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Field Trip: Beginning Waterfowl Identification at Fernhill Wetlands

Oregon hosts dozens of species of wintering ducks and geese, and winter, when males are in breeding plumage, is the perfect time to learn to ID them. We’ll spend the morning breaking down the basics of waterfowl ID, looking for Hooded Merganser, Canvasback, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, and more. And of course, we’ll watch for whatever other birds are in the area. 

Come dressed for the weather, and bring a pair of binoculars if you have one – we’re happy to bring loaner pairs as well. 


Join us for The World of Waterfowl Online Class Series

Take what you learn in this series of waterfowl classes out and into the field! Just in time for the return of millions of wintering waterfowl, this three-part series of standalone classes provides everything you need to know to understand and identify the multitude of different Oregon waterfowl.

Understanding Waterfowl
  • February 5, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Beginning Waterfowl Identification
  • February 12, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Advanced Waterfowl Identification
  • February 13, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
A Canvasback, a large duck with a reddish brown head and black and white body, is swimming in blue water.
Canvasback, photo by Walker Golder

Baffled by waterfowl?

Learn the basics of telling our many ducks and geese apart with a trip to Fernhill Wetlands in Hillsboro, a classic hotspot for wintering waterfowl.

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Accessibility

Distance: ~ 2 miles
Elevation changes: None
Trail: Wide packed earth/gravel
Pacing: A birder’s pace (slow!)
Rest Stops: We’ll stop at two pagodas with benches along the way
Sun Exposure: Full (hopefully we get some sun!)
Amenities (bathrooms and parking): There are bathrooms in the parking lot. No permits are needed for parking.
Public transit:  Tri-met Bus #57 stops at the junction of Pacific Avenue and Maple Street. Walk south 0.4 miles to the intersection of Highway 47 and Maple. Continue straight on Fern Hill Road. The Fernhill Wetlands parking area is 0.2 miles from the intersection.

Trip Details

  • Leader: Brodie Cass Talbott
  • Date and time: February 15, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Fee: $45 members / $65 non-members

  • Limited to 12 participants

Details

Date:
February 15
Time:
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Categories:
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