📅 Event Details
Date: Friday, July 03, 2026
Time: 8:00am
Location: We’ll meet at the last set of gates on the NW Erwin O Reiger Memorial Highway.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/igwpF2LSFA67idAz6
Leader: Deborah
🐦 Overview
Join us for a mid-summer bird walk at Shillapoo Wildlife Area led by Deborah. We'll explore this expansive mix of wetlands, agricultural fields, riparian forest, and grasslands at a relaxed pace with frequent stops to observe birds and enjoy the scenery. Be sure to dress for the weather, bring water, and expect plenty of sunshine as we explore one of southwest Washington's premier birding destinations.
Situated along the Columbia River floodplain just north of Vancouver Lake, Shillapoo provides a remarkable diversity of habitats that support birds year-round. While it's best known for its incredible winter waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes, summer offers excellent opportunities to observe nesting birds raising their young throughout the wetlands and surrounding fields.
👟 Accessibility & What to Expect
Parking: Street (Plentiful)
Restroom Access: No
Pace: Easy
Distance: Approximately 2–3 miles
Terrain: Mostly flat gravel roads and dirt paths with little elevation gain. Grass may be tall so prepare for the additional possibility of bugs! Paths can still be damp in sections near the marsh edges depending on recent weather.
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, many of Shillapoo's breeding birds are busy feeding fledglings, making this an excellent time to observe family groups and active bird behavior. The wetlands, sloughs, and agricultural edges support an impressive variety of species despite the quieter summer season.
Some of the birds we'll be looking for include:
• Great Blue Heron and Great Egret
• Osprey and Bald Eagle
• Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel
• Belted Kingfisher
• Tree, Barn, and Violet-green Swallows
• Ruddy Duck
• Blue-winged Teal
• Common Yellowthroat
• Red-winged Blackbird
• American Goldfinch
If we're lucky, we may also encounter Green Herons tucked into the marsh vegetation, a family of Wood Ducks along a quiet slough, or hear a distant Marsh Wren singing from the cattails.
🎒 What to Bring
• Binoculars or Scope (if you have them)
• Water
• Sun protection
• Comfortable shoes
• Insect repellent is recommended