📅 Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 9:30am
Location: We'll meet at the Orchard Park parking area
Map:https://maps.app.goo.gl/KGgViNPqZHye1X966
Leader: Lauren & Mel
🐦 Overview
Join Lauren and Mel for a late summer morning bird walk at Orchard Park, one of Hillsboro's hidden birding gems. This peaceful park features a wonderful mix of wetlands, ponds, open meadows, and riparian woodland that attracts a surprising diversity of birds throughout the year.
By the end of August, fall migration is well underway. Many local breeding birds are still present, while the first waves of migrating warblers, flycatchers, vireos, and sparrows begin moving through the park. Waterfowl numbers also begin to increase as birds disperse after the nesting season. We'll enjoy a relaxed walk with plenty of opportunities to observe, identify, and photograph birds while learning about the seasonal changes taking place.
👟 Accessibility & What to Expect
Parking: Parking lot (moderate)
Restroom Access: Yes
Pace: Easy
Distance: Approximately 1.5–2 miles
Terrain: Mostly flat, paved and gravel walking paths with very little elevation gain.
This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially beginner friendly. We'll move at a comfortable pace with frequent stops to observe birds, answer questions, and enjoy the diversity that Orchard Park has to offer.
🌿 Habitat & What We'll See
Orchard Park's combination of wetlands, ponds, and woodland edges makes it an excellent place to observe both resident birds and early fall migrants. We'll explore each habitat in search of a wide variety of species.
Some of the species we'll be looking for include:
Wood Duck
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Belted Kingfisher
Black-headed Grosbeak
Cedar Waxwing
Willow Flycatcher
Yellow Warbler
Warbling Vireo
American Goldfinch
Red-winged Blackbird
Barn, Tree, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows
We'll also keep an eye out for migrating warblers feeding in the trees, Osprey overhead, and the possibility of an early shorebird stopping by the wetland margins.
🎒 What to Bring
Binoculars or a spotting scope (if you have them)
Water
Sun protection
Comfortable walking shoes
Bug repellent if you’d like