Edmonds Teen Birding, Photography Phenom to Lead 'Birding for Kids' Talk in Issaquah

A family birding day hosted by the Eastside Audubon Society will feature thirteen-year-old Lorenzo Rohani, an Edmonds teen who has made his mark on Northwest birding.

Rohani has been watching and photographing birds since he was five years old, and last year wrote a book, "A Kid's Guide to Birding," with his father, Michael Rohani. The book features hundreds of the younger Rohani's accomplished photographs (his photo "Snowy Owl at Boundary Bay" won TIME for Kids' 2012 Earth Day photography contest) his birding stories, and fun facts about birds.

Rohani will lead a talk based on the book on May 18 at Issaquah Valley Elementary in Issaquah, following a family birding walk at the nearby Lake Sammamish State Park. He’ll also share his tips for kids about how to get started in birding, where to find birds, and ways to figure out which ones are which.

Both events are free, and hosted by Eastside Audubon Society, which welcomes all to attend either one or both.

The free talk is at Issaquah Valley Elementary School, 555 NW Holly Street, Issaquah. Doors open for hospitality at 2:30 p.m. and Lorenzo’s talk begins at 3.

Find out more about Lorenzo at his website, kidsbirding.com.

The talk follows a morning Family Birding Walk at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah, starting at 10 a.m. During an easy walk on maintained trails and walkways, master birder Andy McCormick will explore the many habitats of Lake Sammamish State Park.

Woodlands, streamside, lakeshore, and meadow attract a variety of birds at this season. Expect to see (and hear!) colorful songbirds and woodpeckers, Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, goofy American Coots, and many others.

The free walk is scheduled to end at noon, but you can leave at any time. The route and pace will be adjusted to fit the needs of the group. Dress for the weather and wear shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.

To join the walk, enter through the park’s main gate, take the first left, and meet at the northeast end of the large parking lot a little before 10.

Please be aware that state park entry requires a day use fee or Discover Pass (available at many Big 5 and Fred Meyer locations, see http://discoverpass.wa.gov).