In 2025, WFO is partnering with the Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) to host our 49^th Annual Conference. This year we’ll be at the Yakima Convention & Event Center in Yakima, Washington, from June 5–8.

Field Trips
There will be options for full and half-day field trips from Friday, June 6, through Sunday, June 8, covering a wide variety of habitat types ranging from alpine tundra to open pine forests to wetlands. Over 190 species of breeding birds and migrants are possible, including 11 species of woodpeckers (of the 12 species that breed in Washington), and up to 9 species of owls! For the latter, there are targeted trips, including two on Thursday, June 5; space is limited. In addition, check out the “on the way” trips to see if you can squeeze some extra guided birding into your plans. Visit the Yakima regional eBird page to explore bird lists and hotspots. There are also some good regional birding resources on the WOS website.

This year, we’re excited to offer two different field trips catered to our student members. The first trip is to the Yakama Nation Eagle Aviary and Bison Ranch, where students will interact with education ambassador eagles and take a tour to learn about the wildlife program’s management and conservation of large animals and bison. The second student-focused trip will take participants to visit a special colony of Burrowing Owls in an area not usually open to the public.

Science Sessions

Science sessions are always one of the highlights of WFO’s conferences. These sessions will feature oral presentations of original scientific research. All researchers, including students, are encouraged to present. Abstracts will be accepted until March 15, 2025. For more information and instructions, please see: Call for Papers for the 49th Annual Conference of Western Field Ornithologists.

Evening Programs

After a long day of exciting field trips and fascinating science presentations, we’ll unwind with some special evening programs. On Friday, Dennis Paulson and Shep Thorp will host Stump the Experts: Bird Quiz Night, and on Saturday, Nathan Pieplow will lead the Sound Identification Team Challenge. Social hours each evening will give us a chance to connect, catch up with old and new friends, and share highlights from the day, and there will be a special student reception so they can connect with their peers and the WFO Board.

Registration Opens Mid-March
Conference registration will open at 8 a.m. on March 11. Members will receive an email notification about registration dates. All registration details and the registration link will be posted on the WFO website.

Visit the WFO Conference website for more information and to view the conference schedule, get a preview of the field trips, and for information about accommodations. We recommend that you reserve your hotel soon in order to secure special conference rates before the room blocks are full.

We hope to see you this summer in Yakima!

 

March 2025 | Lauren Smith, Newsletter Editor