Among the potential of classic western species that may be encountered during field trips, a Prairie Falcon could be sighted at any of the annual events (photo by Paul Konrad).

Birders and researchers are invited to attend meetings of the Western Field Ornithologists (WFO), the Washington Ornithological Society, and the Colorado Field Ornithologists – all being held the weekend of June 5th to 8th. The WFO and Washington Ornithological Society are teaming up for the 2025 Annual Conference in Yakima, Washington this year. Each year Western Field Ornithologists holds a multi-day conference with the presentation of scientific papers, field trips, workshops, panels, a keynote address, the annual membership meeting, and other events.

The location of the WFO Conference varies each year as the WFO attempts to highlight different regions of its western influence while also making its conferences accessible to as many members as possible. Full-day and half-day birding field trips will take place in a diverse range of habitats from the wetlands and shrub-steppe of lower elevations to the open forests on the eastern slopes of the Cascades. More than 190 species of nesting birds and migrating species could be observed during the variety of field trips. Woodpeckers are a particular highlight, and participants could observe 11 nesting species during field trips, and similarly, there are 9 species of owls native to the region.

To learn more about the combined Western Field Ornithologists’ and the Washington Ornithological Society’s 2025 Annual Conference, see Conference | Western Field Ornithologists

Colorado Field Ornithologists’ Annual Convention

The Colorado Field Ornithologists’ annual convention is the birding event of the year for Colorado birders! Each year the convention takes place in a different area of Colorado for participants to see new birds and habitats with field trips led by local experts. This year’s event will be held in Grand Junction, Colorado. Participants can observe different birds during daily field trips, learn about new research on Colorado birds during the scientific session, attend social events and meet local ornithologists and birders, while celebrating another year of birding, education, and research on Colorado's birds with an evening banquet that includes a special guest speaker.

The CFO convention is a great opportunity to meet new friends, renew friendships, and learn about birds in an informal setting. For more information, refer to Annual Convention - Colorado Field Ornithologists (cobirds.org)