Birding Day: Deschutes River State Recreation Area

Name: Birding Day: Deschutes River State Recreation Area
Start: 2024-04-06T08:00:00-07:00
End: 2024-04-06T13:00:00-07:00

We hope to encounter spring migrant songbirds, returning breeders, and any lingering wintering species in this diverse portion of the Columbia Basin ecological zone featuring canyonland, sagebrush, grassland, and riparian habitats.

This is a self-driving trip. Please remember to bring binoculars and appropriate layered clothing. Don’t forget drinks and snacks/lunch for the duration of the trip!

*Also, it’s recommended to wear tick spray (permethrin) and high boots given the guaranteed presence of ticks and possibility of snakes encountered during the hike.

For those interested, please see the link below for historical data on species occurrence at the site for the month of April, just to get an idea of what could be seen during the visit:

April Sightings in eBird

Accessibility

Walking distance: Up to 5 miles.
Elevation changes: Mostly flat along river; moderate grade at halfway point, 300 feet elevation gain.
Trail: Mostly narrow dirt or small rocky trails; asphalt or paved roads in parking areas and boat ramps.
Pacing: Slow
Rest stops: Possibly an occasional bench near campground|
Sun exposure: Treed and partially shaded by campground, full sun for most of hike
Amenities (bathrooms and parking): Vault toilets and potable water at campground. Small parking lot at trailhead.

Yellow Warbler, photo by Scott Carpenter

Join Ross for some early spring birding along the lower Deschutes River near its confluence with the Columbia River.

Birding Day Details

Date: April 6, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Fee: $65 members / $85 non-members
Limited to 12 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.

Questions? Email us

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