Classes

Join Sue Cottrell for a five-session class, “Winter Hawk Watching in Western Washington”. This class is much more than just identifying a raptor. It is about taking the time to observe them and learn about the world they live in.

This class will teach you about the 15 species of diurnal raptors that can be found in western WA, emphasizing field identification and the particularly fascinating element of winter behavior. It will also cover raptor terminology, migration, the daily and annual cycle, birding ethics, equipment and raptor ID books and apps. Instructor Sue Cottrell has studied raptors and guided outdoor trips for over 30 years, and has a vast knowledge of local raptor populations. She moved to NW WA from Oregon in 1975 and now resides in the heart of winter raptor territory, the Samish Flats, near Bow, WA.

Our in-person class will be offered at Padilla Bay Estuarine Research Center starting January 6, 2026. There is a minimum of 10 participants for this class to go so sign up soon if you are interested in it. Class begins at 7 pm and runs approximately1 1/2- 2 hours. Some advantages of the in-person class include better access for asking questions and understanding concepts, access to peruse books, gear and other items that are brought in, possibly a live bird brought to class, printed handouts, meeting like-minded folks to go birding with and the all-day field trip on the Samish Flats. Many say the field trip alone is worth the price of the class! Participants will also have access to the Zoom recordings for up to 8-weeks after the last class. And if you miss a class you can join the Zoom version the next night. The cost for the in-person class is $175.

In-person class dates are January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3

For those unable to attend in-person, there will also be a Zoom class offered starting on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Class starts at 7 pm and runs approximately 1 1/2 hours. Classes will be recorded and available for viewing for up to 8 weeks after the last class. The cost for the Zoom class is $100 per person. Space on an all day field trip may be available for an additional fee.

Zoom class dates are January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4

In an effort to support the habitat that these birds rely on, 5% from each class participant will be donated to the Skagit Land Trust. – https://www.skagitlandtrust.org

To complete your registration, send check, along with email address and phone number to Raptor Studies NW, P.O. Box 85, Bow, WA 98232. Or pay by PayPal.

We offer scholarships every year which are donated by long-standing supporters. Our hope is to offer the class to young people interested in pursuing the study of raptors or someone who may not have the means to pay for it. Please let us know if you, or someone you know, fits this description.

Contact Sue at raptorstudiesnw@gmail.com with any questions.