Audubon Birding Day: Columbia County Hotspots in Early Spring

Name: Audubon Birding Day: Columbia County Hotspots in Early Spring
Start: 2022-05-02T08:30:00-07:00
End: 2022-05-02T14:00:00-07:00

Join Ross as we explore the Crown Zellerbach (CZ) Trail scanning the surrounding marshes for Sora and Virginia Rail, American Bittern, and Marsh Wren. Territorial Rufous Hummingbirds should also be present, guarding their favored flowering bush and a variety of swallows (at least five species possible) feeding and inspecting cavities. We’ll continue further downriver to the St. Helens Wastewater Treatment Plant and adjoining Nob Hill Nature Park hoping to encounter Black Phoebe flycatching or an Osprey patrolling the area. Please remember to bring binoculars, scope (if available) and appropriate layered clothing and boots for cool, possibly wet weather. Also, don’t forget drinks and snacks/lunch given the duration of the trip!

Ross will reach out via email with further details several days before the trip regarding exact meeting place.

Masks are optional on this outdoor program.

Pacing: Slow, with frequent stops to view and listen for birds.
Amenities: Accessible bathrooms at start and end of CZ Trail
Public Transit: None for this trip
Rest Stops: None

Do you have an access need that isn’t listed here? Please reach out to classes@audubonportland.org with any additional questions or concerns.

Accessibility

Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation Changes: None
Trail Tread and Width: Flat terrain, a combination of gravel, paved and dirt trails
Exposure: Full to partial sun exposure

A stunning Rufous Hummginbird is hovering over a purple flower. — Rufous Humminbird, photo by Mick Thompson

Columbia County still possesses some of the marshy bottomlands that have been developed in neighboring Multnomah County, providing fun early spring birding opportunities.

Trip Details

Leader: Ross Barnes-Rickett
Date and time: May 2, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fee: $65 members / $85 non-members
Limited to 10 participants

Trip Leader

Ross Barnes-Rickett

Ross caught the birding bug in the spring of 2011, while living in the Piney Woods of Northeast Texas. Since then, he has lived in Texas' High Plains, conducted breeding bird and environmental impact surveys in the region, as well as birded extensively throughout the Lone Star State and led trips for local Audubon chapters. He and his partner moved to the Portland area in 2016, and he has thoroughly enjoyed getting to experience Oregon's rich diversity of habitats, while becoming intimately familiar with its unique birdlife. Ross has birding experience in the UK, Costa Rica, and Australia, and delights in camping and traveling with family whenever possible. He has a keen interest in birding by ear, encouraging his toddler to identify flyover calls while on local hikes. Ross also has interests in birding equity and inclusion, particularly at the intersection of disability and universal design/access, and looks to promote birding opportunities for all.

Email Ross

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