to the refuge (near Chewelah, WA) and explore the different habitats available in the refuge. We should be in for some great resident species, as well as some remaining migrating birds. Be prepared for an all day trip (food/water) and inclement weather (dress in layers!). Contact Cindy McCormack by May 16th at nwbirder@gmail.com or 939-4448 to sign up, for meeting times & location, and for more information.
Target Species: Waterfowl, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, flycatchers, bluebirds, thrushes, warblers, vireos, finches. (A great variety!)
(16) May 25, 2013, Saturday
Iller Creek Natural Area/Dishman Hills Alliance Trip
Leader: Cindy McCormack
This trip is for birders of all levels as well as local citizens who want to learn more about protecting our precious Dishman Hills ecosystem. On this trip, we will slowly walk some of the trails and see what is about. The Iller Creek Natural Area is famed for its abundance of breeding flycatchers, vireos, and warblers and occasionally a moose makes a cameo appearance! Meet at the Iller Creek entrance in the cul-de-sac at the end of Holman Road. Contact Cindy McCormack at nwbirder@gmail.com or 939-4448 to sign up and for meeting time.
Target Species: Ruffed Grouse; Accipiters; woodpeckers; Hammond’s, Dusky, Willow, and Pacific-Slope Flycatchers; Warbling and Cassin's Vireos; Swainson’s Thrush; Gray Catbird; Bewick's Wren; Orange-crowned, Nashville, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Townsend’s, and MacGillvray's Warblers; Spotted Towhee; Cassin’s Finch; Red Crossbill.
(17) May 26, 2013, Sunday
Mosquito Springs Trip
Leader: Kim Thorburn
This trip is for birders of all levels. There will be some walking over rough terrain. Experience this little-known BLM shrub-steppe riparian area brimming with arriving breeding birds. We will also check for sagebrush and grassland species. Contact Kim Thorburn, 465-3025 or kthorburn@msn.com by May 22 if you’re interested.
Target species: Willow Flycatcher, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Warbling Vireo, Bullock’s Oriole, Grasshopper Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow, Sage Thrasher.
(18) June 2, 2013, Sunday
Little Spokane Natural Area Trip
Leader: Lindell Haggin
All levels of birders are welcome to join us for a half-day walking trip along the Little Spokane River Natural Area. This is the peak of breeding season. Over 80 species have been recorded in this rich riparian, forest, and rock habitat. Meet at the Spokane River Boat Launch parking lot less than one mile north of Nine-Mile Dam on Rt. 291 at 6:30 AM. Contact Lindell Haggin, 466-4118 or lindell4118@comcast.net by May 26 if you plan to attend.
Note: A WA Discover Pass is required for parking on this trip. Purchase online or at REI.
Target Species: Common and Hooded Merganser; Osprey; Woodpeckers; Pacific-slope and Willow Flycatchers; Warbling, Cassin’s and Red-eyed Vireos; White-breasted Nuthatch; Bewick’s and House Wrens; Gray Catbird; Black-headed Grosbeak; Bullock’s Oriole
(19) June 8, 2013, Saturday
Liberty Lake Trip
Leader: Joyce Alonso and Brian Miller
This is a mostly easy walking half-day trip. Liberty Lake hosts some of the best habitat diversity in Spokane County, with breeding grebes on the lake, extensive wetlands and prairie, old second-growth Ponderosa pine, and some of the best wetbelt mixed conifer forest in the area. Contact Joyce Alonso (448-2447) by June 1 if you plan to attend.
Target Species: Red-necked Grebe; Wilson's Snipe; Virginia and Sora Rails; woodpeckers; Hammond’s, Dusky, and Willow Flycatcher; Cassin’s, Warbling, and Red-eyed Vireos; Marsh Wren; Yellow, MacGillvray’s, Orange-crowned, Townsend’s, and Nashville Warblers; American Redstart; Common Yellowthroat
(20) June 15, 2013, Saturday
Swanson Lakes Trip
Leader: Kim Thorburn
This full-day trip for all levels of birders will yield a bounty of sagebrush specialties in the heart of Lincoln County shrub-steppe. The Lake Creek drainage, which includes the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area, has been nominated for an Important Bird Area with documentation of over 60 species of concern. Contact Kim Thorburn at 465-3025 or kthorburn@msn.com by June 8.
Note: Discover passes are required for some parking areas. Purchase online or at REI.
Target species: Loggerhead Shrikes, Sage Thrashers, lots of sparrows, Horned Larks, Mountain Bluebirds; pothole residents like Willow Flycatchers, Bullock’s Orioles, Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal. We’ll try to locate some Swainson’s Hawk nests and enjoy other raptors, as well.
