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