Oregon Birding Weekend Field Trips

September 10-11, 2022

Below are details for all 17 of the Oregon Birding Weekend field trips. Sunday trips are listed after the Saturday trips. Trips take place across the state and vary in length and intensity, so there is hopefully something for everyone. Please note the field trip number of the trip you want to sign up for so that you choose the correct one on the registration page. You may sign up for one field trip on each day, or just on one of the days. If the field trip is full, you will be notified within 48 hours and placed on a waitlist.

Registration closes on September 5 at midnight.

These trips are offered to members of the Oregon Birding Association. If you are not a member and would like to take part, you may join us at https://oregonbirding.org/join/.

REGISTER HERE

Saturday, September 10

Trip number: SAT01

Kayak on Sauvie Island: Gilbert River to The Wash (waitlist only)

Trip Leader Tom Myers
Trip Date Saturday, September 10th
Trip Start Time 9:30 AM
Trip End Time 3:00 PM
Maximum # of participants 6
Description Come paddle the Gilbert River with kayaker and birder Tom Myers (he/him) to look for shorebirds on Sturgeon Lake! This trip is for experienced kayakers who are able to paddle 10 miles, at times against a moderate current. We’ll meet at the Gilbert River Boat Ramp (off NW Reeder Road) and kayak ~5 miles down to the mudflats near “The Wash” on Sturgeon Lake. In September this area often hosts waterfowl, plovers, peeps, cranes, pelicans, gulls and more. After birding on the mudflats, eating lunch and exploring the area, we’ll paddle back to the boat ramp.
The Gilbert is relatively calm and protected, but there can be some current due to tidal changes as it’s connected to the Columbia River via Multnomah Channel. Low tide will occur at the Wash around 2:30pm, which means the paddle down to the Wash will be against a current, and the return trip will be with the current.
Distance to be traveled ~10 miles total on the river
Will toilets and drinking water be available? There is a toilet at the Boat Ramp. Paddlers should pack their own lunch and water.
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) An ODFW Wildlife Area parking permit is required for the Gilbert Boat Ramp lot, but can be bought the same day at stores on Sauvie. Participants need to bring their own kayaks and should wear a personal flotation device while on the water.

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Trip number: SAT02

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Trip Leaders Kayla McCurry and Angela Calabrese
Trip Date Saturday, September 10th
Trip Start Time 8:00 AM
Trip End Time 11:30 AM
Maximum # of participants 10
Description Join us for a slow-paced stroll around the refuge, perfect for photographers, those who like to bird at a slower pace, and those eager to sort through shorebirds!
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) Gravel paths, mostly flat
Distance to be walked 3 miles
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) This refuge can be reached by public transportation (TriMet Bus 94, daily every 30 minutes) or car. There is an information kiosk with a park map at the bus stop and refuge parking lot. If you’re driving, the first set of accessible parking spaces lead to the kiosk, a vertical live plant display and accessible restrooms. There is a large picnic shelter and drinking fountains here. We will have at least one scope available for shared views.

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Trip number: SAT03

Garibaldi and the North Coast (waitlist only)

Trip Leaders Michael Krall, Kathy Krall
Trip Date Saturday, September 10th
Trip Start Time 7:30 AM
Trip End Time 2:00 PM
Destination Garibaldi area on north coast: several stops including Bay City, Garibaldi Boat Basin and Crab Pier, Three Graces, Barview Jetty, and Rockaway Big Tree
Maximum # of participants 10
Description This will be a photographer friendly trip. We will linger longer if we see good photo opportunities and challenge ourselves to photograph birds in context and not just take tight portraits. All levels of birder and photographer are welcome, however it will be helpful if you are familiar with your camera. There will be an optional but recommended one hour introductory zoom session offered in advance. We hope to see a variety of shore, bay and near ocean birds. Consider bringing a variety of lenses or zoom. Tripod will likely not be needed.
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) There will be a variety of conditions. Most will be short walks from the car.
Distance to be walked We will not be walking far out on the Barview Jetty, which is rocky and uneven. The Big Tree loop is a 1.2 mile round trip on a boardwalk. Mostly short walks of up to a quarter of a mile, except for Big Tree loop which is 1.2 miles round trip.
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes toilets, no water.
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) Barview requires a Tillamook County parking pass ($10 for the day), we may be able to carpool there to minimize the number of required passes.