(21) June 16, 2013, Sunday
Palisades/Indian Canyon Trip
Leader: Lindell Haggin
All levels of birders are invited to explore the Indian Canyon area immediately west of town. Come outfitted with binoculars and field guides, water, and shoes or boots for walking one or two miles. We will meet at 6:30 AM at the Rosauer’s at 1808 W. 3rd Ave. The field trip will end at approximately 10:00 AM. Contact Lindell Haggin (446-4118 or lindell4118@comcast.net) by June 10 if you plan to attend.
Target Species: Raptors, woodpeckers, White-throated Swifts, Western Wood-pewee, Dusky and Hammond's Flycatchers, Cassin's and Warbling Vireos, breeding sparrows and finches, Black-headed Grosbeak
(22) June 22, 2013, Saturday
Mount Spokane Subalpine Birds Trip
Leader: Jim Hudlow
This is a half-day hiking trip for all levels of birders. The grade is very gentle but we will walk four to six miles. Be prepared with plenty of snacks and water. You may retreat at any point. Mt. Spokane is the primary (and only publicly accessible) site for subalpine breeding birds in Spokane County, making this a popular and exciting annual event. Meet 7:00 AM SHARP at Foothills Community Church, 11100 N. Peck Road. Contact Jim Hudlow (flyz4free@yahoo.com or 509-926-2186) by June 15 if you plan to attend.
Note: Discover Passes required for all vehicles in Mt. Spokane State Park. Purchase online or at REI.
Target Species: Dusky and Ruffed Grouse; Accipiters; Northern Pygmy Owl; woodpeckers; Hammond’s Flycatcher; Warbling and Cassin's Vireos; Gray and Stellar’s Jays; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Swainson’s, Hermit, and Varied Thrushes; Yellow-rumped and Townsend’s Warblers; Fox Sparrow; Cassin’s Finch; Red Crossbill
(23) June 28-June 30, 2013, Friday-Sunday
Field Springs State Park Camping Trip
Leaders: Joyce Alonso and Fran Haywood
Come camp out with Spokane Audubon birders for a multi-day birding extravaganza. This Blue Mountain paradise hosts a variety of montane songbirds and woodpeckers. Contact Fran Haywood (484-8666, birders13@gmail.com) by June 21 if you plan to attend.
Note: There is a $22/night fee for camping at Fields Springs State Park.
Target Species: Accipiters; owls, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Hammond’s and Dusky Flycatcher, Warbling and Cassin’s Vireos, Gray and Stellar’s Jays, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Swainson’s Thrush, Yellow-rumped and Townsend’s Warblers, Cassin’s Finch, Red Crossbill.
(24) July 13, 2013, Saturday
Little Spokane River Canoe Trip
Leader: Gary Blevins
Enjoy an early morning float trip down the Little Spokane River designed for beginning, intermediate, and advanced birders. We usually see the common riparian bird species that breed along the river. Although it’s helpful to have a kayak or canoe, we will also help match you with other folks who have boats. The trip usually takes about three hours. For more information or to reserve your place for this field trip, contact Gary Blevins (533-3661 or garyb@spokanefalls.edu) by July 6.
Target Species: Common and Hooded Merganser; Osprey; Woodpeckers; Pacific-slope and Willow Flycatchers; Warbling, Cassin’s and Red-eyed Vireos; White-breasted Nuthatch; Bewick’s and House Wrens; Gray Catbird; Black-headed Grosbeak; Bullock’s Oriole, Black-chinned and Calliope Hummingbirds; Cedar Waxwings.
(24a) July 13, 2013 Saturday
Audubon Butterfly Observation Field Trip to Mt Kit Carson
Leader: John Baumann
Limit: 20 participants
Join our 1st Audubon butterfly walk! Regional higher elevation species reach their peak numbers in our area on the lush, flowered meadows of Mt. Kit Carson, a two mile hike (one way) in from the Upper Loop Rd parking lot. Look for abundant Clodius Parnassians, Pale and Tiger Swallowtails, Edith's and Blue Coppers, several species of Blues and all three of our local Anglewings. Greater and Lesser Fritillaries are common. Best of all, the trails leading in to the alpine meadows themselves are flowered with spreading dogbane that draws numbers of the now uncommon and pretty little West Coast Lady, where she appears in numbers from mid to late summer.
We'll meet at 10:30am at the Kit Carson Upper Loop trailhead and slowly meander up the trail to spend time for a sack lunch (you provide) at the CCC Cabin picnic area where hikers will be able to decide how much of the remaining 1.5 mile trek they want to make: only the last .5 mile climbs very steeply, but those who make the effort will be well rewarded by beautiful vistas and opportunities to sight more than 20 butterfly species in one day. We should return by 4:30pm at the latest.
