THE PUGET SOUND BIRD FEST IN EDMONDS
An Annual September Event!
Our Next Festival: September 5-7, 2014
The Puget Sound Bird Fest in Edmonds, Washington is a yearly celebration of the birds and of nature found on the beautiful shores of Puget Sound. It is listed as one of Seattle's best events on events12.com, the web site of events currently over 12 months in major cities. Be sure not to miss our next festival in 2014 to be held on the weekend of September 5-7!
Our three-day events include speakers, guided walks, land and water-based field trips, exhibits, and educational activities for children and adults. See more information about our festival program activities and event scheduling.
Our Mission
• Promote local birding and conservation of habitat
• Educate residents on bird-friendly gardening and the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program
• Draw more visitors to appreciate Edmonds’ spectacular natural environment, vibrant local businesses, and thriving arts community
Last Year's Festival
The Puget Sound Bird Fest of 2013 was a huge success. Our keynote speaker was Thor Hanson, author of the award-winning book, Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle, which won the John Burroughs Medal and was nominated for The Samuel Johnson Prize.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Hanson's research and conservation activities have taken him around the globe. He is a Switzer Environmental Fellow, a member of the Human Ecosystems Study Group, and an independent conservation biologist based in the San Juan Islands. Articles and essays written by Hanson have appeared in dozens of popular and scientific publications, and his speaking engagements include public radio and tv. His first book, The Impenetrable Forest, won the 2008 USA Book News Award for nature writing.
Edmonds Welcomes Birders From Everywhere
Picturesque Edmonds is distinctive for a rich array of shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes and bistros that cater to arts and festivals. Many eateries located in the center of town and along the beachfront are all within walkin distance of our festival venue. Within driving distance, even more dining experiences are offered in Edmonds' neighborhoods of Firdale Village, Five Corners, Perrinville, and Westgate, and in Edmonds' International District along Highway 99. Parking is free on Edmonds' streets and in public parking lots but some in downtown have a three-hour limit. The Bird Fest is eagerly anticipated by Edmonds' locals, so you can always expect to see bonus activities and entertainments around town, with some listed on our event map.
To join a committee or be a volunteer on the weekend of The Bird Fest, apply here. Puget Sound Bird Fest is organized by the City of Edmonds Parks & Recreation and Economic Development Departments.
Join the Birdwatchers Annual Flock to Edmonds
View our web site on your smart phone for our festival schedule of events — available each July for the next upcoming festival program
We invite you to increase your awareness of birds that spend all or part of their lives in the Puget Sound region, and especially in the environs of Edmonds. Observe birds in their native habitats, and learn how to preserve or restore habitats for birds and other wildlife in urban and suburban areas through the informative program offered annually at The Puget Sound Bird Fest of Edmonds.
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Birds of Edmonds, Washington
A Complete Checklist
Compiled and donated to the City of Edmonds by Ted Peterson, and is the result of 14 years of observations. It includes birds seen in all types of habitats within the city limits of Edmonds, Washington. The best places with public access to look for birds are the Edmonds Marsh, parks on the Puget Sound shoreline, the Public Fishing Pier, and Yost Memorial Park. See the Great Washington State Birding Trail – Cascades Loop for more great birding sites near Edmonds.
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Festival Map & Location
Downloadable Map
Check out our most recent Puget Sound Bird Fest Event Map.
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Support Bird Fest by wearing our exquisite bird pendant art. Editions for 2012 and 2013 festivals are available for purchase.
Best Birding Practices
Learn The Pro's Best Secrets
Birders should keep an appropriate distance from all species they observe. Stay on marked trails and avoid entering restricted areas, no matter how tempting it may be to venture closer to a bird. Disturbing a bird’s feeding area or nesting sites can cause unhealthy stress and fear that may drive the bird away, not only out of range of the birder’s observations but permanently forcing the bird to find a safer, less disturbed habitat where it will not be able to be observed.
Link up with the City of Edmonds
Steering Committee
The Puget Sound Bird Fest Steering Committee is composed of the following members of the community and City of Edmonds staff:
Cindi Cruz - City of Edmonds, Community Services & Economic Development
Sally Lider - Environmental Education Coordinator, City of Edmonds
Susie Schaefer - Program Chair, Pilchuck Audubon Society