Let’s Bird Company Lake

Company Lake is a gem of a birding spot in Troutdale. The long skinny lake was originally a slough which became polluted from a former aluminum smelter that shut down in 2002, the cleanup being a restoration success story. Now the 70-ish acres include a wealth of habitat including stands of mature black cottonwood, with shrubby fields and views of the Columbia River.

In spring there are breeding Purple Martins, Wood Ducks, Bullock’s Orioles, and Rufous Hummingbirds. And the mudflats on the Columbia may offer shorebirds and gulls.

This month a pair of Western Kingbirds have shown up, a rarity we hope to get on this trip. Yellow-breasted Chat are also possible.
It’s a bit early for the Red-Eyed Vireos that have nested at Company Lake in past years, but that’s another Multnomah County rarity seen there.

NOTE: Be ready for mosquitoes! With the recent rains they may be seeking warm-blooded birders—

Walking distance: Up to 2 miles.
Elevation changes: There are two slopes to a level walkway along a dike and then level paths in the woods.
Trail: Mostly wide hard packed dirt and/or gravel.
Pacing: Slow.
Rest stops: No benches on trail but we will often stop.
Sun exposure: Walk will be half in the shade and half in the sun.
Amenities: No toilets.
Parking: There are two small parking areas at the trailhead, which may be tight for our group so let’s be sardine-ish.