Bird Alliance of Oregon Birding Day: Larch Mountain in Fall FULL

Name: Bird Alliance of Oregon Birding Day: Larch Mountain in Fall *FULL*
Start: 2022-10-08T08:00:00-07:00
End: 2022-10-08T12:30:00-07:00

Join Ross on a fall visit to the site of an ancient shield volcano and the highest point in the Boring Lava Fields, at around 4.100 feet. These old-growth forests of Western Hemlock, Noble Fir, and Douglas-fir are rich in birdlife with opportunities to see/hear westside Cascade specialties such as Sooty Grouse, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Canada Jay, and Townsend’s Solitaire. We will also be scanning the autumn skies from Sherrard Point for southbound migrating raptors, hoping to catch glimpses of buteos, accipiters, and maybe even the more uncommon Golden Eagle or Northern Goshawk as they cruise by.

Please remember to bring binoculars and appropriate layered clothing and boots for fall weather at elevation. Also, drinks and snacks/lunch for the duration of the trip.

Meeting Location: We will meet at the Larch Mountain Parking Lot. Unfortunately, no public transportation is available. Ross will reach out with further details before the trip. ***Recreation Pass Required***

Masks are optional on this outdoor program.

Pacing: Slow, with frequent stops to view and listen for birds.
Amenities: Vault toilets are available at the parking lot.
Public Transit: There is no public transit.
Rest Stops: There are no rest stops.

Accessibility

Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation Changes: 190 feet gain up to Sherrard Point; 700 feet gain on return to lot from end of the trail. Steep elevation gain from parking lot along packed dirt trail becoming stairs up to Sherrard Point (.6 miles out and back); the remainder of the hike on moderately sloped packed dirt trails (1.5 mi. downhill out and 1.5 mi. uphill back)
Trail Tread and Width: Packed dirt trails, with steep staircase.
Exposure: Intermittent sun exposure at the parking area and atop Sherrard Point. Mostly shaded along forested trails.

Townsend's Solitaire, photo by Tara Lemezis

Join Ross on a fall visit to the highest point in the Boring Lava Fields to search for Sooty Grouse, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Canada Jay, and Townsend’s Solitaire.

Bird Alliance of Oregon Birding Day Details

Date: October 8, 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Fee: $65 members / $85 non-members

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 Bird Alliance of Oregon 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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