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Trip number: SAT04

Bonney Butte Hawkwatch in Hood River County

Trip Leader Erik Bergman
Trip Date Saturday, September 10th
Trip Start Time 9:00 AM
Trip End Time 3:00 PM
Maximum # of participants 10
Description Watch raptors migrate south from atop Bonney Butte near Mt. Hood. Target species include all three accipiters, Golden and Bald Eagles, buteos, falcons, and Turkey Vultures, plus forest dwellers such as Canada Jay and Townsend’s Solitaire. Staff from HawkWatch International will be onsite to help spot birds and offer ID tips. They may also bring out banded birds and do in-hand presentations with the birds before releasing them (if the birds cooperate by being trapped). All this plus magnificent views of Cascade volcanoes!
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) We will hike up a gravel road and explore some forest trails.
Distance to be walked Up to 1/2 mile each way
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes toilets, no water
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) The last 4 miles of road is primitive and NOT suitable for 2WD passenger cars; AWD or 4WD vehicles with high ground clearance are recommended. The leader can offer a ride for up to 3 passengers. Bring everything you need for a lengthy stay atop the butte: water, lunch, snacks, camp chair, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and clothing for whatever weather we may encounter at 5,500 feet elevation. Bring binoculars and a camera if you use one. Scopes are optional; the leader will bring one for group use.

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Trip number: SAT05

North and Northeast Portland Hotspots

Trip Leaders Stephan Nance, Rae Snyder
Trip Date Saturday, September 10th
Trip Start Time 7:30 AM
Trip End Time 3:00 PM
Destination NE and N Portland Hotspots (Whitaker Ponds, Force Lake, Vanport Wetlands, Smith and Bybee, Broughton Beach)
Maximum # of participants 6
Description A trip for LGBTQIA+ birders to explore several hotspots of Northeast and North Portland, with a focus on migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and riparian songbirds.
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) Flat paths at most locations. Whitaker Ponds: loose crushed stone/gravel with 1:20 ratio slopes. Force Lake: gravel parking lot. Flat pavement to Vanport, then a stretch of grass. Smith and Bybee: paved, flat paths. Broughton Beach (our last stop) involves stairs and sand.
Distance to be walked 5 miles
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.)

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Trip number: SAT06

Fern Ridge in Eugene

Trip Leaders Vjera Thompson, Rachael Friese
Trip Date Saturday, September 10th
Trip Start Time 7:45 AM
Trip End Time 12:00 PM
Maximum # of participants 20
Description Rachael Friese (she/her) and Vjera Thompson (she/her) will co-lead a Saturday trip at Fern Ridge. If there are more than 10 interested, the group will be split in two. We will focus on shorebirds and waterfowl, but there will be some time for other habitats as well. All are welcome but we encourage anyone who has felt hesitant about shorebirds to join us. Fern Ridge is a popular shorebird migration stop, so there is potential to study several species side by side. If people are interested, we can extend into the afternoon to visit other nearby locations (most require a Lane County parking pass; day pass can be purchased onsite).
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) Most trails are uneven, with lumpy grass on a flat path and the best locations are a couple miles from the parking area.
Distance to be walked 3-4 miles
Will toilets and drinking water be available? No
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) There is an outhouse at the entrance but none along the trails. To park in the official parking lot, you need to have an ODFW Wildlife Area Parking Permit pass, but you can park on the entrance road without a pass. Scopes are extremely helpful at this location but we will share scopes as needed.

