That image of brant in West Seattle waters is courtesy of Danny McMillin, who often shares photos of beautiful birds you can see around here almost every day. Though we’ve all seen them and may even be able to identify them by name – how much do we really know about them? An expert is making two presentations in West Seattle today and tomorrow; the first one is less than an hour away, so notice might be short, but there’s plenty of time to arrange to see the second one. The expert is Woody Wheeler of Conservation Catalyst; at 1 this afternoon, he speaks at Merrill Gardens-West Seattle (4611 35th SW; if you want to go, just RSVP to Colleen at 206-932-5480); then tomorrow at 7 am, he’s the featured speaker at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s next meeting. Here’s the announcement they asked us to share:

Expand your awareness of our connection to nature by learning about the wild birds in our midst. No better way to connect kids and families, neighbors and friends than to appreciate the birds around us. West Seattle is blessed as a stopover for birds flying elsewhere, and is home to many beautiful birds on our beaches and backyards. Come hear Woody Wheeler’s informative, fun, visual presentation of our beloved, sometimes ruffled winged friends. You may even want to take a birding tour to learn more first hand. Kiwanis of West Seattle is 80 years old. Come have breakfast, see Kiwanis in action (and members having fun) at a weekly meeting; and hear this informative presentation. Consider joining Kiwanis to apply your talents in making our community the place you want it to be. Our goal: Helping communities, one child at a time.

The Kiwanis meeting is at 7 am tomorrow (Wednesday), Be’s Restaurant in The Junction (4509 California SW).