Unfortunately due to the combination of temperature, wind, and rain, the Bird Walk at Columbia Children's Arboretum will be canceled today. The stewardship event has not yet been canceled but you can check for updates here:

https://www.columbiaslough.org/events-list/columbia-childrens-arboretum-planting-event

Stay tuned for more walks and hope to see you on the 28th at Whitaker Ponds!

Parking will best be had in the residential neighborhood located on NE Meadow Dr. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/otc9uKFbTPVHBFGD7) we will meet in the middle of the park at the ADA accessible restrooms.

Join us for a morning bird walk at the Columbia Children’s Arboretum, exploring this unique and evolving green-space along the Columbia Slough. This site combines young forest plantings, open areas, and slough-side habitat, making it a rewarding stop for winter birding while also highlighting ongoing restoration efforts in the watershed.

Late winter can be a great time to observe both resident and overwintering species here. We’ll watch for common waterfowl along the slough, such as Mallard, Gadwall, and American Wigeon, while nearby trees and shrubs may hold Song Sparrows, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Anna’s Hummingbirds, and other winter songbirds. Woodpeckers like Downy and Northern Flicker are often active, and raptors, including Bald Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks are regularly seen overhead or perched nearby.

This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially welcoming to beginners. We’ll keep a relaxed pace with time for observation, discussion, and questions. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress for the weather, and expect potentially muddy conditions depending on recent rain.

The walk will conclude in time to seamlessly join the Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s native planting event, which begins at 10:00 am at the arboretum. Participants are encouraged to stay and take part in planting native species, helping support habitat restoration while putting what we’ve observed into action.

If you intend to stay for the natives planting event, please use this link to register in order to be notified for any updates or cancellations!

https://www.columbiaslough.org/events-list/columbia-childrens-arboretum-planting-event

Join us for a late winter bird walk at Camassia Nature Preserve in West Linn. This quiet, protected area along the Tualatin River floodplain features a beautiful mix of oak woodland, wet meadow, seasonal wetlands, and riparian forest, offering excellent birding opportunities in a peaceful setting during the winter months.

In February, Camassia often supports a variety of resident and wintering birds. In the open meadows and shrub edges, we’ll watch and listen for Song Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, and other wintering passerines. The oak and mixed woodlands can host Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Brown Creeper, while Pacific Wrens may be heard singing from dense cover. Overhead and along the river corridor, we’ll keep an eye out for raptors such as Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and the occasional Bald Eagle, which are often seen in the area.

This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially welcoming to beginners. We’ll move at a relaxed pace with plenty of time for observation, discussion, and questions. Trails are generally flat and considered easy, but winter conditions may mean muddy or uneven surfaces in places. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress for the weather, and be prepared for cool, damp February conditions.

Join us for an early February bird walk at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge in southeast Portland. This expansive wetland complex along the Willamette River features a rich mosaic of open water, emergent marsh, wet meadow, and riparian woodland, making it one of the best urban birding spots in the region, especially during the winter months.

In February, Oaks Bottom often hosts a wide variety of waterfowl, including Mallard, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal. The deeper ponds may hold Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, and Hooded Merganser. Along the marsh edges and shrubs, we’ll listen and look for Song Sparrows, Golden-crowned Sparrows, and other wintering passerines, while Virginia Rail or Sora are possible with patience and a bit of luck. Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets are frequently seen stalking prey, and overhead we’ll scan for Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, and other raptors using the refuge as hunting grounds.

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. The trail begins and ends at a 1/8th mile hill considered “Moderately Easy” but may be difficult for those with mobility concerns. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress for the weather, and be prepared for potentially damp or muddy conditions along the trail.

Join us for an early February bird walk at Orenco Nature Park in Hillsboro. This restored wetland and greenway corridor winds through a mix of open ponds, seasonal wetlands, native shrubs, and riparian trees, creating excellent habitat for birds right in the heart of the Orenco neighborhood. Winter is a rewarding time to visit, as waterfowl and raptors are often active and vegetation is sparse, making birds easier to spot.

In February, the park’s ponds and channels may host Mallard, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal, with the possibility of Wood Ducks tucked into quieter areas. Along the edges of the wetlands and trails, we’ll watch for Song Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and other wintering songbirds moving through the shrubs. Great Blue Herons are regular here, and we’ll keep an eye on snags and open skies for Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Bald Eagles, and other raptors hunting over the wetlands and nearby fields.

This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially welcoming to beginners. We’ll move at a relaxed pace with plenty of time for observation, discussion, and questions. Trails are mostly flat packed gravel and considered easy, but surfaces may be wet or muddy depending on recent weather. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress for the conditions, and be prepared for a leisurely winter birding stroll close to home.

MEETING LOCATION PIN HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF JAN-24-2026, PLEASE SEE PIN BELOW. We will meet on the corner of NE 21st Ave and NE Elrod Dr then walk North West along NE Elrod Dr for about 0.25mi until we reach the slough.
Map (https://maps.app.goo.gl/xEQpAeezqdv6qGfUA)

Parking will best be found on NE Riverside Way and can be found at the following pin: (https://maps.app.goo.gl/9bkP4vRxLAcsG3Gf9)

Join us for a slightly earlier (9:00am) 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 the winter months, 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.

Join us for a winter bird walk at Smith and Bybee Wetlands led by Emma. Though the trail is relatively short, we’ll move at a relaxed pace - 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 a mosaic of tall cottonwoods, open water, and low wetlands, and remains one of Metro’s best-kept birding secrets.

In winter, the wetlands often host a variety of waterfowl, with chances to see Mallards, Gadwall, and American Wigeon on the water. In the trees and along the edges, we’ll keep an eye out for Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Wrens, Downy Woodpeckers, and other winter songbirds tucked into the habitat. On a good day, you might hear Bald Eagles or Kingfishers fly overhead!

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.

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.

Join us for a winter bird walk at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park led 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 January, 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.

Sidewalks are paved near the parking lot, porta-potty and gazebo, then unpaved for the majority of the loop. Bike racks and parking are available on-site, please see the Whitaker Ponds website for full transit and access information.

Join us for a winter bird walk at Fernhill Wetlands led by Susan. Enjoy a flat, accessible mile-loop trail that will wind between water, trees and bountiful bushes. Fernhill is 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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