In 1990, the Coeur d'Alene Audubon Society was established as an independent entity, breaking off from the Spokane Audubon group. The decision to form a separate club came after accumulating a sufficient number of members to support a local organization dedicated to birding and environmental conservation efforts.

Since its inception, the Coeur d'Alene Audubon chapter has grown, fostering a community of nature enthusiasts passionate about avian species and habitat preservation. With a focus on education, outreach, bird monitoring programs and field trips, the club has played a vital role in raising awareness about local bird populations and environmental issues in the Coeur d'Alene area. As a 100% volunteer-led chapter, our accomplishments are a tribute to the power of volunteering.

Over the years, the club has organized various activities such as conservation projects, birding excursions and guest speakers to engage members and promote a deeper understanding of the natural world. Through these initiatives, Coeur d'Alene Audubon continues to uphold its mission of protecting birds and their habitats while advocating for environmental stewardship in the region.

Acknowledgment

The Coeur d’Alene Audubon Society honors and expresses deep gratitude to the Schitsu’umsh (Coeur d’Alene Tribe), the original stewards of this region since time immemorial. We recognize that the birds we observe and the lands we explore are part of the Schitsu’umsh ancestral homelands—lands that have been cared for with reverence, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to balance between people and nature. We acknowledge the Schitsu’umsh people’s ongoing presence and contributions to the health and vitality of the lands, waters, and wildlife that sustain us all.

Chapter

Leadership

  • Ted Smith / President

    George Sayler / Vice-President

    Heather Smith / Secretary

    Ellie Emm / Treasurer

  • All Current Officers +

    Ralph Kerr, Former President

    Pam Gomes

    Vera Taggart

    Lisa Clark

  • Theresa Shaffer / Field Trips

    George Sayler / Publicity

    Eli Emm / Hospitality

    Alice Koskela / Newsletter

    Peggy Albertson / Membership

    Pam Gomes / Education

    Lisa Clark / Website

    Open / Conservation

    Open / Program

  • Shirley Sturts has dedicated over six decades to the study, observation, and preservation of birds. Born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, her passion forbirding began after college and marriage, when she and her husband, Keith, spent countless hours exploring the mountains and forests of North Idaho. Her interest in nature initially focused on identifying plants but quickly turned to birds, which became her lifelong passion.

    Her journey as a birder officially began in 1965, when Keith gifted her a Peterson’s Field Guide to Western Birds for Christmas. Shirley joined the Spokane Audubon Society and participated in its field trips, meticulously documenting her observations in field notebooks. Over the years, her commitment to birding evolved into a mission to contribute to conservation efforts and enhance the collective understanding of avian species in Idaho and beyond.

    Shirley’s work in data collection and record-keeping is particularly noteworthy. Under the mentorship of Tom Rogers, she compiled Idaho bird sightings into notebooks, which eventually expanded into a comprehensive database created with her husband’s help. This database, which includes nearly 190,000 bird records, has become a cornerstone for bird distribution studies in Idaho. It incorporates records from birding enthusiasts, scientific surveys, and historical accounts, such as those found in Thomas Burleigh’s Birds of Idaho.

    The database also inspired the development of the Idaho Bird Distribution Database and led to the publication of Idaho Bird Distribution: Mapping By Latilong, co-authored by Shirley and Daniel A. Stephens in 1991 and updated in 1997. Shirley’s meticulous work on latilong maps continues to inform bird distribution research. These maps, accessible on the Idaho Birds website, are updated regularly to reflect the current status of species across the state.

    A founding member of the Coeur d’Alene Audubon chapter, Shirley has been instrumental in its growth and success since its inception in 1990. She managed membership, edited the chapter newsletter for over 30 years, and established the chapter’s first website in 2004, which she coded in HTML. The site served as a vital resource until 2024.

    Her dedication extended to various conservation initiatives. Shirley spearheaded the Mica Bay Surveys, conducted as part of the Idaho Fish and Game’s “Adopt a Wetland” program, and participated in the Indian Mountain and Coeur d’Alene Christmas Bird Counts. She also worked on the “Adopt-a-Highway” program, helping to maintain a stretch of US 95 near Mica Bay.

    Beyond Idaho, Shirley’s birding adventures have taken her across the United States and around the world. Some of her favorite birding locations include the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in Idaho, Central Park in New York City, and the Galápagos Islands, where she encountered the iconic Blue-footed Booby during a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

    Shirley describes herself as more of a “watcher” than a “lister,” valuing the experience of observing birds in their natural habitats over tallying sightings. However, her passion for collaborative birding led her to initiate Kootenai County Big Year challenges, inspiring birders to collectively document as many species as possible within a year.

    Her contributions extend to education and mentorship. She co-authored latilong maps for birding websites, served as secretary for the Idaho Bird Records Committee, and maintained the chapter’s spring arrival records. Her library of birding resources includes an impressive collection of field guides, historical bird books, and specialized ornithological texts, reflecting her deep commitment to avian study.

    Now in her late eighties, Shirley currently lives in Seattle with her daughter and son-in-law, where she continues to serve as a club historian and advisor to Coeur d’Alene Audubon. Shirley’s work has left an indelible mark on the birding community. Her meticulous data collection, dedication to conservation, and ability to inspire others have made her a treasured figure in Idaho’s birding history. Through her ongoing efforts, Shirley has enriched the understanding of bird species in the region and fostered a love for nature that will endure for generations to come.

A Volunteer’s Significant Contribution to Birders in Idaho