📅 Event Details
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Time: 9:00am
Location: We’ll meet at the covered pavilion at the parking lot next to the restrooms.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rq7TTa5JP4AFFCV87
Leader: Nicole
🐦 Overview
Join us for a mid-summer bird walk at Smith and Bybee Wetlands led by Nicole. Though the trail is relatively short, we’ll move at a relaxed pace with frequent stops, so dress appropriately and bring water if you’d like.
One of the largest urban wetlands in the United States, Smith and Bybee is a mosaic of open water, dense cottonwood stands, and extensive marsh habitat, and remains one of Metro’s most productive birding sites throughout the summer months.
👟 Accessibility & What to Expect
Parking: Parking Lot (Plentiful)
Restroom Access: Vault Toilets
Pace: Easy
Distance: Approximately 2 miles
Terrain: Mostly flat asphalt with some bumps, no elevation gain
The roads and trails are generally wide and level, though some sections may be uneven or dusty depending on recent conditions. Please remain on designated roads and trails and respect any seasonal closures protecting nesting wildlife.
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, photography, and identification.
🌿 Habitat & What We’ll See
By early July, the wetlands are in full breeding season, with many resident birds actively feeding young and defending territories. Water levels and shoreline edges continue to support a strong mix of marsh and water species, while the surrounding trees are alive with songbird activity.
We’ll be watching and listening for summer residents such as:
• Mallard, Canada Goose, and Gadwall
• Great Blue Heron and Green Heron
• Osprey and Bald Eagle overhead
• Belted Kingfisher along open water
In the marsh and tree edges, we’ll look and listen for breeding songbirds including:
• Common Yellowthroat
• Marsh Wren
• Song Sparrow
• Red-winged Blackbird
• Black-headed Grosbeak
• American Goldfinch
• Swallows (Barn, Tree, and Violet-green)
On a good day, we may also pick up flyovers from Double-crested Cormorants or catch glimpses of fledglings learning to navigate the wetlands.
🎒 What to Bring
• Binoculars or Scope (if you have them)
• Water
• Sun protection
• Comfortable shoes