Date: 2/22/26 11:13 pm From: David McNeely via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
The bill curve direction is due to a simple genetic relationship. There is one genetic locus (point on a chromosome where a gene resides) for bill curve direction, and two forms of the gene (two alleles). Right curving of the mandible (lower bill) is dominant. So if a bird with two right curving alleles mates with one with two left curving alleles, 3/4 of the offspring will have right curving bills, while 1/4 have left curving bills. A paper in the Auk explains this, but my browser will not let me copy and paste the url. Google crossbill bill genetics and you will find it.
David McNeely
On Sun, Feb 22, 2026 at 10:44 AM Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders < <inland-nw-birders...> wrote:
> Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been > said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on > the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > Catherine > > > -- > > *Catherine Temple* > > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* > > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* > <ctemple99...> > > www.catherinetemple.com > www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/ > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> > manage subscription: > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
I think I’ve read that left over right and right over left are in the same ration as left-handedness.
Lindell
> On Feb 22, 2026, at 6:39 PM, beaharrison--- via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> wrote: > > I think that there will be some natural variation in them, just like in any > species. Sometimes violets are white instead of violet for example. This > is what drives evolution. If the bill works better crossed the other way, > then that bird may be able to produce more young and the trait will pass to > the next generation. > > Bea > Bea Harrison > 830-313-0610 > > -----Original Message----- > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> On > Behalf Of Tina wynecoop via Inland-nw-birders > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 5:38 PM > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...>; Catherine Temple > <ctemple99...> > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > Good question. I've been asking the same question for years. A > well-respected local birder told me I asked the dumbest question. I know > that is not a usual response - but I stopped asking it. Glad you have! > Can't wait for the responses you receive. > Tina > > > > ')> > > > > * > > ________________________________ > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> on > behalf of Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders > <inland-nw-birders...> > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 10:41 AM > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> > Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been said > about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on the > types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > Catherine > > > -- > > *Catherine Temple* > > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* > > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* > <ctemple99...> > > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catherin > etemple.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7f > e9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398138634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3 > d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbC > IsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RN%2BZ0eL60RFGKU3xXUHxk9dQnu8vUu6qRrfu > 8DarXyk%3D&reserved=0<http://www.catherinetemple.com/> > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.c > om%2Fphotos%2Fctemple%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680% > 7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398164547%7CUnknown%7C > TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFO > IjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gaDcKvsUKj6%2Br%2BfAcqvM%2Fe > zhjCqVZRv0g6pnBrea1vs%3D&reserved=0<http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/> > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmailmanlist > s.us%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Finland-nw-birders&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb4 > 4a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C6390738263 > 98185528%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCI > sIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8T0gKDn > C0tbXAkE0W%2Bx%2BC737JrL8kH6Cuqpc38hSdXo%3D&reserved=0<https://mailmanlists. > us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders> > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> > manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
I think that there will be some natural variation in them, just like in any species. Sometimes violets are white instead of violet for example. This is what drives evolution. If the bill works better crossed the other way, then that bird may be able to produce more young and the trait will pass to the next generation.
Bea Bea Harrison 830-313-0610
-----Original Message----- From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> On Behalf Of Tina wynecoop via Inland-nw-birders Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 5:38 PM To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...>; Catherine Temple <ctemple99...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
Good question. I've been asking the same question for years. A well-respected local birder told me I asked the dumbest question. I know that is not a usual response - but I stopped asking it. Glad you have! Can't wait for the responses you receive. Tina
')>
*
________________________________ From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> on behalf of Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 10:41 AM To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. Catherine
--
*Catherine Temple*
*Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist*
*Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* <ctemple99...>
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catherin etemple.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7f e9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398138634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3 d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbC IsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RN%2BZ0eL60RFGKU3xXUHxk9dQnu8vUu6qRrfu 8DarXyk%3D&reserved=0<http://www.catherinetemple.com/> https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.c om%2Fphotos%2Fctemple%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680% 7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398164547%7CUnknown%7C TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFO IjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gaDcKvsUKj6%2Br%2BfAcqvM%2Fe zhjCqVZRv0g6pnBrea1vs%3D&reserved=0<http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/> _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmailmanlist s.us%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Finland-nw-birders&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb4 4a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C6390738263 98185528%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCI sIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8T0gKDn C0tbXAkE0W%2Bx%2BC737JrL8kH6Cuqpc38hSdXo%3D&reserved=0<https://mailmanlists. us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders> _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
Date: 2/22/26 5:39 pm From: Tina wynecoop via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
Good question. I've been asking the same question for years. A well-respected local birder told me I asked the dumbest question. I know that is not a usual response - but I stopped asking it. Glad you have! Can't wait for the responses you receive. Tina
')>
*
________________________________ From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> on behalf of Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 10:41 AM To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. Catherine
Date: 2/22/26 10:42 am From: Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. Catherine
--
*Catherine Temple*
*Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist*
*Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* <ctemple99...>
www.catherinetemple.com www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/ _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
Date: 2/21/26 11:38 pm From: David McNeely via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Clark's grebes! Spokane County
This afternoon, 4 p.m., there were 2 of what I really think were Clark's grebes on Bear Lake at Bear Lake County Park in northern Spokane County. I had a good look at the birds through good quality 8X binoculars, and they fit all the features that differentiate them from western grebes, including orangish bright yellow, slightly upturned, bills (no greenish tint) and the white face extending well above the eye. I have reported this to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife via their online rare animal reporting form, given the well out of winter range location for this bird and that the department requests that this bird should be reported if seen.
