Not all birds on the Olympic Peninsula wing away to warmer climes, local birding experts say. Many of the birds residents see in their gardens stick around all year and need a food supply and shelter to get them through the winter.
Join environmental scientist Katja Bridwell for the next Green Thumb Education Series presentation, “Gardening Choices Helpful to Wintering Birds,” and find out what to plant in a garden to help birds when their options are limited.
The presentation will be held in person from noon-1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 510 E. Park Ave., Port Angeles.
The presentation is also available online at wsu.zoom.us/j/93629898830 (meeting ID 936 2989 8830, passcode 676224), and by phone by calling 253-215-8782.
Gardeners will find out how they can make a difference by following certain practices and by planting a variety of vegetation that can enhance bird habitat..
“We are fortunate to live in a climate where we have many birds that stay with us year-round and bring joy to our yards in all seasons,” Bridwell said. “But sometimes we get harsh conditions, especially during winter, that can put considerable stress on these bird species.
“As our climate is becoming more erratic, it is causing greater stress and mortality on our birds, as our insects and plants are also being impacted.”
Bridwell is vice president of the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society (OPAS) and a member of their board of directors. OPAS is leading a project with the National Wildlife Federation to certify Clallam County north of the Olympics as a wildlife habitat. It also encourages individuals to certify their properties as wildlife habitats to create corridors throughout the county that link to natural areas for the benefit of all wildlife.
Bridwell is also an environmental scientist and consultant with 50 years of experience in a wide range of environmental fields. She is working to turn her 10 acres into a variety of habitats for wildlife.
Sponsored by the Washington State University Clallam County Master Gardeners, the Green Thumb Education Series is held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month through October; in November, December and January, one lecture is offered.
Scheduled presentations are subject to change. Visit the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar (extension.wsu.edu/clallam/master-gardener-calendar) for the latest information on upcoming presentations.
For more information, call 360-565-2678.
