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.
Stay up-to-date on upcoming classes, field trips, and ecotours:
Digital Classes
Join Portland Audubon’s expert naturalists and educators from the comfort of your own home. From waterfowl, birding hotspots, bird identification, to owls and more, our selection of digital classes will prep you for taking your newly learned skills out into the field. All digital classes run from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and recordings are sent out to registered participants after class.
Experiencing Migration with Brodie Cass Talbott
- August 31, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Shorebirds I, the Common Species with John Rakestraw
- September 6, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Shorebirds II, the Less Common Species with John Rakestraw
- September 7, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
An Introduction to Neotropical Birding: Trinidad & Tobago with Jason Radix
- September 12, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Raptors in Flight with Brodie Cass Talbott
- October 4, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Understanding Owls with Brodie Cass Talbott
- October 11, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Owls of Portland with Brodie Cass Talbott
- October 18, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Owls of Oregon with Brodie Cass Talbott
- October 25, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Winter Gull Identification with John Rakestraw
- November 1, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Art Classes
We offer a range of in-person and online art classes and more. Learn how to create beautiful bird journals, make nature-inspired art, and more! All Oregon Health Authority protocols will be followed and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 48 hours is required to participate in in-person sessions.
The Basics of Bird Journaling: Focusing on the Details with Jude Siegel
- August 27, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. *in-person
Open Air Watercolor Painting with Ronna Fujisawa
- August 28, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. *in-person
Watercolor Painting with Ronna: The Belted Kingfisher
- September 1, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. *online
The Basics of Bird Journaling: Birds in Their Habitat with Jude Siegel
- September 24, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. *in-person
Watercolor Painting with Ronna: The Barred Owl
- October 13, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. *online
Field Classes
There’s no better classroom than out in the field! Field classes are a great way to level up your birding skills, practice mushroom and plant identification and more. Expert teaching and camaraderie provided! Some field classes also have a digital class component.
Beginning Birding and Sauvie Island Exploration with Greg Baker
- Saturday series: October 1, November 5, and December 3, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Beginning Birding and Sauvie Island Exploration with Greg Baker
- Sunday series: October 2, November 6, and December 4, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The New School of Birding
The New School of Birding with Candace Larson and Dan van den Broek is designed to build both birding skills and a deeper understanding of the ecology and biology of the birds all around us. Each module of this exciting, interactive program includes six virtual class sessions and three field trips, focusing on a different feature of bird biology, plus tips, tricks, and practice with field identification, all provided in a small class format through a combination of lecture, online quizzes, helpful handouts, live interaction with your instructors, and extensive field time.
The New School of Birding, Module 4: Bird Taxonomy and Population Dynamics
- Online classes: October 26, November 2, November 9, November 16, November 23 and November 30: 6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
- Field days: November 5, November 19 and December 3 from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm/4:00 pm (depending on destination)
Waitlisted In-Person Classes
To be added to the waitlist, please click on the event and hit the register button to fill out the inquiry form. Once you have submitted your inquiry for the waitlist, you will only be contacted if a space becomes available. Thank you!
View Full Classes and Join Waitlist
Click below for information about policies, frequently asked questions, guidelines, cancellations, and more.
