Classes & Field Trips
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 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.
Please register for each class that you’d like to take. If there is a Field Trip, you must also register for the class that goes along with it.
For information on our class cancellation policy, please click here.
For frequently asked questions about Portland Audubon’s Distance Learning Classes, please click here.
New! Distance Learning Classes, Field Trips and Audubon Birding Days for Adult Education
See below for our brand-new summer offerings! Scroll down to find detailed information for each program. Please reach out to classes@audubonportland.org with questions.
Register for Audubon Birding Days
The World of Seabirds
Instructor: Greg Smith
Join Seabird Biologist Greg Smith on a journey through all things seabirds. From the Oregon Coast to the Seychelles Islands, we will cover identification, breeding ecology, evolution, and foraging ecology.
Breeding Ecology of Seabirds
- August 17, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Foraging Ecology of Seabirds
- August 18, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wild Chickens
Instructor: Stefan Schlick
Among the most obscure and sought after birds anywhere, there are several species of grouse, partridge and quail occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Birding expert Stefan Schlick will give you an overview of all these species, what is special about each one and how and where to find them in the wild.
Wild Chickens
- August 17, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
All About Owls
Instructor: Brodie Cass Talbott
Join Brodie once again for this previously sold out series of classes on owls. Owls are among the most widely distributed, well-known, and easily-recognized animals on the planet, and yet are rarely seen and remain mysterious to the public at large, including birders. Please register separately for each class.
Owls of Oregon
- August 18, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Field Trip: Woodpeckers of Portland at Company Lake
Leader: Brodie Cass Talbott
We’ll aim for an early start to beat the heat as we search for Portland’s five woodpecker species, and whatever else is moving around. Please note there are no services at Company Lake. Limited to 8 participants.
Woodpeckers of Portland at Company Lake
- August 19, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – *FULL*
Field Trip: Fernhill Wetlands
Leader: Dan van den Broek
Marshes, open water, and riparian habitats attract a variety of birds as they begin to prepare for migration. Lots of birds are drawn to the wetlands as many areas get very dry in late summer. We should find an assortment of shorebirds and ducks as well as some migrating songbirds.
Fernhill Wetlands
- August 21, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – *FULL*
Intermediate Birding by Ear
Instructor: Brodie Cass Talbott
In the continuation of the Intermediate Birding by Ear series, we look at one of the more difficult groups of birds to identify by ear. Since shorebirds can also be exceedingly difficult to identify by sight, their vocalizations can provide crucial context to the overall identification puzzle – if we know what to listen for! Join us for a field trip the following day to practice our birding by ear skills in the field! The class is required to participate in the field trip. Field trip limited to 8 participants.
Shorebirds
- August 25, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Field Trip: Birding by Ear – Shorebirds of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
- August 26, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Field Trip: Jackson Bottom
Leader: Dan van den Broek
Join us for a morning at Jackson Bottom! Migration is underway and we hope to find a good assortment of birds coming to the abundant berries and seeds in late summer. The ponds and mudflats should have some nice ducks as well as shorebirds. Limited to 8 participants.
Jackson Bottom
- August 28, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Raptors in Flight
Instructor: Brodie Cass Talbott
In this class we’ll break down ID’ing raptors by silhouette and flight style, giving you the opportunity to hone your skills, whether its for your favorite Hawkwatch location or enjoying raptors from your backyard.
Raptors in Flight
- September 1, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Birding the Central Coast
Instructors: Candace Larson and Dan van den Broek
Join us on a two-day exploration of the Central Coast region of Oregon. From a seawatch at Boiler Bay to multiple bird walks from Newport to Waldport, we’ll seek out shorebirds and songbirds, divers and dabblers, and all that fall migration offers along this diverse and spacious section of the Oregon Coast. The field trip must be accompanied by the class on September 2. All are welcome to take class. Field trip is limited to 8 participants.
Birding the Central Coast Class
- September 2, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Birding the Central Coast Field Trip (Two-day)
- September 8 – September 9, 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Travel Virtually with Portland Audubon!
Birds of Bhutan
- September 8, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Instructor: Brodie Cass Talbott
Bhutan is known for its ornate monasteries and fortresses nestled into the towering cliffs of the Himalayas. Brodie Cass Talbott will take you on a tour of the remarkable avifauna of this near mythical country, sharing insights gained from the three years he spent there as a teacher and photographer.
Deciphering Molt
Instructor: Candace Larson
Learn the when, where, why, and how of feather molt, the often confusing terminology of molt cycles, and the fascinating array of molt strategies used by birds in Oregon and beyond.
The Basics of Molt
- September 15, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Virtual Birding on Sauvie Island
Instructor: Greg Baker
Join Greg Baker for quiz-formatted, online class that will help birders hone the essential skills of identifying birds by sight, sound, behavior, and habitat.
Virtual Birding on Sauvie Island
- September 16, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Field Trip: Exploring Fernhill
Leader: Brodie Cass Talbott
In this slow-paced exploration we will search for waterfowl and shorebirds, discussing where they are in their seasonal movements, and keep an ear out for songbirds along the way. Limited to 8 participants.
Exploring Fernhill
- September 17, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Birding by Ear
Instructor: Brodie Cass Talbott
Join Brodie to really hone your birding by ear skills in our beginning and intermediate distance learning courses. These classes will take you on a deep dive into bird vocalizations, what different sounds mean, and introduce you to the fascinating world of bird calls in your own backyard and beyond. Please register separately for each class.
Beginning Birding by Ear: Birdsong Basics
- September 10, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Beginning Birding by Ear: Tips and Tricks
- September 17, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Beginning Birding by Ear: Backyard Favorites
- September 24, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Intermediate Birding by Ear: Winter Migrants
- October 1, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Field Trip: Intermediate Birding by Ear at Company Lake
- October 2, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Birding Oregon Hotspots
Instructor: John Rakestraw
These classes will highlight some of the best birding sites around Oregon, showing you how to get there, and preparing you for some of the birds you can expect to see. Please register separately for each class.
Portland Metro Area
- September 22, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tillamook Bay Area
- October 20, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 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.
