Subud PNW celebrates Paul Woodcock of Ferndale, WA, who led us on more than 10 years of amazing Bird Walks followed by a meal and Latihan in the Bellingham/ Skagit Valley region. Paul is celebrated and appreciated by a wider audience also for his 50+ years of sharing birding with others and his dedication to the birds themselves.
Paul was recently honored with the Jim Jorgenson Silver Wings Award “For outstanding achievement in the observation, education and stewardship of the birds and their habitat in the Pacific Northwest”. The award was presented by Wings Over Water Northwest on March 13, 2026.
The ceremony highlighted his lifelong dedication and projects. Paul has also graciously shared some photos which illustrate his path. One photo shows Paul with birding colleague John Schultz (in white t-shirt) at the real launch of their birding endeavors. 
Paul and John were standing in front of a mist net used to capture birds without harm. A small bird is hanging in the net, but likely undetectable to most of us. The photo with the owls is another early colleague.
Paul volunteered with the North Cascades Audubon Society in Bellingham, WA, leading monthly year-round field trips in the Blaine Spit area. He was influential in getting historic cannery buildings preserved and moved to the foot of the Spit and bird-related posters installed on the pier there.
Many Subud members enjoyed guided Bird Walks led by Paul in the Bellingham/ Skagit Valley area as a fundraiser for the local Subud group. You will recognize brothers and sisters in Marius Hibbard’s photos from these events in the photo poster.
If you missed getting to know Paul through these bird walks, or through his past service as regional treasurer and continued service as a helper, look for him at upcoming gatherings! Paul and Nadia live with their 4-legged companion, Max, in Ferndale, WA and can be found in the National Directory.
