Join us for Birds and Bottles, a special charity birding event hosted by Six Peaks Winery in Hillsboro and organized by our very own Lauren and Mel alongside Seymore Gulls. Set among the vineyards and open hillsides near Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint, Six Peaks offers beautiful views of the surrounding wine country and Cascade peaks, making it a wonderful place to spend an early summer day enjoying birds, community, and local wine.

This event will help raise funds for Birding For The People, a nonprofit effort supporting more accessible birding opportunities for the Greater Portland Area, including Rose City Bird Collective! A portion of funds raised will help provide loaner binoculars and a spotting scope for the club, making it easier for new birders, families, and community members to join future walks without needing their own gear.

In late June, the vineyard edges, grassy areas, scattered trees, and nearby rural habitat should offer a great mix of summer birds. Over the open hillsides and surrounding fields, we may watch for American Kestrels, Red-tailed Hawks, and Turkey Vultures soaring or hunting above the landscape. Along fence lines, vineyard edges, and scattered trees, we’ll look for colorful summer birds such as Western Bluebirds, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Western Tanagers, Bullock’s Orioles, House Finches, American Goldfinches, and Cedar Waxwings.

The open air above the winery may be busy with Violet-green Swallows, Barn Swallows, and Tree Swallows feeding on insects, while the brushy edges and nearby shrubs should offer chances to hear and see Song Sparrows, Spotted Towhees, and Bewick’s Wrens. In the larger trees and wooded edges, we may also encounter Northern Flickers, California Scrub-Jays, Steller’s Jays, and American Robins. Open-country and edge-loving species may be especially active, and we’ll keep an eye and ear out for birds moving through the vineyard rows, perching along fence lines, and soaring over the hills.

This event is welcome to those of all ages with wine being served only to those of age. The 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 come raise a glass, enjoy some summer birding, and help us make birding more welcoming and accessible for everyone.

Tickets and information are available here: https://www.exploretock.com/six-peaks-winery/event/600326