In between the periods of dark and gloomy rain, seize a chance to get out in the sun as the weather starts to warm up and the flowers begin to bloom.

Here are a few outdoor (and indoor) activities being offered around the Olympic Peninsula this spring.

Birding

Washington State and the Pacific Northwest are unique from other regions in that they boast year-round birding opportunities with a mild climate and a large host of year-round species.

Local birding clubs such as the Admiralty Audubon Society are always hosting bird walks and other events, such as lectures and trash clean-ups, which anyone can attend.

Join them March 3 and April 7 for the regular first Tuesday of the month walks at 9 a.m. at Point Hudson. The similar first Saturday walks at Fort Flagler will be held at 9 a.m. on March 7 and April 4. There is also the opportunity to participate in a special walk on the Cape George section of the Larry Scott Trail Saturday April 25 at 9 a.m. Learn more at admiraltyaudubon.org.

The Quimper Universalist Unitarian Fellowship will also offer a special birding opportunity in April through their Adult Learning Programs.

The field trip is led by Rod Mitchell, Dave Rugh and Dave Covert and will take birders to Bowerman Basin on April 23 to view one of the largest concentrations of shore birds in North America.

Attendees can either return to town or continue on the trip to Tokeland to stay the night at the historic hotel and travel the next morning, April 24, to the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge and the Johns River Wildlife Area for more shore bird viewing. Cost of the trip hasyet to be determined. For more info contact Rod Mitchell at rodm90@cablespeed.com or 360-344-3816.

QUUF will host several other outdoor trips in the spring including a day trip April 15 to Bloedel Garden Reserve on Bainbridge Island for a 2-mile hike and a day trip to the Dungeness Forest for a 7-mile hike.

For more info about all of QUUF’s adult programs go to quuf.org.

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center will also host its yearly birding cruise to Protection Island at 1 p.m. on April 18 and 25.

Cost is $80 per person ($60 with a PTMSC membership) and the tour is approximately three hours.

Participants will get to go by boat to nearby Protection Island Aquatic Reserve to observe seabirds and marine life and learn about the history of the island and bird migrations.

Campgrounds opening

Jefferson County campgrounds in Quilcene, at Lake Leland and on Oak Bay, will open April 1 for the start of their regular season.

The upper Oak Bay campground, at 290 Cleveland St. in Port Ludlow, has 20 available spaces costing $25 per night with electrical hookups and $20 per night without.

The lower Oak Bay campground, at 301 Portage Way in Port Ludlow, has nine available spaces costing $20 per night.

The Lake Leland campground, at 165 Leland Valley Road West in Quilcene, has 22 available sites for $18 per night. Those interested are reminded that this campsite does not have potable water so campers must bring their own.

The Quilcene campground, at 294964 US 101 in Quilcene, has nine available spaces that cost $15 per night.

Tide walk

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center will hold a night time low tide beach walk Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at North Beach County Park. Parking is limited so attendees are asked to carpool and bring warm clothes and a flashlight or headlamp. The event is free.

RSVP with Marley Loomis at mloomis@ptmsc.org.

Growing groceries

Master Gardeners through the Jefferson County WSU extension will offer a six-week course on growing your own food, starting March 4. Classes will take place every Wednesday from 2  to 5 p.m. and cover seed starting, soils, pest management and composting.

For more information visit the WSU extension website at extension.wsu.edu/jefferson.

Sip ‘n Succulents

The Port Townsend Garden Center will offer a one-day workshop where participants can plant and design succulent arrangements Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. The $40 ticket prices pays for all the supplies, snacks and wine. 

Reserve your spot by stopping by the garden center or calling 360-385-3354.