For the “Backyard Birding” topic on Saturday, July 8, Bob Boekelheide will discuss “Gulls and Shorebirds.”

Boekelheide will discuss the species that occur here, how they use local bays and shores, and a few tidbits from their life stories. The session will meet at the Dungeness River Audubon Center/Railroad Bridge Park, from 10 a.m.-noon, then travel to Dungeness Bay to witness gulls and shorebirds in action.

Of the 20 species of gulls and 48 species of shorebirds that have been recorded in Clallam County, nearly all are migrants, nesting either in the Arctic or in the interior of North America. Following nesting, they flock to the Salish Sea, where they fuel up in preparation for further flights to winter habitats.

The series of classes, hosted by members of the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society, is intended for residents of this area who are interested in knowing more about birds seen locally each season of the year.

“Backyard Birding” can be taken either as individual classes or in a series. The cost of each session is $5 and is free for anyone under 18. After the completion of five sessions, participants will be offered free membership in OPAS for one year.

This is the final presentation for the 2016-2017 series.