The Birds are Back in Town! Here’s Where YOU Can Find Them

We hope you’ve had a chance to read Catherine Henze’s article about bird migration and the amazing aviary display we see in our region during this season. Here’s some great information about how your support has ensured healthy habitat for all sorts of birds throughout the years!

Audubon Lake:

The Conservancy rescued Reardan’s Audubon Lake from impending suburban development in 2003. It is one of the premier wildlife habitats in the Inland Northwest and a stellar place to see migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. This oasis in the midst of sagebrush and wheat fields features sun-dappled vernal ponds, seasonal lakes, marshy wetlands, an upland prairie, and innumerable sedges, grasses, and wildflowers. Among the many breeding birds are Black-necked Stilts, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Marsh Wrens, and Ruddy Ducks.

Turnbull Wildlife Refuge:

Turnbull is best known for its breeding Western Bluebirds, with over 100 pairs. Some 17 waterfowl species migrate through or nest here. During the fall and spring migrations hundreds of Tundra Swans and up to 30,000 ducks and geese stop over. Its pine forests support nesting populations of numerous birds, including Mountain Chickadees and Northern Pygmy Owls.

Slavin Conservation Area:

Spokane County’s Slavin Conservation Area is a wonderland of rolling hills, ponds, a five-acre lake, meadows, grasslands, wetlands, and high forested buttes. Your Conservancy championed its acquisition in 2000. A spectacular location for spring birding, it is a vital link in the migratory flyway. Its 189 species of birds include Pied-billed Grebes, Blue-winged Teals, Cinnamon Teals, and Wilson’s Phalaropes. In the spring up to 1,000 waterfowl arrive, including Eurasian Wigeons. Over a dozen species of waterfowl nest here. In May, you may see 5,000 swallows and 50 Black Terns.

Now, more than ever, the Conservancy thanks you, our loyal, determined supporters, for helping us save land for our incredible birds—and all of us—to enjoy.