Whidbey Audubon Society launches the first of its public programs with naturalists Steve and Martha Ellis who present a unique program about the interaction of wildlife species — birds and mammals, entitled “Feathers and Fur: The Interwoven Lives of Birds and Mammals.” These creatures lead complicated lives that may include interacting with each other. These interactions have important consequences. For instance, what would happen to red-tailed hawks if there were no small rodents to catch? Where would flying squirrels find dens if woodpeckers didn’t create nest cavities in trees? These types of interactions happen countless times each day.

Steve and Martha Ellis are longtime Coupeville residents who have been leading field trips and giving talks on a wide range of natural history topics for more than 30 years. Steve is a past president of Whidbey Audubon Society and Martha is a member of the Washington Native Plant Society.

The event is free and open to the public on Thursday, Sept. 12 in the Coupeville Recreation Hall at 901 NW Alexander St. Doors open at 7 p.m. for socializing and refreshments. There will be a brief meeting for announcements and the eagerly awaited presentation of the Bronze Owl Award to the 2024 Birdathon team to raise the most money for Whidbey Audubon Society’s programs and operation. The program begins at 7:30 p.m.