November Field Trip to Theler Wetlands

What a spectacular start to November! On Saturday, November 8th, a group of twelve enthusiasts gathered early at the beautiful Theler Wetlands & Trails in Belfair for this month's field trip, and the late-autumn sun certainly delivered.

The morning started with a bang—or rather, a swift flight—as a magnificent Cooper’s Hawk made an immediate appearance, setting the stage for an excellent day of birding.

As we explored the restored wetland and trails, we were treated to a diverse range of species. We compiled a final tally of 46 species, featuring plenty of lively passerines flitting through the underbrush and various waterfowl enjoying the water.

The highlight of the day for many of us was witnessing the impressive sight of southbound Trumpeter Swans flying overhead! This was a first for all of us attending the trip at this location, underscoring how special and dynamic the migration season is at Theler.

The excitement didn't stop until the very end. As we gathered to finalize our list, the grand finale was delivered by a speeding Merlin—a powerful small falcon—that shot by in a quick fly-by.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable and species-rich morning. The Theler Wetlands continue to prove themselves as a true jewel of Mason County!

A Note of Gratitude

The joy and expertise of our trip leaders, the Westphal family, were truly inspiring! The group was so appreciative of their outstanding leadership that an impromptu donation was made to Kitsap Audubon in their honor. Thank you, Westphals!

Want to join our next outing? Check our monthly calendar for upcoming dates!