The Spokane County checklist reports Clark's grebes as being "rare" in Spokane County, and I believe that all reports have been outside the winter season.
Date: 2/21/26 11:28 pm From: David McNeely via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Western Bluebirds, Bear Lake, Spokane County
I thought I reported the female western bluebird I saw at Bear Lake County Park in north Spokane County on February 1st earlier, but I see that I only sent the post to one person rather than to the list. So, here it is again.
And today I saw 3 male western bluebirds at the same park near the upper parking lot. I also saw numerous dark-eyed juncos which of course are common in winter and 2 fox sparrows.
Date: 2/20/26 6:18 pm From: Vicki King via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Fw: Fw: natural history illustration courses
Maria, I was able to ask Madison Mayfield, and she offered this further input from her website (https://madisonerinmayfield.com) FAQs page. We hope it is helpful.
"The amazing thing about science illustration is that there are a million different ways to get into the field and a degree isn’t necessarily required! The first question I’m usually asked by those interested in pursuing science illustration is, what should I go to school for? Unfortunately, science illustration isn’t really offered as an undergraduate degree option (although there are a few remaining multi-year programs like the one at Arcadia University!). If you do decide to pursue higher education, a science or art related degree would both benefit a career in science illustration. Pursuing a science degree provides you with added knowledge of your subject matter and may set you up with a larger client base in the form of professors, TAs, research associates etc. who may need illustrations for their scientific research. On the other hand, pursuing an art degree puts you a step ahead artistically, equipping you with strong technical skills such as an understanding of mediums, composition, color theory, etc.
To start learning the specific skills and techniques employed by a scientific illustrator, enrolling in a science illustration program after your four year degree, such as the one at California State University Monterey Bay, is highly recommended. More affordable and accessible programs can also be found online, but specific science illustration training is important to truly understand the field! Of course, it is always possible to find success as a completely self-taught illustrator, using resources like the Guild Handbook of Science Illustration, the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, etc. and spending ample time practicing and creating art. Practice and time truly are the only ways to improve and succeed as an artist!"
-- Madison Mayfield (she/her) Assistant Collections Manager of Ornithology Research Tech - Behavioral Ecophysics Lab Burke Museum, University of Washington <madism2...>
> -------Original Message------- > From: monique slipher via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> > To: Inland-NW-Birders Listserv <inland-nw-birders...> > Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Fw: natural history illustration courses > Sent: Feb 19 '26 20:32 > > Hi Marla, > New York Botanical Garden, for one, has a long-running complete program in Botanical Illustration  - they still offer a 221 hour certificate in it.  It's plant specific, but many/most of the techniques are transferable to any other scientific illustration field. > The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators website has a list of some other programs, or just search online for "scientific illustration certificate"  - I saw at least a half-dozen more come up, including online courses. > Cheers, > Monique Slipher > Pullman, WA > ________________________________ > From: Marla Jones <marlajns...> > Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 6:23 AM > To: <inland-nw-birders...> <inland-nw-birders...>; marla jones <marlajns...> > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Inland-nw-birders Digest, Vol 216, Issue 2 > > I don't think that Certificate in Natural History Illustration exists anymore at UW. It must have been a program offered decades ago. They had a Scientific Illustration program for awhile in the 2000's, but it was out of pocket, not FAFSA or VA eligible, and doesn't exist anymore. Where can a person find a certificate or training program in natural history illustration today? > >     On Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 05:01:00 AM MST, <inland-nw-birders-request...> wrote: > > Send Inland-nw-birders mailing list submissions to >     <inland-nw-birders...> > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >     https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >     <inland-nw-birders-request...> > > You can reach the person managing the list at >     <inland-nw-birders-owner...> > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Inland-nw-birders digest..." > Today's Topics: > >   1.  WOS Monthly Meeting, March 2, 2026 (on-line only) >       (<meetings...>) > The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, March 2, 2026, Madison Mayfield will present, "A Different Kind of Life List: A Career Painting, Curating & Taxidermying Birds."  What goes on in a natural history museum like the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington (Seattle)?  And why have them?  Filled with far more than just a lot of "stuffed animals," these collections are time-capsule libraries of biological diversity, and an irreplaceable, verifiable record of Life on Earth. > > Madison Mayfield is a museum professional, educator, natural history artist and taxidermist as well as a scientific illustrator.  She holds a BS in Conservation Biology and a certificate in Natural History Illustration from the University of Washington.  For the past 8 years, she has worked in natural history museums around the world as a preparator, educator, outreach director and now is a collections manager at the Burke.  Madison is also a skilled artist and scientific illustrator.  We'll learn about the art of taxidermy and why dead birds are more important than ever as Madison takes us along a path from painting birds to sewing up a Cassowary in Australia to banding hummingbirds in Colombia! > > This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page:  https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/  for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link. > > When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off. > > This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos > > If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at  https://wos.org > > Please join us! > > Elaine Chuang > WOS Program Support > > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > <Inland-nw-birders...> > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> > manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
