Explore Our Exhibits

Drawn to Nature by Carleen Ormbrek Zimmerman: Drawn to Nature: An interactive temporary exhibit featuring the beautiful art of long-time Birds Connect Seattle member and volunteer Carleen Ormbrek Zimmerman.

Carleen discovered nature journaling and field sketching by accident years ago while on a birding trip to Malheuer National Wildlife Refuge. Since then, the emphasis on her sketches has been to depict habitat as well as use art and language to record observations. She has participated in and led many workshops and classes for Birds Connect Seattle. She has organized activities for the last 19 years at the annual state Audubon campout at Wenas, and has been a guest artist instructor for Birds Connect Seattle’s Nature Camp and Young Birders programs.

Birds Connect Seattle houses an expansive collection of preserved bird specimens of local bird species.

Each bird-skin specimen has been thoughtfully preserved, and is used for eduction and outreach programs.

These specimens allow us to experience and appreciate these animals in ways that are not possible with living wild birds.

Visit us to view our bird-skin specimens. Ask about our bird-skins at the welcome desk and a Birds Connect Seattle representitive can assist you in exploring our collection.

The majority of these birds were found deceased around the Seattle area. No birds were killed to become a Birds Connect Seattle bird-skin specimen.

Tori Shao is a Seattle-based illustrator and landscape architect with a passion for exploring the intricate ways in which we connect with the world around us: through nature, the built environment, or the stories we share. 

Tori created a beautiful two-story mural at the entrance of Birds Connect Seattle that highlights local bird species and native plants. 

Learn more about this permanent art piece. 

Birds Connect Seattle’s headquarters features additional art pieces by talented local artists that showcase the beauty of birds. Stop by and see for yourself.

Some highlights include multiple works by Zella Schultz and Tom Beck.

Glean some new knowledge from our bird-focused library. From dazzling photo-filled guides of Pacific Flyway species to rare reference books on feathers, eggs, and anatomy, our collection is a haven for bird lovers and curious minds alike. Travel-focused birders can explore international field guides covering species from Costa Rica to Morocco to Iceland. Dive deep into species-specific covers like Shorebirds or Owls of the World, or get swept up in inspiring birding memoirs. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning to spread your wings, there’s something here to spark your wonder. 

The lending library is free for members of Birds Connect Seattle. The public is welcome to browse our collection books on site.   

See our collection online.