Join us for a lovely early summer bird walk at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge in southeast Portland. This expansive wetland complex along the Willamette River features a rich mosaic of open water, emergent marsh, wet meadow, and riparian woodland, making it one of the best urban birding spots in the region throughout the year.

In early June, Oaks Bottom is alive with breeding-season activity. Around the marsh and open water, we may see Mallards, Wood Ducks, Canada Geese, American Coots, Pied-billed Grebes, and Red-winged Blackbirds, with Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets often stalking the shallows. Osprey and Bald Eagle nest in the area, and we’ll keep an eye overhead for Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, and other raptors. In the shrubs and wooded edges, we’ll listen for Common Yellowthroat, Swainson’s Thrush, Black-headed Grosbeak, Spotted Towhee, Bewick’s Wren, Bushtit, and Song Sparrow, along with summer activity from various swallows, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and flycatchers moving through the refuge.

This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially welcoming to beginners. We’ll keep a relaxed pace with plenty of time for observation and questions. Trail accessability information can be found here: https://www.portland.gov/parks/oaks-bottom-trails. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress for the weather, and be prepared for potentially warm, damp, or muddy conditions along the trail.

We’ll meet at the North parking area located at SE Milwaukie Ave and SE Mitchell St. https://maps.app.goo.gl/wuNDwEa2UG2BbeqV8