Columbia National Wildlife Refuge will have a "Big Sit" birding event at the Royal Lake Overlook from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday to launch National Wildlife Refuge Week.
The Big Sit is an annual international birding event to tally as many bird species as can be heard or seen. Bird observations take place in a pre-determined 17-foot diameter circle.
Royal Lake Overlook is at the south end of Byers Road on the Adams/Grant County line. Visitors are welcome, and are advised to bring a chair, binoculars or a spotting scope, and all-weather gear.
For more information, contact refuge staff at (509) 488-2668.
Lower Columbia Audubon sets bird walk
BURBANK -- The Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society will have a bird walk at 8:30 a.m. today at the public grand opening of the McNary National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center.
Mike and Merry Lynn Denny are to lead the walk, which is expected to last until 2 p.m.
The facility is at 311 Lake Road, Burbank.
Oregon State Parks raises 2010 fees
PORTLAND -- Oregon State Parks fees for camping and day use will rise in 2010 after the state Parks and Recreation Commission approved the first such fee increase in 13 years.
Day-use fees will increase on Jan. 1, going from $3 to $5 per carload for a daily permit.
On May 1, RV campsite rates will increase by $4 per night, and tent-site rates will climb $3 per night.
Parks spokesman Chris Havel said Thursday that campers who visit a park between now and April 30 will pay the current lower rate.
That lower rate will also be honored for reservation customers who booked sites for May 1 and later in the year.
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Outdoors briefs: Audubon Society holds bird walk Saturday
Outdoors briefs: Audubon Society holds bird walk Saturday
RICHLAND -- The Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society (LCBAS) is holding its monthly bird walk on Bateman Island at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Meet at Wye Park above the causeway to Bateman Island. All are welcome. Beginning birders are encouraged to join the group. Expert birders, come provide expertise for those new to bird watching.
Bring binoculars and water and wear sturdy shoes.
Fast focus: Spying on our feathered friends
Fast focus: Spying on our feathered friends
Birdwatching! It gets me outside and it's social. There are a lot of us here. Often I meet up with fellow birders at McNary National Wildlife Refuge in Burbank or Bateman Island. For me it's more about the walk and the joy of getting outside to see nature. Surprisingly there are a lot of birds that only come here in winter. Rough-legged Hawks, Ferruginous Hawks, and Snowy Owls are out on the hills and empty farm lands. Merlin, Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles are found in the parks along the rivers. Waterfowl, gulls and grebes confuse me near the shorelines. A dozen different ducks, several different geese and a couple of swan species like to float around the Tri-Cities in winter. Songbirds, wrens, towhees and thrushes provide a winter challenge at places like Richland's W. E. Johnson Park, Pasco's Osprey Pointe, Kennewick's Two Rivers Park and frequently the backyard!
If the weather is nice I'll go walking, if the weather is not so nice I'll drive my car and stop at good birding spots. Free local bird route
Camping, hunting changes being mulled for Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
Camping, hunting changes being mulled for Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
OTHELLO -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is preparing a new management plan for the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, which could mean changes for campers, hunters and anglers.
It has released a draft of a 15-year management plan for the 29,596-acre refuge just south of the Potholes Reservoir in Grant and Adams County. The refuge includes wetlands that attract birds, including Sandhill cranes.
Fish and Wildlife proposes three alternatives for management of the refuge in the draft plan, and the final plan is expected to be a combination of alternatives two and three. The first alternative is to keep management the same, although all three alternatives would end overnight camping at the refuge.
Outdoors briefs: Guided snowshoe walks offered at Snoqualmie
Outdoors briefs: Guided snowshoe walks offered at Snoqualmie
SNOQUALMIE PASS -- From Jan. 8 through March 31, U.S. Forest Service guides are offering snowshoeing hikes at Snoqualmie Pass.
The walks are tailor-made for various skill levels and all ages.
Participants are encouraged to wear layered and insulated clothing and sturdy waterproof boots.
Outdoors briefs: Climate change topic at McNary on Saturday
Outdoors briefs: Climate change topic at McNary on Saturday
BURBANK -- Climate change will be explored with activities for all ages 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the McNary National Wildlife Refuge.
Steve Ghan, a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientist, be a featured speaker. Children can watch animated films, sing and participate in indoor and outdoor activities.
The Friends of the Mid-Columbia River Wildlife Refuge is sponsoring the event at the McNary education center at 311 Lake Road, Burbank.
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