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 classroom and in the field, with classes on bird identification, birding by ear, animal tracking, 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.
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
The birds are returning, the sword ferns are unfurling, and bird song is filling the air around us. During these challenging times the return of spring is bringing us great comfort. We hope it’s doing the same for you. While we can’t be together in person for our annual bird song walks and other events, we are excited to share new online opportunities that can help us learn and grow right from home.
Birding From Home Series
Instructors: Dan van den Broek and Candace Larson
A Deeper Dive into Oregon’s Birds
- June 4, 4 – 5 p.m. – *Full*
- June 5, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – *Full*
Challenging Look-alikes
Instructor: Stefan Schlick
Join Stefan Schlick for these intermediate-level classes exploring how to tell difficult species apart. Common species in the Pacific Northwest often have an uncommon or rare look-alike. Sometimes there is more than one look-alike. Learn how to identify them in the field!
Shorebirds and all other Passerines
- May 29, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Interactive Birding
Instructor: Greg Baker
This quiz-formatted, online class will help birders hone the essential skills of identifying birds by sight, sound, behavior, and habitat at one of our local birding hotspots, Sauvie Island!
Virtual Birding on Sauvie Island
- June 1, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – *Full*
Virtual Travel with Portland Audubon
Instructor: Stefan Schlick
Join Stefan for an informal presentation of birding and wildlife highlights and stories from last year’s Portland Audubon ecotour to Brazil.
Birding Brazil
- June 8, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
All About Owls
Instructor: Brodie Cass Talbott
In these two classes we’ll explore the natural history and biology of owls, and then dive into the tips and tricks for finding and identifying owls on your own. Please register separately for each class.
Owls of Portland and Beyond
- June 2, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – *Full*
- June 3, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (2nd offering!) – 1 spot left!
All About Raptors
Instructor: Brodie Cass Talbott
As large birds of prey, raptors provide unmatched opportunities to watch the incredible spectacle of hunting in the natural world. No wonder they are a subject of admiration and passionate observation worldwide. In these two classes we’ll discuss their unique physical adaptations, natural history, and identification so you can enjoy them wherever you go. Please register separately for each class.
Raptors 101
- June 9, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – *Full*
- June 10, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (2nd offering)
Raptors of the Pacific Northwest in Summer
- June 16, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – *Full*
- June 17, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (2nd offering)
The Ecology of Feathers
Instructor: Candace Larson
From flight to flamboyance, feathers are the defining feature of bird biology. Join Portland Audubon field biologist Candace Larson on a journey into the form and function of one of nature’s most versatile adaptations.
The Ecology of Feathers
- June 22, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – 5 spots left!
Intermediate Birding by Ear
Instructor: Brodie Cass Talbott
The Birding by Ear classes continue with a level up! These intermediate classes focus on specific Pacific Northwest habitats to enjoy bird vocalizations in and will build on the skills and techniques covered in the Beginning Birding by Ear classes, or sharpen what you already know. Please register separately for each class.
Birding by Ear in Pacific Northwest Forests
- June 11, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – *Full*
- June 12, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – (2nd offering!) – *Full*
Birding by Ear in the Mountains of the Pacific Northwest
- June 25, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – *Full*
- June 26, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – (2nd offering!)
Birding by Ear East of the Cascades
- July 9, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – 4 spots left!
All About Woodpeckers
Instructor: Brodie Cass Talbott
With a dozen breeding species of woodpeckers, Oregon is perhaps the best place in the country for enjoying these unique, lovable birds. In these two classes we will develop a foundation for understanding their unique adaptations and learn the finer points of identifying them by sight and sound. Please register separately for each class.
Understanding Woodpeckers
- July 2, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – 10 spots left!
Woodpeckers of Portland and Beyond
- July 16, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – 9 spots left!
Upcoming In-Person Classes
Coastal Birding Through the Seasons
August 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
August 21-23 | Fall Field Trip
February 24, 2021, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
February 26-28, 2021 | Winter Field Trip
April 28, 2021, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
April 30 – May 2, 2021 | Spring Field Trip
June 23, 2021, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
June 25-27 | Summer Field Trip
Cancelled due to COVID-19
- Cancelled: Bird Journals: Bird Coloration and Markings
April 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. - Cancelled: Birding by Ear
Class: April 30, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Field Trip: May 2, 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. - Cancelled – Bird Journals: Birds and their Habitats – Paint & Pattern
May 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Natural History Classes
Our natural history classes are an exciting way to deepen your knowledge of the natural world. Taught by passionate birders, plant geeks, butterfly enthusiasts, mycologists, animal trackers and other nature nerds, these offerings cover a wide range of fascinating topics, from spring wildflower identification to fall hawk migration.
Classes may involve dynamic, interactive audio-visual presentations in the classroom, exploratory field time with local experts, or both.
Nature & Wildlife Art
Tap into your creativity and explore the intersection of craft and the natural world! With a variety of mediums, our expert makers and artists help you learn, create, and find your unique style. Classes have included illustration, watercolor, needle-felting, paper cutting, nature journals, and more.
