Home / Events / Field Class: Winter Waterfowl of the Portland Area with Laura Whittemore *FULL*
Field Class: Winter Waterfowl of the Portland Area with Laura Whittemore *FULL*
This is a two-part class on Saturday mornings: November 19 and December 17. The fee covers both sessions.
Join longtime birding instructor Laura Whittemore for this waterfowl class taught entirely in the field, where we learn birds best!
Winter brings thousands of waterfowl to our region from their northern breeding grounds, sometimes as far away as the Arctic. During two sessions in the field, we will encounter up to 20 species of waterfowl and learn how to sort them out of the flock using size, shape, behavior, location of white on the body, and habitat.
This field class is for both beginners and more experienced birders who want to focus on the specifics of winter waterfowl identification. There will be something for everyone and of course, we will observe and enjoy all birds, not just the swimming variety.
You will drive yourself. Please bring food and water and dress for the weather.
Meeting Locations
November 19, 9 a.m. -12 p.m., Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
December 17, 9 a.m. -12 p.m., Fernhill Wetlands (in Forest Grove)
Meeting information: Laura will email exact meeting locations closer to the program.
Level up your winter waterfowl identification skills!
Join longtime birding instructor Laura Whittemore for this waterfowl class taught entirely in the field, where we learn birds best!
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden Info & Accessibility
Crystal Springs has long been a Portland duck-watching destination. We will walk through the manicured gardens, allowing varied views of the lake. We’ll have close-up views of Mallard, American Wigeon, Wood Duck, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, and more, and get our heads around dabblers and divers, drakes and hens, and the white markings on each species that help clue us in to their identity.
Two images, the one on the left showing a paved area with a bench next to a wooden flat bridge. The second a paved pathway shaded by trees. Photos by Syren Nagakyrie
Amenities:Two bathrooms along the route; large parking lot with ADA parking spaces Public Transit:The closest Trimet bus stops are 6400 (Westbound Bus 19) and 7286 (Eastbound Bus 19) approximately 1 block away. Bus route 19 is accessible from the Orange Line. Parking:A large parking spot with two van accessible spots. Overflow parking can be found at the Reed College West parking area. Rest Stops:Multiple benches are available along the route.
Distance:Total loop is .5 miles. Pacing: Slow, with frequent stops at benches to view and listen for birds. Elevation Changes:2-5% grade for 0.1 miles. The rest is flat. Trail Tread: Paved, wood, and compact pea gravel. Bathrooms: An ADA compliant bathroom is available along the route.
Fernhill Wetlands Info & Accessibility
This outing will challenge you to recognize waterfowl at a greater distance and really put your new skills and knowledge to the test. Forest Grove’s Fernhill Wetlands hosts many species of waterfowl in winter, and we’ll also get looks at grebes, which are not waterfowl but are always swimming. Fernhill also hosts birds of prey, and we’ll be sure to watch for eagles, hawks, and falcons during our outing.
Fernhill Wetlands by Candace Larson
Sun Exposure: Full. Rest Stops: None. Amenities: ADA-accessible restroom in the parking lot. Public Transit: Trimet Bus 57 stops 0.8 miles away in Forest Grove.
Distance: 1-1.5 miles. Pacing: Slow, with frequent stops to view and listen for birds. Elevation Changes: None. Trail Tread and Average Width: Ten-foot wide trails with a mix of fine gravel, wood chips, and packed dirt.
Field Class Details
Fee: $65 members / $85 non-members
When: This is a two-part class on Saturday mornings: November 19 and December 17
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Adult Education Classes, Field Trips, and Bird Alliance of Oregon Birding Days Cancellation Policy
