Spring Birding in the Methow Valley - Overnight

Spring Birding in the Methow Valley - Overnight

Spring Birding in the Methow Valley - Overnight

Event Details

When
Jun 06, 2025 09:00 AM to
Jun 08, 2025 01:00 PM
Where
Methow Valley
Instructor
Libby Mills
Activity Level
3.0
Class Tuition
350.00
Minimum Age
12
Tuition Includes
Expert instruction and up to 3 nights camping at Pearrygin Lake
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Early June is a thrilling time for birders. Migratory birds have returned to their nesting grounds, morning choruses fill the air, and the landscape is alive with vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery. Let’s go birding!

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Photo by Jeff Brennan

Join longtime Institute instructor Libby Mills for an immersive exploration of seasonal birdlife in the North Cascades ecosystem. This spring, we’ll venture to the Methow Valley, a region rich in biodiversity, to observe our feathered friends as they showcase fascinating breeding behaviors and serenade us with their melodious songs. Habitats to explore include sagebrush steppe, riparian aspen, cottonwood and willows, Ponderosa Pine forests and lots of edges in between.

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Photo by Hannah Black

Our class will be based at Pearrygin Lake State Park, where campers can settle in, while those preferring other accommodations are welcome to make their own arrangements.

Mornings will start early, when bird song is at its peak and activity is vibrant before the day warms. We’ll seek out finches, woodpeckers, warblers, chats, swallows, and kingbirds. Many of these birds migrate from distant regions—the Andes, Central America, the Mexican High Sierra, and California—to fill the Methow Valley and North Cascades with life.

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Photo by Jeff Brennan

Guided by the weather, we’ll explore diverse habitats, from sagebrush steppe and riparian aspen groves to cottonwood and willow thickets, Ponderosa Pine forests, and the edges where these habitats meet. Our birding excursions will take us along the shores of Pearrygin Lake, through trails, and into recovering forest burns. Some days may include walks of up to four miles, while other times will be spent in quiet observation, practicing patience—a key to rewarding birding experiences.

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We’ll conclude on Sunday around 1 p.m., wrapping up after the birds quiet down. This class welcomes both beginners and experienced naturalists, offering opportunities to learn, connect, and soar with joy as we share the wonders of birding. Invite a friend and join us for this celebration of avian life!

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Photo by Jeff Brennan

Libby has been teaching natural history in these mountains for over 35 years. She is an expert in bird identification, with a remarkable ear for song recognition—an essential skill for any birder, whether you’re just starting out or already an avid enthusiast. Libby delights in sharing her passion for the incredible stories of our tiny winged migrants and neighbors with birders of all experience levels.

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This camping-based program includes a potluck dinner on Friday night, along with access to hot water and dishwashing facilities for breakfasts and dinners. Please bring your own breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and Saturday dinner. Participants also have the option to stay in the group campsite on Thursday night before the course begins.

If you plan to camp with us, bring your own tent and camping equipment, or let us know if you’d like to borrow gear.

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