Sun, Shorelines, and Plovers: NextGen Birders Explore Foulweather Bluff
After a long week of hustling through work, classes, and packed daily schedules, there’s no better reset than stepping out into the field. Friday, August 21, the Kitsap Audubon Society’s NextGen group capped off the week with an eventful evening of coastal birding at the stunning Foulweather Bluff Preserve in Hansville, WA.
Led by Joey Willman and Isabel Schutz, our group of roughly 20 young avian enthusiasts took full advantage of the lingering Pacific Northwest summer sun. Foulweather Bluff is a true gem of Kitsap County, offering a rare "three-in-one" ecological package deal: lush forest, vibrant marsh, and open coastline.
Together, we spent the evening spotting, tracking, and photographing a fantastic mix of shorebirds, waterfowl, and seasonal migratory species. You can check out our complete birding checklist and species count for the trip.
While the species list was diverse, a few feathered locals completely stole the show:
Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus): A pair of these charming little shorebirds touched down just yards away from our group, spending plenty of time feeding along the shoreline and instantly becoming the crowd favorite of the night.
Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani): Near the end of the walk, a couple of these striking, bright-billed birds swooped in along the coast, offering a thrilling finale to an already stellar outing.
The core mission of the NextGen Birders is to connect and build community among young-adult bird lovers across Kitsap County. By bringing folks together, we not only create a welcoming space for both beginner birders and seasoned avian gurus, but we also get to explore the rich, diverse natural habitats right here in our backyards.
We’re hoping for the same great weather and bird activity on our next outing!
Want to join the flock? Follow along with us on Instagram, sign up for the Kitsap Audubon newsletter to get updates on upcoming field trips, and keep those binoculars ready for our next walk. See you on the trail!
