Field reports: Audubon Society offers birding classes, trips
WILDLIFE – Spokane Audubon members are offering several opportunities to learn more about birds and bird identification.
• Birds of Eastern Washington, Thursday and Saturday, taught by SAS member Fran Haywood.
Sign up through Community Colleges of Spokane, 279-6030.
• Bird Identification workshops for novices, May 9, 11, 13, by Gary Blevins, Kim Thorburn, 6:30-9 p.m., West Valley Outdoor Learning Center, 8706 E. Upriver Dr.
Preregister by April 26: Gary Blevins, 533-3661 or garyb@spokanefalls.edu.
• Bird identification field trip, May 14, to Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, led by Gary Blevins and Kim Thorburn. Geared to the bird I.D. workshop participants (above) but open to others.
Meet 7 a.m. at Turnbull NWR in the Education Building by the refuge headquarters south of Cheney. Groups will be out until about 2 p.m.
Preregister by May 5: Gary Blevins, 533-3661 or garyb@spokanefalls.edu.
Rich Landers
Albertsons boost Boise river park
PADDLING –The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation has donated $950,000 to help complete a whitewater park in Boise.
The gift, announced last week, brings the foundation’s total donation to the city’s Boise River recreational park to $1.7 million. Boaters and The Friends of Parks also raised almost $1 million and the city of Boise has fronted $850,000.
Associated Press
Enforcers protect Puget Sound orcas
WHALES – After making cases last season against whale-watching tour operators, private boaters and even a private plane pilot, the Washington Fish and Wildlife police are back on the water to enforce orca protection laws.
“There’s an incentive to get close to whales and give clients that photo of a lifetime,” said Mike Cenci, Deputy enforcement chief.
Associated Press
Rush Week targets Panhandle invader
INVASIVES – Sandpoint-area residents are organizing to pounce on an new unwanted aquatic invader to Lake Pend Oreille.
A public work party to stop the spread of flowering rush will begin Saturday, 1 p.m., at Sandpoint City Beach.
Like other aquatic invasive plants, flowering rush crowds out native vegetation and interferes with swimming and navigation.
Info: Bonner County Weed Department (208) 263-3175.
Rich Landers
Highlights coming up:
• Human Planet series on Discovery Channel, Sunday, 8 p.m.
• Sandpoint Earth Day Fest, Friday.