Field Trips

The Oregon Birding Association offers trips led by experienced birders and expert local guides. See our Field Trip Policies page for full details and our waiver. There is no charge to attend, but participants must be current members of OBA; you can join or renew here. Pre-registration is required and group size is limited. Weather, wildfire or other conditions may cause a trip to be modified or canceled; if that happens, the trip leader will alert you. To suggest a trip we should run, or to volunteer as a leader, please contact us.

WAIT-LISTED – Explore Rentenaar Road on Sauvie Island (Columbia County)

Trip Leader Bob Archer

  • Trip Date – Saturday, January 10, 2026
  • Trip Start Time 8:00 AM
  • Trip End Time 10:00 AM
  • Maximum # of participants: 12
  • Description: Come bird Sauvie Island’s Rentenaar Road with local expert Bob Archer on Sunday January 10. This Columbia County hotspot is great for winter waterfowl and sparrows. This trip is geared toward people who wish to learn how to bird the road, and designed for beginner and intermediate birders. We’ll meet at 8:00 am (soon after sunup before waterfowl scatter) at the Eastside check station parking area at the start of Rentenaar Road (at the junction with Reeder Road here: 45.75729, -122.77107). Be prepared to walk the road (1.5 mile or so) which is gravel and may be wet or muddy in areas. Bring scopes if desired, as they will be handy for the waterfowl.
  • Will toilets and drinking water be available? There are at least 3 porta potties along the entire stretch of road. Bring your own water.
  • Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) 
    • An ODFW parking permit is required to park. You can buy a day pass ($10) at the Cracker Barrel Grocery Mart near the bridge or go online to purchase an annual pass ($30). For more information, see https://myodfw.com/articles/buying-odfw-wildlife-area-parking-permit
    • Bring binoculars, snacks, sturdy boots or trail shoes with a good tread. Bring scopes if desired, as they will be handy for the waterfowl. Dress for the weather; layers are recommended.

Questions?
OBA members – please contact fieldtrips@oregonbirding.org or jillpunches@gmail.com

Wallowa County Bird Photography Weekend – Friday, January 23 – Monday, January 26, 2026 (WAIT LIST only)

Field Trip Reports

Caspian Terns in Clatsop County, by Owen Schmidt (First place May 2024)
Great Blue Heron in Washington County by JoAnn Radicchi (First place July 2024)
Golden-crowned Kinglet in Benton County by Allen Brooks (First place December 2024)

We follow the American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics, developed and promoted by the ABA.

OBA Field Trip Policies