Date: 2/19/26 8:32 pm From: monique slipher via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Fw: natural history illustration courses
Hi Marla, New York Botanical Garden, for one, has a long-running complete program in Botanical Illustration - they still offer a 221 hour certificate in it. It's plant specific, but many/most of the techniques are transferable to any other scientific illustration field. The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators website has a list of some other programs, or just search online for "scientific illustration certificate" - I saw at least a half-dozen more come up, including online courses. Cheers, Monique Slipher Pullman, WA ________________________________ From: Marla Jones <marlajns...> Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 6:23 AM To: <inland-nw-birders...> <inland-nw-birders...>; marla jones <marlajns...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Inland-nw-birders Digest, Vol 216, Issue 2
I don't think that Certificate in Natural History Illustration exists anymore at UW. It must have been a program offered decades ago. They had a Scientific Illustration program for awhile in the 2000's, but it was out of pocket, not FAFSA or VA eligible, and doesn't exist anymore. Where can a person find a certificate or training program in natural history illustration today?
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 05:01:00 AM MST, <inland-nw-birders-request...> wrote:
Send Inland-nw-birders mailing list submissions to <inland-nw-birders...>
You can reach the person managing the list at <inland-nw-birders-owner...>
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Inland-nw-birders digest..." Today's Topics:
1. WOS Monthly Meeting, March 2, 2026 (on-line only) (<meetings...>) The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, March 2, 2026, Madison Mayfield will present, "A Different Kind of Life List: A Career Painting, Curating & Taxidermying Birds." What goes on in a natural history museum like the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington (Seattle)? And why have them? Filled with far more than just a lot of "stuffed animals," these collections are time-capsule libraries of biological diversity, and an irreplaceable, verifiable record of Life on Earth.
Madison Mayfield is a museum professional, educator, natural history artist and taxidermist as well as a scientific illustrator. She holds a BS in Conservation Biology and a certificate in Natural History Illustration from the University of Washington. For the past 8 years, she has worked in natural history museums around the world as a preparator, educator, outreach director and now is a collections manager at the Burke. Madison is also a skilled artist and scientific illustrator. We'll learn about the art of taxidermy and why dead birds are more important than ever as Madison takes us along a path from painting birds to sewing up a Cassowary in Australia to banding hummingbirds in Colombia!
This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/ for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link.
When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org
Date: 2/18/26 6:24 am From: Marla Jones via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Inland-nw-birders Digest, Vol 216, Issue 2
I don't think that Certificate in Natural History Illustration exists anymore at UW. It must have been a program offered decades ago. They had a Scientific Illustration program for awhile in the 2000's, but it was out of pocket, not FAFSA or VA eligible, and doesn't exist anymore. Where can a person find a certificate or training program in natural history illustration today?Â
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 05:01:00 AM MST, <inland-nw-birders-request...> wrote:
Send Inland-nw-birders mailing list submissions to    <inland-nw-birders...>
You can reach the person managing the list at    <inland-nw-birders-owner...>
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Inland-nw-birders digest..." Today's Topics:
 1. WOS Monthly Meeting, March 2, 2026 (on-line only)    (<meetings...>) The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, March 2, 2026, Madison Mayfield will present, "A Different Kind of Life List: A Career Painting, Curating & Taxidermying Birds."  What goes on in a natural history museum like the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington (Seattle)?  And why have them?  Filled with far more than just a lot of "stuffed animals," these collections are time-capsule libraries of biological diversity, and an irreplaceable, verifiable record of Life on Earth.
Madison Mayfield is a museum professional, educator, natural history artist and taxidermist as well as a scientific illustrator.  She holds a BS in Conservation Biology and a certificate in Natural History Illustration from the University of Washington.  For the past 8 years, she has worked in natural history museums around the world as a preparator, educator, outreach director and now is a collections manager at the Burke.  Madison is also a skilled artist and scientific illustrator.  We'll learn about the art of taxidermy and why dead birds are more important than ever as Madison takes us along a path from painting birds to sewing up a Cassowary in Australia to banding hummingbirds in Colombia!