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Trip number: SAT07

The Columbia River in Wasco County

Trip Leader Brodie Cass Talbott
Trip Date Saturday, September 10th
Trip Start Time 7:30 AM
Trip End Time 2:30 PM
Maximum # of participants 10
Description This trip will focus on birding the Columbia RIver corridor in the Dalles, searching for shorebirds, interesting gulls, terns, and migrant songbirds. A variety of habitats will provide us opportunities to see waterfowl, pelicans, and more. This trip will be good for those looking to work on their shorebird identification, as well as those hoping to add some harder to find species to their Wasco county list. Shorebirding in Wasco County is difficult, with a lack of accessible wetlands, but shorebirds found in this area over the last few years include Sanderling, Willet, Short-billed Dowitcher, American Avocet, and Marbled Godwit — finding any of these on this trip would take a lot of luck. We’ll work on shorebird ID with the more common species as we search for less common species, starting near the north/west part of town before caravanning upstream. We will end the day either along the Deschutes River, or, time allowing, at Mayer State Park, on the way towards Portland.
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) We will be taking short hikes, starting out with a hike of about 1.5 miles on a paved wide bike path. Other walks will be short, under 1/2 mile, on a variety of surfaces, including sandy river bank.
Distance to be walked 2-3 miles total
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes toilets, no water
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) No parking passes are needed, however, we may stop at Mayer State Park at the end of the day, which does require an Oregon State Parks pass. Email me if you are interested in carpooling. Scopes will be helpful — I will bring one to share.

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Trip number: SAT08

Cannon Beach Hotspots

Trip Leader Hannah Buschert, Erik Ostrander
Trip Date Saturday, September 10th
Trip Start Time 8:00 AM
Trip End Time 12:00 AM
Maximum # of participants 10
Description Join experienced local Cannon Beach birders for a tour of local hotspots. Migration season means that we could see a variety of seabirds, shorebirds, and songbirds.
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) Mix of paved and gravel roads, trails, beach walking, wooden stairs
Distance to be walked 3 miles max.
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) We will have scopes with us; may visit Ecola State Park, which is a fee-park, if time allows.

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Trip number: SAT09

Sitka Sedge State Natural Area (Tillamook County)

Trip Leaders Sarah Swanson, Max Smith
Trip Date Saturday, September 10th
Trip Start Time 8:30 AM
Trip End Time 11:30 AM
Maximum # of participants 10
Description This walk will be led by Sarah Swanson, author of a soon-to-be-published guide to birds of the Oregon Coast. We’ll enjoy shorebirds and whatever other cool things we come across on this exploration of a coastal birding hotspot. Both tidal Sand Lake and the nearby ocean beach host migratory shorebirds. We’ll also check the forests for migrating songbirds. Birders of all levels of experience are welcome.
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) A combination of gravel trail, dirt trail, and sand.
Distance to be walked About 3 miles total.
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) Parking is free. I will likely bring a scope, but participants are also welcome to.

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Trip number: SAT10

Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove

Trip Leaders Ed McVicker, Bob Lockett
Trip Date Saturday, September 10th
Trip Start Time 8:00 AM
Trip End Time 12:00 PM
Maximum # of participants 10
Description All birders are welcome for a morning exploration of the wetlands. Migrant shorebirds will be the focus though other migrants birds may be well represented, too.
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) We will be walking mostly on the tracks atop the levees between the three main ponds. We may also have the option of walking off the flat track across uneven ground/fields to the most productive shorebird habitat.
Distance to be walked 2-3 miles
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes toilets, no water
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) Carpooling is encouraged. Trimet Bus 57 runs about 1 mile north of the wetlands. A good resource for this area is https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Fernhill_Wetlands_Loop_Hike

