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Birds Connect Seattle Attends Refuge Outdoor Festival

by | Sep 16, 2025

Photo features individuals looking through binoculars off the side of a suspension bridge.

Species | Photographer Name | Audubon Photography Awards 

by Ellie Yamanaka, Communications Manager

Last month, Birds Connect Seattle attended Refuge Outdoor Festival, a three-day outdoor recreation and camping experience geared towards people of color to celebrates community, nature, and connection. Refuge Outdoor Festival creates a welcoming space for attendees to try new activities, share stories, and enjoy the outdoors together.

Photo features a group of of people standing and looking up through binoculars. They are all standing on a paved path surrounded by grass and trees.

Refuge Outdoor Festival | Sarah Hankins

Over the course of the weekend, we led three birding sessions that offered something for everyone. On Friday evening, 23 participants joined us for a Crepuscular Creep, an exploration of the birds and other wildlife that become active at dawn and dusk. 

Photo features a group of of people all looking to the left side of the image and pointing while holding or looking through binoculars.

Refuge Outdoor Festival | Sarah Hankins

Saturday morning brought a lively Bird Stroll, where 13 attendees discovered the sights and sounds of early morning birds. 

Photo features two people standing outside facing the left. Both have binoculars and sunglasses.

Volunteers Ian and Gina | Sarah Hankins

On Sunday morning, eight early risers joined an outing led by our dedicated volunteers Ian and Gina, who also lead BIPOC Bird Outings for Birds Connect Seattle.

Photo features a Birds Connect Seattle table, covered in bird specimens, fliers, and posters.

Refuge Outdoor Festival Community Market | Sarah Hankins

In addition to leading birding outings, we enjoyed connecting with so many people at the Community Market, a space to connect with Partners and BIPOC-owned small businesses involved in Refuge Outdoor Festival.

Photo features a group of people standing together and looking up through binoculars.

Refuge Outdoor Festival | Sarah Hankins

We are proud to have partnered with and sponsor Refuge Outdoor Festival. It is always a joy to participate in this vibrant gathering that uplifts community, connection, and the joy of being outdoors together.

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