A note for those new to "butterflying": these creatures may be observed with close focusing, compact binoculars (e.g., Pentax Papilio), or by netting them and showing them to others in observation jars before releasing them again unharmed. John will also share tips on butterfly photography for the shutterbugs in our midst, and be assured that even pocket cameras with a "macro" mode can produce nice results. Call John Baumann @ 327-4827 for details, or email jpb6_18_56@yahoo.com.
(25) August 31, 2013 Saturday
Summer Migrant Trip
Leader: Jon Isacoff
Limit: 3 Cars
We will check the area mudflats and migrant traps for migrating shorebirds and passerines, primarily in Lincoln County. Depending on conditions, we will either explore the Reardan-Davenport corridor and then down to Sprague, or, alternatively, go to famed Basset Park in Washtucna and then explore our way back via Sprague. This trip is an all-day affair and geared toward intermediate or advanced birders but beginners who enjoy the challenges of migrant birding are welcome! Contact Jon at Isacoff@gonzaga.edu by August 20 if you plan to attend.
Target Species: All migrant shorebirds, flycatchers, vireos, warblers, and sparrows. This is a great time for rarities to show up.
(26) September 7, 2013 Saturday
Philleo Lake Special Access Trip
Leader: Ivan Lines
Join Biologist Ivan Lines to see Philleo Lake up close as you’ve never seen it before! Philleo Lake is private property and Spokane Audubon Members have the privilege of this one-day access as a guest of Ivan who has permission to bring people onto the property. Early and mid-September is the peak time to see migrant shorebirds on the expansive mudflats of Philleo Lake. This is also the best location and time to see Great Egrets and Peregrine Falcons in Spokane County. Contact Ivan Lines at ivanlines@gmail.com by September 1 to sign up.
Target Birds: Great Egret; Peregrine Falcon; Solitary Sandpiper; Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs; all peep species; Spotted, Pectoral and Stilt Sandpipers; Long-billed Dowitcher, Red-necked Phalarope
(27) October 26, 2013, Saturday
Grant County Late Fall Migrant Trip
Leader: Gary Blevins
This is a beginning, intermediate and advanced birder-oriented trip to look for specialty birds, such as Arctic Gulls, Lapland Longspurs, and other hard to find and see northern visitors. There may be some down time with little action in between bird sightings but potential for rarities is high. It is a full-day trip from sunrise to sunset. Contact Gary Blevins (533-3661 or garyb@spokanefalls.edu) by October 20 if you plan to attend.
Target Birds: Loons and grebes; scoters and rare wintering waterfowl; wintering raptors; Glaucous, Thayers, and Glaucous-winged Gulls; Snowy Owl; Northern Shrike; Snow Bunting; Lapland Longspur; Gray-crowned Rosy Finch
(28) November 23, 2013, Saturday
Douglas Plateau Northern Visitors Trip
Leader: Kim Thorburn
The Waterville Plateau is a challenging but high-quality destination for rarities during the late fall and winter months. We will work the rolling steppe of the Plateau in search of unusual raptors, owls, and passerines and also bird along the Columbia River in hopes of finding rare Arctic Gulls and saltwater waterfowl, such as scoters, Long-tailed Duck, and Pacific Loon. If attendees are interested, we will spend the night of November 22 in Brewster for an earlier start with the birds during this short daylight season. Contact Kim Thorburn (465-3025 or kthorburn@msn.com) by November 16 if you plan to attend.
Note: This trip will be dependent on weather and road conditions.
Target Birds: Loons and grebes; scoters and rare wintering waterfowl; wintering raptors; Glaucous, Thayer’s, and Glaucous-winged Gulls; Snowy Owl; Northern Shrike; Snow Bunting; Lapland Longspur; Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. We will hunt for elusive rarities, including Gyrfalcon and Northern Hawk Owl.
(29) December 14, 2013, Saturday
Winter Lake and Wetbelt Trip
Leader: Joyce Alonso
This trip takes us around Beauty Bay on Lake Coeur d’Alene where the Bald Eagles feeding on spawned out salmon are always a sight to behold. Weather permitting; those interested may drive down to Thompson Lake/Harrison region where a variety of birds winter in a slightly warmer zone. Probable particulars: 8:00am start at Liberty Lake Albertson's parking lot. Contact Joyce Alonso (448-2447) by December 7 if you plan to attend.
Note: This trip will be dependent on weather and road conditions.
Target Species: Bald Eagles, several duck and grebe species, American Dipper, Pacific Wren, Pileated Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Tundra Swans, Northern Pygmy Owl