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Trip number: SAT11

Gilliam County

Trip Leaders Joshua Meyers, Linnaea Basden
Trip Date Saturday, September 10th
Trip Start Time 6:00 AM
Trip End Time 5:00 PM
Maximum # of participants 10
Description This trip will be a full day of birding (and fun!) with an optional night of camping. We will focus on Gilliam County (and the Columbia River dams on the way back to Portland for those heading that way and time allowing). We welcome anyone interested in adding to their county lists or birding one of the most under-birded counties in Oregon. We will be starting at dawn for birds at Cottonwood Canyon, go looking for some forest birds near Lonerock, Condon sewage ponds for shorebirds, Willow Creek Wildlife Management area for migrants/waterfowl, Arlington waterfront/park, hit the John Day and Dalles dams for terns/gulls on the way back to Portland. We will be ending at The Dalles dam around 5pm. We will take a couple of quick breaks for snacks, lunch and bathrooms.
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) Mostly flat surfaces of gravel, dirt and pavement.
Distance to be walked At most 5 miles, done intermittently.
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) We have reserved two campsites at Cottonwood Canyon State Park for Friday Sept. 9th to allow for an earlier start on Saturday morning, eliminating a long morning of driving Saturday to get to Gilliam. Participants do not need to pay for camping, just the $7 parking fee and you do not need to camp to join us, just be aware of the early start time. Check in time for camping is 4pm or later on Friday 9/9.
Participants will need an ODFW parking pass for Willow Creek. The road into Willow Creek is a bit bumpy the first mile, but a passenger car should have no problem.Spotting scopes are very highly encouraged. Be prepared for possible windy conditions.

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Trip number: SAT12

Smith and Bybee Wetlands for Beginning Birders * cancelled *

Trip Leaders Audrey Tawdry
Trip Date Saturday, September 10th
Trip Start Time 9:00 AM
Trip End Time 11:00 AM
Maximum # of participants 10
Description IF YOU’VE NEVER “GONE BIRDING” BEFORE, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE!
Enjoy this chill + vibey late summertime bird walk presented by Guero Bird Watching Club and OBA.
We will all wake up not too early, but a little bit early, to look around for winged critters. We might name them, we might laugh at their antics, we might go awwwwwww. We won’t walk too far or too fast. This is a family-friendly, beginner-friendly, bedhead-friendly kinda thing. We will have binoculars and coffee to share 🙂
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) Mostly flat and paved. Some metal grating without edge protection to wooden viewing platforms.
Distance to be walked 2 miles
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes toilets, no water
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) We have binoculars for birders to borrow!

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Sunday, September 11

Trip number: SUN01

Minto-Brown Island Park

Trip Leader Mike Unger
Trip Date Sunday, September 11th
Trip Start Time 8:00 AM
Trip End Time 11:00 AM
Maximum # of participants 10
Description September is one of the peak months for fall migration of neotropical migrants which have visited us for the summer to nest in our rich food area. Young birds, and adult birds that may be in molt after breeding, can be seen along with resident birds, making a nice mix while providing identification challenges. Many passerines or perching birds will be fattening up on berry and bug food choices, building up energy for takeoff to the winter grounds. Anyone is welcome on this bird walk, so join us for this time of change in our season, watching for the woodpecker, wren, creeper, sparrow, warbler and even waterfowl species with fledged young that will be on the move or are utilizing the habitat in preparation for cooler weather.
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) Mostly flat with even surfaces. Some paved and others dirt paths.
Distance to be walked 2 – 4 miles
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes toilets, no water
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) Free parking, scope not necessary. Dress for the weather, bring water, snacks, and binoculars! Trails may be uneven, so wear appropriate footwear and plan for considerable walking.

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Trip number: SUN02

Accessible birding in Eugene * cancelled *

Name Vjera Thompson
Trip Date Sunday, September 11th
Trip Start Time 7:45 AM
Trip End Time 11:00 AM
Maximum # of participants 10
Description For those who would prefer more accessible locations, Lane County has many paved bicycle paths along rivers and wetlands. Vjera Thompson will introduce attendees to some selected accessible spots on Sunday. Many of these locations will be birded by walking, but the amount of walking can be varied depending on who attends; there is also an option to stay near parking areas or sit on benches. These locations have a mix of passerines and waterfowl. Vjera is familiar with local bird sounds and will provide tips on ear birding.
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) Paved, flat paths.
Distance to be walked 3 miles
Will toilets and drinking water be available? There will be a bathroom break between the hotspots
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) We will need to caravan or carpool after the first location. Parking passes are not needed. Scopes would be helpful.