This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page:Â Â https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/Â Â for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link.
When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel:Â Â https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at  https://wos.org
Date: 2/17/26 10:46 pm From: Vicki King via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] WOS Monthly Meeting, March 2, 2026 (on-line only)
The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, March 2, 2026, Madison Mayfield will present, "A Different Kind of Life List: A Career Painting, Curating & Taxidermying Birds."  What goes on in a natural history museum like the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington (Seattle)?  And why have them?  Filled with far more than just a lot of "stuffed animals," these collections are time-capsule libraries of biological diversity, and an irreplaceable, verifiable record of Life on Earth.
Madison Mayfield is a museum professional, educator, natural history artist and taxidermist as well as a scientific illustrator.  She holds a BS in Conservation Biology and a certificate in Natural History Illustration from the University of Washington.  For the past 8 years, she has worked in natural history museums around the world as a preparator, educator, outreach director and now is a collections manager at the Burke.  Madison is also a skilled artist and scientific illustrator.  We'll learn about the art of taxidermy and why dead birds are more important than ever as Madison takes us along a path from painting birds to sewing up a Cassowary in Australia to banding hummingbirds in Colombia!
This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page:Â Â https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/Â Â for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link.
When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel:Â Â https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at  https://wos.org
Date: 2/1/26 10:31 am From: Mary Giddings via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Bluebirds!
Three Western Bluebirds just arrived and are checking out the Bluebird box in my yard. Two females and a male. I have never seen them this early here. Usually they arrive in March.
I am just to the south of McCroskey State Park in N. Latah county.
Date: 1/23/26 8:57 am From: Doug Ward via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Indian Mt CBC Summary
INWBirders,
Sorry for the delay in getting you a Christmas Count (CBC) summary to digest, but better late than never - so much for the "reduce procrastination" resolution. Hope you've gotten 2026 off to a good start.
Cheers,
Doug
Indian Mt. CBC Summary (2026)
A small group of us ran the Indian Mt. Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on New Year's Day (1 Jan.'26) to keep this fun count going, kick off the New Year, and get annual year lists off to a good start. This count circle is centered southeast of Harrison, Idaho and encompasses parts of Kootenai and Benewah Counties including the Chain Lakes and lower Coeur d'Alene River, the southern end of Lake Coeur d'Alene and associated St. Joe River delta lakes (Benewah, Chatcolet, .), Heyburn State Park, and the town of St. Maries. The thirteen (13) of us covered a total of 12 miles on foot and another 127 miles in vehicles providing decent coverage for the day.
Our efforts were rewarded with a far better than average day over the 33 year history of this count in both species found (77 vs 66 avg/79 record) and total individuals recorded (14,781 vs ~8,360 avg/~16,590 record). While the near record seventy-seven (77) species was impressive, it came with no new birds for the count, which was surprising given the activity and the number of lingering species this year. As with other counts in the region, the mild weather we've had this winter left behind species which should be further south by now including NORTHERN SHOVELER (26), RUDDY DUCK (7), RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (1), SPOTTED TOWHEE (2), and BREWER'S BLACKBIRD (26). The other end of this weather situation was the near lack of northern species including well below average numbers of ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKs (2 vs 8 avg), NORTHERN SHRIKE (1 vs 3 avg), with no Bohemian Waxwings nor Redpolls found.
Other species of interest included TRUMPETER SWAN (1), GREATER SCAUP (3), BONAPARTE'S GULL (1), LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (1), "Thayer's" ICELAND GULL (1), and "Harlan's" RED-TAILED HAWK (1).
With respect to the high number of individual birds counted (14,781), waterfowl made up the lion's share (12,441) as you would expect with most water ice free. Within this number we had record counts of RING-NECKED DUCK (785 vs 698 record), COMMON MERGANSER (820 vs 356), RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (20 vs 4), and Ruddy Duck (7 vs 5). In addition to the ducks, we also managed record numbers for DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT (4 vs 2), MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE (27 vs 27), WHITE-BRESTED NUTHATCH (10 vs 10), and BREWER'S BLACKBIRD (26 vs 2). Considering all of the activity this year, we oddly ended up with very low counts for EURASIAN COLLARD-DOVE (5 vs 16 avg), MORNING DOVE (4 vs 13), AMERICAN CROW (2 vs 28), and "sadly" EUROPEAN STARLING (23 vs 106). Not sure what is going on with the doves, but we had a similar experience on the Coeur d'Alene CBC a few weeks back.
So again, a pretty good day on a fun count. Hope your CBC season was a good one and you are ready to maybe add one or two more to your schedule next year. Have a great 2026 with lots of good stuff.
