From early migration scientists to the value behind creating welcoming spaces for all birders, WFO continued offering virtual presentations to members for the third year in a row during the early months of 2025. These dynamic programs evolved to include topics and conversations open to all ages and backgrounds. 

In February, WFO welcomed Birdability’s executive director Cat Fribley to share how anyone can be a birder, no matter of their ability, and how each of us can get involved in creating inclusive spaces for all people to bird. 

Frances Wood with the Salish Sea Pigeon Guillemot Network presented on their citizen science efforts in March. She described how and why volunteers record data and trends with Pigeon Guillemots in western Washington.  

In April we had two presentations. Rebecca Heisman, author of Flight Paths, explored how migration science began and how early scientists have shaped how we study migration today. In addition, Jay Sheppard, author of the WFO publication The Biology of a Desert Apparition: LeConte’s Thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei), shared insights into the species and conservation efforts. 

Audience participation has grown by 50% since the 2024 virtual presentations, with on average 30 attendees at each live session, plus additional views of the recordings.  

Virtual presentations are made possible through generous donations to WFO. Thank you for your support! We also want to thank all the presenters for sharing their knowledge and passion with WFO, and we look forward to hosting presentations again in winter 2026!  

Do you have suggestions on who should be a future speaker? Send them to Maci at administrator@westernfieldornithologists.org! 

May 2025 | Maci MacPherson, Administrator