Let’s Bird the Tualatin River NWR

In late summer shorebirds are migrating, and unlike many of us are eager for mud. Ponds, lakes, and rivers retreating from seasonal drying leave ideal habitat for hungry sandpipers.

We may see shorebirds like Least and Western Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitchers, and Greater Yellowlegs, along with Cinnamon Teal and other waterfowl. The diverse habitat of the almost 1,000 acre Tualatin preserve makes many passerines also possible, such as Savannah Sparrows, Cedar Waxwings, American Goldfinches, and even warblers, like Yellowthroat.

I’ll have a scope (and you’re welcome to bring your own—we may want multiples for the shorebirds and waterfowl!) Several rarities have been hanging out at TRNWR this past week (including Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Red-necked Phalarope, and Pectoral Sandpiper), and with luck we may see one or two. You never know what’s going to show up during migration, making places like the TRNWR a serendipitous adventure…

Trail Condition: 3 miles round trip of grassy, dirt, and gravel paths
Elevation Change: Steepest section: 5% at switchback by Education Shelter, 25% at Ridgetop Overlook spur
Accessibility: A descending short staircase near the trailhead to access the seasonal trail
Amenities: Vault toilets in the main parking lot. Several benches along trail
Exposure: Full sun exposure along the open meadows and wetlands, mixed shade/sun exposure in forested and riparian sections of walk
Pacing: Slow
Public Transit: Trimet Bus 94