The traditional Vashon Audubon calendar is here — with some surprises and special guest stars.

The photos in the 2023 calendar —taken on the island by 21 local photographers — include five species that haven’t been included before. Among them are the secretive Virginia Rail, the tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl, and the colorful Wilson’s Phalarope—an extremely rare visitor.

Also noteworthy is the calendar’s inclusion of details about the birds. Did you know that Bushtits —common Vashon birds —have an uncommon way of sleeping at night during breeding season? (The whole family sleeps together in a big, sock-like nest.)

Vashon Audubon is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, and calendar sales support the many things it does: advocating for climate action, helping improve bird habitat at Judd Creek Preserve, co-sponsoring Chautauqua school’s fourth-grade bird program, offering educational programs and field trips, and more.

Calendars are sold for $15 at Vashon Thriftway, at the customer service counter, Vashon Bookshop, Minglement, and during the Friday, Dec. 2 First Friday gallery cruise, at the Vashon Heritage Museum.