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.
For in-person classes, COVID-19 safety protocols dictated by the Oregon Health Authority will be followed on our programs. Masks are mandatory.
If you have a question regarding an upcoming program or registration issue, please check our FAQs below or email classes@audubonportland.org. Please register for each class you would like to take.
Raptors in Flight
Instructor: Brodie Cass Talbott
Learn the secrets of identifying raptors “on the wing,” just in time for peak raptor migration.
Raptors in Flight
- September 28, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Birding Oregon Hotspots
Instructor: John Rakestraw
John Rakestraw will take you on a virtual tour of some of the best birding hotspots in Oregon! Please register separately for each class.
Washington County Wetlands
- October 5, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Portland Metro Area
- February 22, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
NEW! Fabulous Females: Become a Better Birder & Aid in Bird Conservation
Instructor: Kate Kohut
Join us for an investigation into why female birds (and birders) have been historically overlooked, and how we can all help at-risk species by taking the time to identify female birds and record where we see them.
Fabulous Females
- October 7, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Intermediate Birding by Ear
Instructor: Brodie Cass Talbott
In this class, we’ll learn how to identify our wintering birds by call, and how to separate them from our year-round residents.
Winter Migrants
- October 11, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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.
Bird Journaling Made Simple
- September 25, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Elements of a Bird Journal Page
- October 16, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Gulls in Winter
Instructor: John Rakestraw
This class will show you what to look for when identifying an unknown gull. We will look at shape, behavior, and the various plumages gulls go through before they reach adulthood.
Gulls in Winter
- October 26, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sparrows in Winter
Instructor: John Rakestraw
Oregon hosts a great variety of sparrows in the winter. This class will show you what to look for to tell all those little brown birds apart.
Sparrows in Winter
- November 18, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Feeding Birds
Instructor: John Rakestraw
Feeding birds is a great way to enjoy a variety of species from the comfort of home. This class will show you how to feed effectively and safely.
Feeding Birds
- December 7, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Winter Waterfowl
Instructor: John Rakestraw
Many species of waterfowl spend the winter in the Willamette Valley. This class will highlight field marks that enable you to identify ducks and geese from a distance.
Winter Waterfowl
- January 11, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Little Brown Birds: Wrens, Finches, and Blackbirds
Instructor: John Rakestraw
This class will show you how to identify the wrens, finches, and blackbirds that live in the Portland area.
Little Brown Birds: Wrens, Finches, and Blackbirds
- February 8, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Currently Full 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!
Morning Series: Sauvie Island Exploration and Beginning Birding
- October 2, November 6, December 4, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. *Session Full*
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Afternoon Series: Sauvie Island Exploration and Beginning Birding
- October 2, November 6, December 4, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. *Session Full*
