Audubon Birding Days and Field Trips
Join Portland Audubon instructors on affordable full-day, half-day, or multi-day field trips and Audubon Birding Days to natural areas within a day’s drive of Portland. Expert guiding and camaraderie provided! Past offerings have included a daylong exploration of Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuges, Hiking and Birding at Catherine Creek, and Spring Migration on Gresham Butte.
New birders are always welcome.
Due to COVID-19, you must provide your own transportation, lodging, meals, scope, etc. These outdoor programs will require masks and follow all physical distancing and safety protocols dictated by the Oregon Health Authority.
- Classes and Field Trip Cancellation Policy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- COVID-safe Spotting Scope Policy
Field Trip: Crown Zellerbach and Columbia County
Leader: Brodie Cass Talbott
With its proximity to the river, Columbia County is famous for waterfowl and raptors. We’ll look for swans, unusual geese, interesting sparrows, and whatever else pops up.
Crown Zellerbach and Columbia County
- November 4, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. *FULL*
Field Trip: Timothy Lake Area
Leader: Dan van den Broek
Let’s look for the surprising variety of species found around the deep waters of Timothy Lake, from three species of loons to late migrating passerines.
Timothy Lake Area
- November 6, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. *1 spot left*
Audubon Birding Day: Newport and Seawatch
Leader: Stefan Schlick
In favorable conditions, we will chase for alcids and tubenoses at Boiler Bay State Wayside. Then we will hit various spots around Newport for rarities, storm birds, and winter visitors.
Newport and Seawatch
- November 7, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Field Trip: Lolo Pass Road
Leader: Dan van den Broek
We will make various stops through changing habitats as this road climbs the flanks of Mt. Hood. Red Crossbill, Evening Grosbeak, Sooty Grouse, and Horned Lark are possibilities.
Lolo Pass Road
- November 8, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. *FULL*
Field Trip: Clackamas County Hotspots
Leader: Dan van den Broek
Discover the birding patches near Canby and Molalla! We will search for Western Meadowlark, herons and egrets, and much more.
Clackamas County Hotspots
- November 13, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Field Trip: Coffee Lake Wetland and Coffee Creek
Leader: Dan van den Broek
These Wilsonville area wetlands and the surrounding marshy area hold ducks, occasionally swans, and wrens. Unusual finds have included Northern Shrike and Swamp Sparrow.
Coffee Lake Wetland and Coffee Creek
- November 15, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Field Trip: Tillamook
Leader: Dan van den Broek
We will search for shorebirds and waterfowl flocks in the Tillamook area. Also, this is a good time of year for unusual birds such as Long-tailed Duck, White-tailed Kite, and Palm Warbler.
Tillamook Area
- November 20, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Audubon Birding Day: Finley National Wildlife Refuge
Leader: Stefan Schlick
We will bird the different habitats of Finley focusing on winter birds, waterfowl, and rarities; hoping for Northern Shrike, Rough-legged Hawk, Western Bluebird, and Short-eared Owl.
Finley National Wildlife Refuge
- November 22, 8:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m.
Coming soon! Audubon Birding Day: Baskett Slough & Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
Leader: Stefan Schlick
We will search for Horned Lark, waterfowl, and Northern Shrike at Baskett Slough; then we will close the day at Ankeny searching for Short-eared Owl.
Baskett Slough & Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
- December 5, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Coming soon! Audubon Birding Day: Tillamook
Leader: Stefan Schlick
In winter, the agricultural fields in Tillamook serve as a refuge for gulls, sparrows, and raptors. Black Phoebe and White-tailed Kite are among the day’s targets.
Tillamook
- December 16, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Coming soon! Audubon Birding Day: Bring in the New Year in Washington County
Leader: Stefan Schlick
The day will start at Fernhill Wetlands, then we will bird a few other spots until the day ends near Forest Grove.
Bring in the New Year in Washington County
- January 1, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Field Class: Beginning Birding and Sauvie Island Exploration
Instructor: Greg Baker and Ricky Allen
This series of three Saturday morning field classes is perfect for those interested in developing and sharpening their birding skills under a variety of field conditions with expert birders.
Beginning Birding and Sauvie Island Exploration
- October 3, November 7, and December 5, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. –*FULL*
