Spring Waterbirds Around Yakima 

The Yakima Area Arboretum is pleased to present the “Spring Waterbirds Around Yakima” class and optional fieldtrip taught/led by the knowledgeable members of the Yakima Valley Audubon Society.  The class includes a morning lecture on birds that live in or by water followed by an optional fieldtrip to the Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge in the afternoon.

“Spring Waterbirds” will showcase the wide variety of waterfowl around Yakima. Waterfowl migrate through our region in huge numbers each spring and form the bulk of the first wave of northbound migrating birds. More than 20 species of ducks, swans, and geese stream north through our region as soon as the ice and snow melts.  Learn how to differentiate these species plus tidbits on their biology and habitat requirements during the class.

You will also learn about various other waterbirds such as loons, grebes, cormorants, pelicans, shorebirds, gulls, and terns. These birds are less conspicuous as a group, in south-central Washington, due to the region's aridity. Still, many species of waterbirds occur locally and you will be introduced to these common species.     

Optional Fieldtrip:  After the class session students can drive themselves or arrange carpooling with others to head down to the Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge currently alive with spring waterbirds. Students will meet group leaders who will station themselves by the many ponds and marshes in the refuge. With spotting scopes and binoculars, you'll get a chance to view the many colorful and abundant waterbirds present. 

The field trip will end around 2:30 pm, but if the birds are cooperative, you are welcome to stay longer on your own.

****Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them. Don't forget a sack lunch or pick up a lunch on your own.

To learn more about the Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge visit http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Toppenish/Visit/Wildlife_Observation.html.