Field Trip: Birding Steigerwald in Winter

Name: Field Trip: Birding Steigerwald in Winter
Start: 2023-12-02T08:30:00-08:00
End: 2023-12-02T11:30:00-08:00

Birders of all levels, join Ross as we search for wintering waterfowl, raptors, and other wetland/grassland species throughout this somewhat recently restored alluvial floodplain. Tundra and Trumpeter Swans are annual in modest numbers, and the sparrow diversity is often solid this time of year.

Please bring binoculars, scope if you have one, and wear appropriate footwear and layered clothing for cool, wet weather. Also, don’t forget to bring water and snacks (if needed) given the hike’s duration and length.

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

Steigerwald Lake NWR- Historic December Sightings

Accessibility

Walking distance: 3.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation changes: mostly flat with an occasional slope to 5% maximum.
Trail: crushed gravel, 6-12 feet wide
Pacing: slow with frequent stops for scanning/listening
Rest stops: none
Sun exposure: mostly direct given open habitat
Parking: We will park and meet at the lot called “Steigerwald Lake NWR Kiosk” (in Google maps). Next, we will hike out and back ~3.5 miles in total, first taking the levee south via Mountain View Trail, then heading E/NE partially down the Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail scanning the floodplain. This trail sees seasonal closures for the protection of wintering waterfowl, so we may double back and continue further east on River View Trail before heading back to the parking lot.
Bathrooms: Pit toilets in parking lot

Tundra Swan, photo by Mick Thompson

Join us for some fun winter birding at this Clark County hotspot and national wildlife refuge known for its waterfowl among other floodplain specialist species.

Field Trip Details

Date: Decebember 2, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Fee: $45 members / $65 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 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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