Mobile Groups

Birders across Oregon have created numerous online groups to share real-time information about rare birds and other birding topics. In addition to the Discord and WhatsApp mobile groups described in greater detail below, the following groups offer opportunities to connect with other birders on a variety of subjects.

The OBOL (Oregon Birders Online) email list provides a venue for discussions of statewide rarities, as well as bird behavior, status, and more. Photos can be shared in groups like OBA Photos or Birding Oregon on Facebook, while ID questions can be posed in “What’s This Bird?” or the Oregon Birding Discord. More casual regional bird-related conversations can be found in the Open Groups.

Please note that OBA is not affiliated with any of the mobile groups.

To begin using these groups, you only need to download Discord or WhatsApp on your smartphone and follow the instructions below.

Discord

The Oregon Birding Discord server is a one-stop shop for birding news, conversations, and events for the entire state. Check out our “how to” for more info.

Click the image above to see a full map of the counties included in each Mobile Group area.

Portland Area Birders – Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Columbia counties

Clatsop/Tillamook – email David Bailey your first and last name and your phone #

Lincoln county – contact Liz Holencik

Mid (Willamette) Valley – discontinued now that most activity is on Discord

Malheur area – Malheur, Harney, and Lake county – Contact Aaron Beerman

NE Oregon – Umatilla, Union, Baker, and Wallowa counties – Contact Aaron Beerman

Lane County – Contact Sally Hill

Rogue Valley – Josephine and Jackson counties

Columbia Gorge and Plateau – Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, and Morrow counties – contact Brodie Cass Talbott

Central Oregon – Jefferson, Deschutes, and Crook Counties – Contact Steve Kornfeld

Coos/Curry – Coos and Curry counties – Contact Russ Namitz

Klamath Basin – Klamath County

Open Communication Groups

The statewide and regional Open groups welcome any and all conversation related to birding. This can include, but is not limited to, First of Year/Season sightings, road conditions, identification questions, tips on birding spots, etc. The Open groups are inclusive and diverse spaces, welcoming birders of all skill levels and backgrounds. Bullying of any kind is not tolerated. To begin using these groups, you only need to download WhatsApp (free on iPhones and Android) and follow the link or instructions below (from your smartphone):

Open Oregon Birders covers the whole state, and is a great way to meet birders in other areas.

Lane County Open Birdchat covers the entirety of Lane County.

Open Midvalley Bird Chat covers Benton, Linn, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties.

Open Eastern OR Bird Chat covers the entirety of Eastern Oregon, including but not limited to Harney and Malheur counties.

Open OR Coast Bird Chat covers all coastal areas of Oregon, from Curry to Clatsop.