Birding programs explore loons, nests of feathered architects

BIRDING — Audubon Society chapters in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene have interesting programs on loons and bird nests open to the public this week:

Tuesday, May 12 — MasterBirder Idie Ulsh will explore the nests of birds ranging from hummingbirds to eagles in a free program, 7 p.m., at Lutheran Church of the Master, 4800 N. Ramsey Rd., sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Audubon Society .

Ulsh has completed an three-years study of bird nests, including their construction and placement and will use photos to discuss the nurseries of more than 30 species. Ulsh is a past president of Seattle Audubon, founder of the Washington Butterfly  Association a nature photographer and an independent college counselor.

Wednesday, May 13 — Daniel Poleschook and Ginger Gumm, experts in loons and bird photography, will present an update on loons in Washington, 7:30 p.m. at Riverview Community Building, 2117 E. North Crescent Ave. in Spokane.

The couple has been involved in banding and lab sampling of nesting loons and chicks as well as record keeping for the United States Forest Service, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and BioDiversity Research Institute since 1996.

• See directions to the meeting location.