Raptor Road Trip

Rough-legged Hawk - Jim Cruce

Explore Sauvie Island in search of magnificent eagles, hawks, and falcons that spend the winter here. On this special day devoted to raptors, experienced naturalists and hawk experts will host activities at four locations around the island. We’ll provide a map, then you choose where to go to enjoy guided bird viewing, meet live raptors up close, and see hawk identification displays. Hot drinks and donuts will be available in the morning at Coon Point, Wildlife Viewing Platform and Howell Territorial Park, so we can stay warm and have breakfast with the birds.


How does the “road trip” work?
The trip begins at Kruger’s Farm Market, where you will need to stop first to get your event map and guide. You can arrive anytime between 9am and 2pm but you should plan to arrive before noon to allow time to visit most of the sites. 

Directions to Kruger’s:  About ten miles from downtown on Highway 30 West you turn right onto Sauvie Island.  Cross over on the bridge, and continue straight 1.5 miles (passing by Howell Territorial Park) to the Kruger's Farm Market entrance on your right. Entrance to the event is $10 per vehicle (cash only please), which includes a one-day Sauvie Island Wildlife Area parking permit, event guide, birding map and checklist, and picture handouts on how to identify birds of prey. 

Next you pull out of Kruger's Farm Market and head towards whichever of the four sites you wish to visit, in whatever order you wish to visit them.  At each of the three observation sites (Coon Point, Wildlife Viewing Platform and Rentenaar Road) we’ll provide spotting scopes, a crash course in raptor identification, and naturalists to point out the birds. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Dress for the weather with gloves and a hat; this event takes place rain or shine. It is suitable for birders of all skill levels, and families are welcome. 

The fourth site is Howell Territorial Park where you can meet some of Audubon's education birds, participate in educational activities and learn more about programs offered by each of the sponsors. 

Unlike traditional birdwatching, you don’t have to be an “early bird” and get up at the crack of dawn to see these birds of prey, but we recommend that you allow about three hours if you wish to visit all four locations.

What will you see?

It all depends on what nature has in store, but frequently sighted raptors include Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, and Northern Harriers. With a little luck, you also might spot a Rough-legged Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Merlin, or Peregrine Falcon. Beautiful Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes, and Great Blue Herons often are seen at this time of year as well.
No registration is required. For more information call 503-292-6855 ext.119.

Sponsored by Audubon Society of Portland, Metro Regional Parks and Greenspaces
Department, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and HawkWatch International.