Birds, plants, and more!
Take a guided walk at Seahurst Park or along the Cedar River while learning about the birds and plants around you. Both have evolved together and play important roles in the health of local watersheds, as well as the mental health of people. Naturalists will share identification tips, species adaptations, and the importance of providing native habits.
No prior knowledge is required. These small outings are geared towards ages 13 years and up.
Spring 2024 Schedule
Cedar River Bird Walk
May 14: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Age 50+ only. Have you ever wondered which bird species call Renton home and how they use this habitat? Did you know that bird watching can improve your memory, mental health, and physical wellbeing? Join ESC naturalists, lead naturalist, Ed Dominguez, from Seward Park Audubon Center, and staff from the Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center on a bird and plant walk along the Cedar River. We’ll slowly venture down the paved trail toward the Liberty Park and back to learn how to identify birds by sight and sound, how to begin your birding journey, or expand your expertise!
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Birdwatching Along the Cedar River
Join us at the Renton Library for this interactive, guided walk along the Cedar River. This program is designed to give beginning to avid birders a chance to explore and learn together. We will start with an introduction on how to properly use binoculars and give tips for identing birds by both sight and sound. We’ll share identification tips, species adaptations and the importance of providing native habitats.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Owl Prowl
Take a guided nighttime walk through Seahurst Park to look for owls with ESC and Porcupine from South South Nature School! Learn more about their unique adaptations by participating in an owl pellet dissection before exploring the birds and plants of the park.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Bird Watching Partners
ESC is proud to partner with local birders to lead our bird and plant walks to share their knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm.
Ed Dominguez
Ed is the Lead Naturalist at the Seward Park Audubon Center. He is knowledgeable about many different natural history topics and loves sharing his knowledge.
“People love what know, and protect what they love. Once you know a bird call or identification you will love that bird and want to protect its resources and habitats.”
Kevin, aka Porcupine
Kevin is the Lead Naturalist and Executive Director of South Sound Nature School. He regularly hosts programs around the south King County area about bird watching and outdoor exploration to share his love of being outside.
“Once you know how to think like an owl, you’ll start to see what they see. Where is a good resting place to watch for prey on your runway?”
The 4 Basic Questions for Bird Watching
The key to identify different bird species can come from asking these 4 questions.
What does it LOOK like?
What does it SOUND like?
WHERE is it?
WHAT is it doing?
Birding Resources
Find our favorite bird and plant resources such as field guides, online resources, and databases.
eBird.com is ESC’s preferred online database to submit our bird species lists to for community science.
Check out this list of books about birds, nests & birdwatching. These books are recommended by KCLS Burien librarian Lydia K. & Environmental Science Ctr naturalist Kharli R.
Watch our Toddler Time Birding Bits (for ages 3 and up) with Kharli Rose to look and listen for local backyard birds through songs, felt board games and exploring outdoors.
These fun programs are sponsored by the City of Burien, City of Renton, and King County Wastewater Treatment Division to connect the community with our shared watershed to build appreciation and stewardship of birds and our native plants.