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Trip number: SUN03

Whitaker Ponds in Portland (waitlist only)

Trip Leader Seymore Gulls and Lin Stern
Trip Date Sunday, September 11th
Trip Start Time 9:00 AM
Trip End Time 11:00 AM
Maximum # of participants 10
Description Local author of Neighborhood Birding 101, Seymore Gulls, and birder Lin Stern will be your guides on a tour of an urban oasis in NE Portland: Whitaker Ponds. We will meet for a relaxed morning of low-pressure birding for all levels and abilities. Whitaker Ponds is a surprisingly birdy habitat! Warblers, swallows and ducks are all expected.
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) A flat gravel loop with some dirt/mud, weather depending.
Distance to be walked 0.5 miles
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes toilets, no water.
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) Bathroom is a portapotty of ill repute. Bring a drink, I’ve got a scope and loaner binoculars for anyone who needs them.

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Trip number: SUN04

Sitka Sedge State Natural Area (waitlist only)

Trip Leaders Sarah Swanson, Max Smith
Trip Date Sunday, September 11th
Trip Start Time 8:30 AM
Trip End Time 11:30 AM
Maximum # of participants 10
Description This walk will be led by Sarah Swanson, author of a soon-to-be-published guide to birds of the Oregon Coast. We’ll enjoy shorebirds and whatever other cool things we come across on this exploration of a coastal birding hotspot. Both tidal Sand Lake and the nearby ocean beach host migratory shorebirds. We’ll also check the forests for migrating songbirds. Birders of all levels of experience are welcome.
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) A combination of gravel trail, dirt trail, and sand.
Distance to be walked About 3 miles total.
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.)
Parking is free. I will likely bring a scope, but participants are also welcome to.

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Trip number: SUN05

High Cascades Birding in Clackamas Co. (waitlist only)

Trip Leader Dan van den Broek
Trip Date Sunday, September 11th
Trip Start Time 8:00 AM
Trip End Time 3:00 PM
Maximum # of participants 8
Description Explore the High Cascades of Clackamas County and add some cool birds to your county list! We will begin the day at the Timberline Lodge overflow parking (adjacent to Salmon River Canyon) to explore the Mt. Hood timberline. We hope to find Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, Cassin’s Finch, Horned Lark, and Golden-crowned Sparrow. There could be good numbers of migrating American Pipits and Yellow-rumped Warblers as well and we’ll watch the sky for rare county birds such as Prairie Falcon (somewhat regular in fall migration) and Golden Eagle.
Next, we’ll visit Timothy Lake, a reservoir on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River. This large reservoir attracts a variety of migrating waterfowl, diving birds, and the occasional county rarity. Our targets include Common Loon, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Western, Red-necked, Horned and Eared Grebes, Red-necked Phalaropes and we’ll be on the lookout for the unexpected as over the years September rarities have included Long-tailed Jaeger, Common Tern, and Sabine’s Gull. Occasionally a Northern Goshawk is spotted soaring over the lake or hunting at the edge of the forest.
Timothy Lake is the top destination in Clackamas County with 175 species recorded, which is amazing for a destination that is inaccessible from December to May (most years) and gets infrequent coverage.
Walking and trail conditions (incline, trail surface, etc.) We will primarily be walking on trails and dirt roads. Steep incline and hilly terrain above timberline at altitude (above 6000′). Hilly to flat terrain around Timothy Lake.
Distance to be walked 3-5 miles
Will toilets and drinking water be available? Yes toilets, no water
Additional important information (e.g. parking passes, transportation info, scopes, etc.) Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Annual Pass (or Senior Pass) is needed. Spotting scopes would be most useful while scanning Timothy Lake. The leader will have a scope and share it, but bring one if you have one!

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