Bellingham Bird Week Hosted Owling Excursion

Twenty local bird enthusiasts gathered at Cornwall Park to identify regional avian species.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Bird Watching

Bellingham Bird Week Hosted Owling Excursion

Live Poll

Do you believe city-sponsored nature events like local bird-watching tours improve your community?

The North Cascades Audubon Society led an owling excursion at Cornwall Park as part of Bellingham Bird Week. Twenty participants joined the morning trek to observe local bird life through trails in the park forest.

Why it matters

The excursion highlights local interest in regional biodiversity and serves as a lead-up to the official selection of the city's representative avian species.

The excursion drew 20 attendees who observed species including a great horned owl and Northern Flickers. The group utilized the Merlin Bird ID app for real-time birdcall identification during the walk.

The players

North Cascades Audubon Society

This local organization facilitates avian conservation and community engagement through educational events.

Kim Lund

She serves as the Mayor of Bellingham and is presiding over the upcoming municipal bird announcement.

Jill Deppe

She is a scientist scheduled to deliver a public keynote address during the week's festivities.

The details

Guided by a volunteer, the group traversed the forest trails of Cornwall Park to document various species. Attendees spotted Steller's jays, a red-breasted nuthatch, a dark-eyed junco, and a varied thrush, while also witnessing a mating ritual by two Northern Flickers.

The owling excursion took place on October 8, 2026, starting at 8 a.m.
The official Bird of Bellingham will be announced on October 9, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
A bird trivia night and a queer birding event are scheduled for October 10, 2026.

Culture Shift

Bellingham Bird Week represents a growing trend of municipal engagement with local wildlife through structured observation events. This initiative reflects a broader societal shift toward urban conservation and nature appreciation within Pacific Northwest communities.

Residents can participate in remaining scheduled events, such as the bird trivia night, to engage with the local nature community. These activities offer a structured way for the public to learn about regional species and contribute to local citizen science.

The takeaway

Engaging in birding excursions provides residents with an accessible opportunity to monitor and protect local wildlife habitats. Taking time to learn the specific calls and habits of area birds enhances one's connection to the local environment.

What happens next

Mayor Kim Lund will announce the official Bird of Bellingham at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal Dome Room on October 9 at 5:30 p.m. Additionally, bird trivia night and a queer birding event will be held on October 10.