Classes
Portland Audubon classes spark curiosity, foster a deeper understanding of the natural world, and inspire people to protect native wildlife and their habitat. Classes are open to people of all skill levels and abilities, with a focus on natural history, regional conservation issues, the intersection of art and the environment, and of course, birds and wildlife.
We offer experiences both in the online classroom and in the field, with classes on bird identification, birding by ear, butterflies and dragonflies, nature-inspired art, mushrooming, plants, and more. When you take a class with Portland Audubon, you are supporting our work to protect wildlife, wild places, and humans alike.
*Classes are virtual, with the exception of Field Classes and Bird Journaling, or otherwise noted.
Please register for each class that you would like to take.
If you have a question regarding an upcoming program or registration issue, please check our FAQs below or email classes@audubonportland.org.
Bird Journals for Beginning and Continuing Journalers
Instructor: Jude Siegel
Get started or continue with your bird journal, using drawing, simple watercolor, and writing. We use specimens and photos to practice. You will try simple ways to learn to see in new ways, then draw, write, and use watercolors, and develop your pages. No art experience needed, just enthusiasm and a few tools! These classes are in-person at our Nature Sanctuary. Please register separately for each class.
Observation, Markings, Poses: The Essentials
- July 10, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. *2 spots left*
Drawing/Painting Practice: Tips for at Home
- August 14, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Birds of a Feather: An Intro to Avian Species
Instructors: Greg Smith & Erin Law
There are around 10,000 bird species on this planet, and this series will introduce you to some of the families that make up the class of birds known as Aves. We will review each family’s evolutionary history, distribution, natural history, fun facts, and look at conservation concerns for the family as a whole. This series is intended for birders who are looking for a deeper understanding of avian taxonomy and biology. Please register separately for each class.
Trochilidae: Hummingbirds
- June 22, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Haematopodidae: The Oystercatchers
- July 29, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Swallows!
Instructor: Brodie Cass Talbott
Celebrate summer with this exploration of our favorite aerial insectivores: Swallows! Join us for the field trip to Sauvie Island that accompanies this class.
Swallows!
- July 12, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Birding Oregon Hotspots
Instructor: John Rakestraw
This class will show you the best places to bird around Cannon Beach and Seaside on the Oregon Coast.
Cannon Beach/Seaside Area
- July 20, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Autumn Shorebird Migration
Instructor: John Rakestraw
This series describes the many shorebird species that migrate through Oregon in the late summer and autumn. Join us for the accompanying Audubon Birding Day! Please register separately for each class.
Shorebirds I: The Common Species
- August 3, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Shorebirds II: The Less Common Species
- August 10, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
