📅 Event Details

Date: Tuesday, July 07, 2026
Time: 7:00pm
Location: We’ll meet at the corner of NE Fremont and NE 154th Ave.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBx6XWyZqd27Tgng8
Leader: Susan

🐦 Overview

Join us for a relaxing summer evening bird walk at Wilkes Creek Headwaters led by Susan. Tucked away in east Portland, this hidden natural area protects the headwaters of Wilkes Creek and features a peaceful mix of mature forest, wetlands, and riparian habitat. We'll move at a leisurely pace with frequent stops to enjoy birdsong and observe the wildlife that becomes active during the cooler evening hours.

Though relatively small, Wilkes Creek Headwaters offers a surprising diversity of habitats and serves as an important refuge for many resident and migratory birds. July evenings are often filled with the sounds of nesting birds winding down their day, making this an excellent opportunity to experience the forest at a quieter pace.

👟 Accessibility & What to Expect

• Parking: Street (Moderate)

• Restroom Access: Possible Porta-Poty

• Pace: Easy

• Distance: Approximately 2 miles

• Terrain: Mostly flat gravel and natural-surface trails with a few uneven sections. Grass may be tall so prepare for the additional possibility of bugs! Paths can still be damp in sections depending on recent weather.

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.

Some of the birds we'll be looking for include:
• Black-headed Grosbeak
• Pacific Wren
• Bewick's Wren
• Chestnut-backed Chickadee
• Red-breasted Nuthatch
• Downy Woodpecker
• Northern Flicker
• Bushtit
• Warbling Vireo
• Wilson's Warbler
• Black-capped Chickadee

Raptors such as Cooper's Hawk or Red-tailed Hawk occasionally pass overhead, and if we're lucky, we may hear the haunting calls of a Barred Owl as dusk approaches

🎒 What to Bring

• Binoculars or Scope (if you have them)
• Water
• Sun protection
• Comfortable shoes
• A light jacket or hoodie, as temperatures often cool near sunset
• Insect repellent is recommended