Spring Birding in the Methow Valley - Overnight

Late May is a thrilling time to be in the field for birders! Migrants have returned and settled onto nests, bird song fills the air—especially during the morning chorus—and wildflowers brighten the landscape at its greenest and most vibrant. It’s the perfect moment to slow down, listen closely, and go birding!

Photo by Jeff Brennan

Join longtime Institute instructor Libby Mills for an immersive spring birding experience in the North Cascades ecosystem, with a special focus on the diverse habitats of the Methow Valley. Together, we’ll observe breeding behaviors, learn to recognize songs and calls, and deepen our understanding of how birds move through—and depend on—different landscapes.

This year, we’ll explore a rich mosaic of habitats, including sagebrush steppe, riparian aspen and cottonwood–willow corridors, ponderosa pine forests, and the productive edges between them.

Photo by Hannah Black

We’ll use Pearrygin Lake State Park as our central meeting place. Participants who wish to camp may do so at the park, while others are welcome to arrange their own overnight accommodations nearby.

Our days will begin early, when bird activity and song are at their peak and before the heat of the day builds. We’ll look and listen for finches and woodpeckers, warblers and chats, swallows and kingbirds—species that have traveled from as far as the Andes, Central American rainforests, Mexico’s highlands, and California to breed in the Methow and North Cascades.

Photo by Jeff Brennan

Weather and conditions will guide our daily plans as we explore pond edges, lakeside trails, recovering burn areas, and forest edges.

Expect a mix of gentle walking—up to four miles on some days—and extended periods of stationary observation. This course emphasizes patience, attentiveness, and learning to read the landscape as much as identifying individual species.

We will wrap things up when the birding cools off Sunday, around 1 pm or so.

Libby has taught natural history in these mountains for over thirty five years and is an expert in bird identification with a keen ear for song recognition, an essential tool for any aspiring birder from beginner to avid enthusiast. She loves taking out others of all experience levels to share the amazing tales of our tiny winged migrants and neighbors.

Photo by Jeff Brennan

This camping based program will involve a potluck dinner on Friday night and access to hot water and dish washing for all other breakfasts and dinners. Please plan to provide your own breakfast, lunches, snacks, and Saturday dinner. There is an option to stay in the group campsite the Thursday night before the course. If you plan to camp with us, pack your own tent and camping equipment, or let us know if we can loan you gear.

Well-suited for curious beginners and experienced birders alike, this field seminar offers both skill-building and the simple joy that comes from good birding.

Scholarships and Student, Military and Disability discounts are available for most in-person programs. Call (360) 854-2599 for more info!

Top photo by Jeff Brennan