Libby Mills, one of the Skagit Valley's most experienced birders, educators and all-around naturalists, is leading a birding weekend based out of the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center with North Cascades Institute July 6-8. The trip will visit choice sites on both sides of the range, from the Upper Skagit to the Methow and points in-between.

Details and registration at http://ncascades.org/signup/programs/summer-birding-2

"The avian world contains some of nature?s most varied, vivid colors: American redstarts, Violet-green swallows, Purple finches, Lazuli buntings, Yellow-headed blackbirds, Red-eyed vireos and the orange feathers of the Bullock's Oriole. Join longtime Institute instructor Libby to survey summer bird life in the North Cascades region as our feathered friends display fascinating breeding behaviors and share their melodious songs.
We'll begin our exploration along the upper Skagit River Friday morning and arrive at the Learning Center by mid-afternoon to settle in to our rooms and enjoy a porchside presentation on forest song. On Saturday, we rise with the dawn and bird our way eastward over the pass to explore the arid habitats of the Methow Valley. We?ll conclude our survey Sunday back on the westside visiting choice locations in the upper valley.

Libby has taught natural history in these mountains for over two decades and is an expert in bird identification with an incredible ear for song recognition, an essential tool for any aspiring birder from beginner to avid enthusiast."


-- Christian Martin