Feathered Friends at the Firehouse: Recapping September’s General Meeting
What an unforgettable evening! We recently held our very first Kitsap Audubon Society general meeting in a new space at the Poulsbo Firehouse. Despite a few initial technical hitches—which our team worked through before the start—the new venue proved to be a fantastic home for our community gathering. With nearly 50 members and local bird enthusiasts in attendance, the energy in the room was palpable from start to finish.
Protecting Night Skies for Migratory Birds
Our meeting opened with a presentation by Kevin, who highlighted the crucial importance of the Lights Out Initiative. As migratory birds journey through our region—often traveling under the cover of darkness—artificial lighting can cause disorientation and collision risks. Kevin reminded us how simple actions, like turning off non-essential exterior lights during peak migration seasons, make a life-saving difference for local and passing species.
Special Guests: West Sound Wildlife Shelter Ambassadors
The highlight of the night came courtesy of our friends at the West Sound Wildlife Shelter, who introduced two incredible educational ambassadors:
Echo, a captivating Western Screech Owl.
Princess Remi, an impressive Turkey Vulture.
Seeing these majestic birds up close enthralled the crowd. The shelter's expert bird handlers answered a wide range of audience questions—skilfully connecting the ambassadors' stories back to nocturnal habits and the broader Lights Out theme.
Join Us at the Next General Meeting!
Upcoming Program: The Bird with the Flaming Red Feet: Stories of the Pigeon Guillemot
Maria Mudd Ruth—author of "Rare Bird" and "The Bird with the Flaming Red Feet"—will share insights into the charismatic Pigeon Guillemot. Drawing from over a decade of community science work with the Salish Sea Guillemot Network, she’ll explore the power of "one-bird birding," marine ecosystem monitoring, and community-led conservation.
We look forward to seeing you there—in person or online!
