Hello everyone,

While the news on the Hawk Owl is sad and frustrating, we have a great opportunity coming up on MLK weekend to show how birders can help a community and be respectful stewards of the wild. With at least 8 teams of 4 signed up and more birders coming through the WOS field trip and other trips, there will be a great showing of our kind in north-central WA. It is our time to shine!

As a reminder, the Race's goal is to get as many birders as possible into the region that was affected by the enormous wildfire seasons of the past two summers. Our presence will influx money into the local economies through lodging, meals, and other essentials that will be bought at local businesses in and around Omak. The Race is designed to be fun with a little competition involved. Don't forget there are prizes for each day including a new edition of the Washington State bird finding guide and trophies.

Please visit www.wos.org for more detailed info on the event. Updated county checklists will be available for scoring from the Washington Birder website.

During the Race, please follow all ABA code of ethics. Your safety and the safety of the birds come first. At don't forget to have fun!

Please email me with any questions. Thank you!

Tim O'Brien
Cheney, WA
mailto: kertim7179 at yahoo dot com