Join us for an early summer bird walk at Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove, Oregon. Fernhill is one of the region’s best wetland birding locations, with a mix of ponds, marshes, open water, grassy edges, shrubs, and riparian habitat. This site offers excellent opportunities to observe waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, raptors, swallows, and summer songbirds in a beautiful and accessible setting.

In June, Fernhill Wetlands should be full of breeding-season activity. Around the ponds and marshes, we may look for waterfowl such as Mallards, Cinnamon Teal, Wood Ducks, and Pied-billed Grebes. Along the wetland edges, we’ll watch for wading birds and shorebirds like Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Killdeer, and Spotted Sandpipers.

The surrounding trees, shrubs, and grassy areas should offer plenty of songbird activity as well. We’ll listen and look for sparrows and wrens such as Song Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows, Bewick’s Wrens, and Marsh Wrens. Summer songbirds may include Black-headed Grosbeaks, Bullock’s Orioles, Cedar Waxwings, and American Goldfinches. Over the ponds and open areas, we’ll keep an eye out for swallows such as Tree Swallows, Violet-green Swallows, Barn Swallows, and Cliff Swallows. Raptors like Red-tailed Hawks, Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, and Turkey Vultures may also be seen soaring overhead.

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 and identification. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress for the weather, and expect a mix of paved and gravel paths. Some areas may be exposed with limited shade, so water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

We’ll meet at the main covered gazebo area right next to the parking lot. https://maps.app.goo.gl/9UZ8z1Xophz3MF1EA