Mission Statement
Puget Sound Bird Observatory studies birds and their habitats in the Pacific Northwest to better understand changes in bird populations,
to inform decision makers,
and to engage the public with birds and their needs.
PSBO leads several banding studies in order to study birds which use this area either as residents or during migration and/or breeding. PSBO follows the North American Birding Council’s “ The Bander’s Code of Ethics” during all their banding activities.
In 2012, PSBO’s Don Norman taught two classes of “How to correctly run a Breeding Bird Survey (BBS)”, with training on ID’ing breeding bird calls and songs. Five previously non-active Washington routes were covered in 2012. BBS routes are used by the Partners in Flight for census estimates, and are very important. Next year PSBO will again teach at least two classes in the May time-frame, with hopes of more routes being covered.
We have an owl box study, with the public being invited to build owl boxes and hang them on their property. Those who have nesting owls love to report “their owls” activities.
We pass along our scientific data to interested local groups and decision makers.
We lead a twice-annual field-trip to monitor migrating seabirds, and many of our members help with a number of surveys led by other groups.
PSBO Board Members frequently give talks at local bird fests, neighborhood garden tours, and interested organizations.
The Puget Sound Bird Observatory welcomes suggestions for local bird studies.
Come meet and talk to us at our tables/ displays at the following Bird Fests:
Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival
Hundreds of thousands of shorebirds stop to feed and rest in the Grays Harbor Estuary on their migration northward. This spectacular event is April 26-28 http://www.shorebirdfestival.com/index.html Our beaches and mudflats areas are vitally important feeding grounds for these long-distance migrators, and this festival helps maintain healthy resting/feeding coastal areas.
Leavenworth Bird Fest
May 16-19th, Leavenworth holds their bird festival, http://www.leavenworthspringbirdfest.com/LINKS.html This is a great opportunity to see higher elevation birds.
PSBO will be banding birds Saturday morning, in support of a long-time banding effort that has been part of the annual Leavenworth Bird Fest.
Puget Sound Bird Fest
September 6-8th, Edmonds has the Puget Sound Bird Fest
http://www.pugetsoundbirdfest.com/ which watches birds on their southward bound migrations.
This year we are pleased to be again teaching Bird Breeding Survey (BBS) techniques. Preliminary plans include a class in Eastern Washington and one in Western Washington. Watch here for dates, and locations.
To see a complete list of bird festivals in Washington, please go to our Links Tab.
