September-October  issue of the Echo newsletter (212 kb PDF) .  Please note that the deadline for submitting articles for the next Echo is October 5th.

Olympia Friends of Herons Web site highlights a new heron rookery near the Westside Co-op on Olympia's West side.

The Great Washington State Birding Trail maps.  Four maps are now available from Audubon Washington.

Upcoming Field Trips and Events in 2008 (more details and trips in the current issue of the Echo):

2008

• October 6-8 (Monday through Wednesday), San Juan Islands Birding cruise, offered by Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society.
  
  Join the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society this fall for a three-day “Sequim to the San Juan Islands Cruise”, through the spectacular San Juan Archipelago. We will depart from John Wayne Marina aboard the MV Glacier Spirit (a 65-foot motor vessel, well-known from our many cruises around Protection Island), and cruise to Roche Harbor Resort; then touring various sites on San Juan Island for either birding or sightseeing. On day two, we will cruise onward for a mid-day visit to the Sucia Island State Park for a walk-about and picnic lunch, returning to Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island for the second night. On day three, we will cruise back home again to John Wayne Marina by way of dramatic Deception Pass, pausing for a close look at Smith Island for birds and sea mammals. Look for registration materials on our website (www.olympicpeninsulaaudubon.org . For additional information, call 360-681-4076, or email rcoffice@olympus.net .

• October 11-12 (Saturday-Sunday)
  Ridgefield BIRDFEST - Come celebrate the return of the birds and the natural beauty of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge! Enjoy bird walks, plankhouse tours, special activities for the whole family; Birders' Marketplace and great food vendors! Plus Saturday, October 11 is Bluegrass day!
  Visit www.ridgefieldfriends.org for the schedule of events or contact rfriends@pacifier.com. Don't miss this one!

• Oct. 16th (Thursday), 7-9pm.  General Membership meeting and program.
  Tonight's presentation:  Birds of Singapore.
   
  Founding member of East Lake Washington Audubon Society, Len Steiner, will show his own slides of his visit to Singapore and environs, stressing natural history and the great variety of birds to be seen. Since his retirement a few years ago, Len has traveled the world and says this is one of his favorite birding spots.
  
  BHAS Membership meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month.  Social hour begins at 7 pm with presentations starting promptly at 7:30 pm.

• December 6 (Saturday), Leave at 7:00 am from Mud Bay Park & Ride.  Point Wilson, Fort Flagler, and Port Townsend environs.
  Leader: Lonnie Somer
  
  The primary targets for this field trip are winter water fowl in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the northern Puget Sound. Hoped for species include Marbled and Ancient Murrelet, Pigeon Guillemot, Rhinoceros Auklet, Common Murre, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Brants, 3 species of loon, and several other species as well.
  Dress for cold, wind, and the ever-present possibility of rain. Bring lunch, snack, and liquids. We will return by early evening.
  Trip limited to 12 people (3 cars). Call the BHAS office at 360-352-7299 for registration.

• December 14th (Sun.), From as early as you'd like until dusk.
  108th Audubon Christmas Bird Count and Chili Feed:  This event, sponsored by BHAS, needs volunteers to spend the entire day (or as much time as you can contribute) in the field counting birds in your group’s assigned count area. This is a serious commitment and a whole lot of fun!!   For more information, go to christmasbirdcount.html.
  
  The day will conclude with the traditional post-count chili dinner shortly after dark at the Gull Harbor Lutheran church in Olympia, 4610 Boston Harbor Rd.... This is always a welcome event after spending many hours in the (possible) cold and wet Northwest. To join in the Christmas Bird County, contact George Walter at 360-459-8220 or email gwalter@nwifc.org .