Media Contact: Leanne Ingle, Communications Specialist, 360-704-4508, or outside Thurston County calling area: (877) 284-6237, ext. 2508; e-mail: lingle@trlib.org.

Bob Morse, one of the leading birders in Washington State and author of the book, "Birds of the Puget Sound Region," will present a slide show at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 29 at the Theler Community Center and Wetlands. The program is designed for grade school children to adults and is free of charge. Morse’s book will be available for purchase and signing.

The show will be followed by a bird walk in the wetlands. The walk is limited to 25 and registration is required for this portion of the program; call 275-3232. Bring your binoculars and raincoats. Boots are recommended. The slide show can be attended by up to 100 people and registration is not required. The show and the walk will each be about 45 minutes.

Morse started bird watching when he was 12 and has seen over 800 different bird species throughout the U.S. "Birds of the Puget Sound Region" is a photographic guide with information on over 200 species of birds from the sound to the mountains. The book also provides helpful information for beginning and intermediate bird watchers on attracting and feeding birds, selecting binoculars, finding and identifying birds, and local habitats. According to Morse, "Over 800,000 people in the Puget Sound area watch or feed birds…Bird watching is fun. It is easy to get started, inexpensive, healthy and is a great way to enjoy nature."

The program is being provided by the Friends of the North Mason Timberland Library and the Hood Canal Watershed Project Center.