Upcoming Events
Fernhill Wetlands W/ Susan
Enjoy a flat, accessible mile-loop trail that will wind between water, trees and bountiful bushes. An official Important Bird Area per the Oregon Bird Alliance -
Fernhill is an important stop for migrating birds. Here, you can anticipate seeing waterfowl, including herons and egrets, as well as plentiful songbirds and birds of prey. If you’re lucky, you might even see the elusive Virginia Rail!
Trails are paved near the parking lot, restroom and shelter, then unpaved for the majority of the loop. The trail also includes several benches and covered areas throughout. Bike racks and parking are available on-site, please see the Fernhill website for full transit and access information.
Whitaker Ponds W/ Kim
Join us for a winter bird walk at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park lead by Kim. Whitaker Ponds is a small but bird-rich wetland tucked into northeast Portland. This site offers excellent opportunities to observe waterfowl, wetland birds, and songbirds in a compact and accessible setting.
In December, the ponds often host a variety of ducks, including Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and American Wigeon. We’ll also be on the lookout for Wood Ducks, which are frequently seen here year-round. Along the pond edges and in nearby shrubs, expect Song Sparrows, Spotted Towhees, and flocks of Bushtits. Overhead, we may see Belted Kingfishers darting between perches, along with Red-tailed Hawks or other raptors passing through the area.
This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially well-suited for beginners. We’ll move at an easy pace with frequent stops for viewing and identification. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress warmly, and expect muddy paths depending on recent weather.
Smith and Bybee Wetlands W/ Emma
While a shorter trail, we’ll go slowly at Smith and Bybee - so dress warmly and bring a hot beverage if you so choose. One of the largest urban wetlands in the United States, Smith and Bybee is home to tall trees, low wetlands and lots of birds (and one of Metro’s best kept secrets). On a good day, you might hear Bald Eagles or Kingfishers fly overhead, catch a glimpse of various waterfowl out on the water or see flashes of Kinglets, Wrens and Woodpeckers in the trees.
Trails are paved throughout the area, including in the parking lot, near the restroom and shelter. The trail includes two covered viewpoints and occasional benches. Bike racks and parking are available on-site, please see the Smith and Bybee website for full transit and access information.
Columbia Slough: Elrod Access w/ Deborah
Join us for a winter bird walk at the Columbia Slough: Elrod Access in northeast Portland, led by Deborah. This section of the Columbia Slough offers a mix of open water, marsh, and riparian habitat, making it a productive spot for winter birding within the city.
During December, the slough commonly hosts a variety of waterfowl, including Mallard, Gadwall, American Wigeon, and Northern Shoveler. We’ll also watch for Bufflehead and Ring-necked Duck on the open water. The reed filled edges and shrubs may hold Song Sparrows, Golden-crowned Sparrows, and other wintering songbirds, while Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets are often seen hunting along the shoreline. Overhead, keep an eye out for Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and other accipiters cruising the corridor.
This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially welcoming to beginners. We’ll keep a relaxed pace with plenty of time for observation and questions. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress for the weather, and be prepared for potentially damp or muddy conditions along the trail.
Ridgefield Carty Unit W/ Kim
Join us for a winter bird walk along the Oaks to Woodlands Trail at the Carty Unit of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge lead by Kim. This scenic loop passes through oak savanna, mixed woodland, and open fields, offering excellent opportunities to observe both resident birds and winter visitors in a peaceful setting.
Late December is a great time to look for Western Bluebirds, which often form flocks in the oak areas during winter. We may also encounter Acorn Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatches, and Chestnut-backed Chickadees moving through the trees. Open areas and fence lines can host American Kestrels and Red-tailed Hawks, while the surrounding refuge provides chances to spot Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, and large flocks of geese overhead.
This walk is open to birders of all experience levels. We’ll move at a moderate pace with frequent stops to observe and discuss birds, habitats, and seasonal behavior. Dress warmly for winter conditions, bring binoculars if you have them, and be prepared for muddy trails.
Whitaker Ponds W/ Nicole
Join us for a winter bird walk at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park lead by Nicole. Whitaker Ponds is a small but bird-rich wetland tucked into northeast Portland. This site offers excellent opportunities to observe waterfowl, wetland birds, and songbirds in a compact and accessible setting.
In December, the ponds often host a variety of ducks, including Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and American Wigeon. We’ll also be on the lookout for Wood Ducks, which are frequently seen here year-round. Along the pond edges and in nearby shrubs, expect Song Sparrows, Spotted Towhees, and flocks of Bushtits. Overhead, we may see Belted Kingfishers darting between perches, along with Red-tailed Hawks or other raptors passing through the area.
This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially well-suited for beginners. We’ll move at an easy pace with frequent stops for viewing and identification. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress warmly, and expect muddy paths depending on recent weather.
Powell Butte W/ Emma
Join us for a relaxed winter bird walk at Powell Butte lead by Emma. This is one of Portland’s best spots for open-country and woodland birds. We’ll explore a mix of meadow, forest edge, and viewpoint areas, keeping an eye and ear out for birds active during the colder months.
December birding at Powell Butte often includes a variety of raptors, such as Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels, soaring over the butte. In the trees and brush, we may encounter Dark-eyed Juncos, Golden-crowned Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, and flocks of chickadees. Woodpeckers like Downy and Northern Flicker are common, and we’ll also be watching for Bald Eagles and other winter visitors passing through.
This walk is open to birders of all experience levels. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress for winter conditions, and be prepared for slightly uneven trails. We’ll move at a casual pace and take time to help with identification and discussion along the way!
Whitaker Ponds W/ Susan
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