Beginner and Intermediate Birding Classes
Kevin O’Malley, a naturalist and birder, will teach birding basics to beginner and intermediate birders starting in March.
Kevin O’Malley, naturalist and birder
Kevin has led education walks since 2004 and heads the South Sound Nature School. He will be assisted by Barbara Petersen, an avid birder who regularly leads field trips for the Rainier Audubon Society.
The classes will be held at two key birding areas within the Eastside Audubon’s area – Marymoor Park and Lake Sammamish State Park. The fees will be $35 per person. The event at Sammamish State Park will be part of the annual Birdathon fundraiser and participants are encouraged to donate extra to help EAS continue birding classes.
No birding experience is necessary. Binoculars are recommended but not required. Classes will be limited to about 10 people. They will be geared towards adults but families are welcome. Children under 12 years are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, March 16th, 8 a.m., at Marymoor Park
Saturday, April 26th, 8 a.m., at Marymoor Park
Saturday, May 17th, 8 a.m., at Lake Sammamish State Park
Registration is required and closes on March 13th. Sorry, no refunds will be available.
To register, click the date below you’d like to attend and follow the link!
About Marymoor Park
Marymoor Park, in Redmond, is a premier destination for birdwatchers. With diverse habitats—wetlands, fields, and woods—it attracts over 200 bird species year-round. Birders can spot raptors like bald eagles and hawks, as well as songbirds and waterfowl. The park's trails and viewing areas make it accessible for all enthusiasts. Seasonal migrations offer unique chances to observe rare and transient species.
About Lake Sammamish State Park
Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah, Washington, is a haven for birdwatchers. The park's mix of wetlands, forests, and shoreline attracts a diverse array of bird species year-round. Visitors can spot waterfowl like herons and ducks, raptors such as eagles and owls, and a variety of songbirds. Well-maintained trails and observation points make it accessible for both novice and seasoned birders, offering ample opportunities for wildlife photography and peaceful nature observation.
About the Instructors
Kevin O’Malley grew up exploring Lake Erie’s lands and waters, which inspired his decision to pursue a degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Toledo. He became a Naturalist-in-Residence for Juneau schools, and he expanded his skills through the Wilderness Awareness School ‘s (WAS) nine-month Immersion Program and Kamana Four Certification. Kevin has worked as a freelance naturalist, served as In-School Programs Specialist at Seward Park Audubon and taught in the WAS Adult Tracking Intensive Program. A Cybertracker Level 3 Wildlife Tracker, he coordinates the Ellensburg Tracking Club and leads South Sound Nature School, teaching birding field classes statewide and serving as Education Chair of Juneau Audubon for three years.
Barbara Petersen is a retired teacher who taught for thirty years in Highline School District's Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students, where she enjoyed working with students from preschool through high school as well as their parents. She helps with a monthly bird census for the City of Kent at the Green River Natural Resources Area and has birded across the U.S., as well as many other South American and African countries, including the Peruvian Amazon, Costa Rica, Botswana, and Brazil.