About us
Welcome! This group brings together Birding for the People and Rose City Bird Collective to offer inclusive, beginner-friendly birding events in and around Portland.
Our walks are relaxed, social, and focused on learning together—no experience or fancy gear required, and everyone is welcome regardless of background or skill level.
We host regular bird walks in local parks, wetlands, and neighborhoods, with frequent stops and plenty of time for questions.
Birding for the People focuses on lowering barriers of entry to birding with free bird events, loaner optics, and shared resources.
Together, we’re building a birding community centered on curiosity, joy, and birds.
Learn more about Rose City Bird Collective (and join the Discord)
Learn more about Birding for the People
Upcoming events
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Beginner Friendly Birding @ Oaks Bottom w/ Rose City Bird Collective
Sellwood Park, Southeast Miller Street, Portland, OR, USJoin us for a winter bird walk at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, hosted by Rose City Bird Collective in cooperation with Birding for the People, and led by Susan.
This is a slow-paced, beginner-friendly outing with lots of stops for bird ID, learning, and community connection. We’ll walk out-and-back for about 1–2 miles, taking our time to scan the water, trees, and trails.
### 🐦 What to Expect
- Beginner-friendly bird identification (no experience needed!)
- Relaxed pace with frequent stops for viewing and photos
- Social, welcoming, community-focused vibe
### 🌿 Bird Highlights (Possible, not guaranteed)
Typical species count: 20–40 species
Notable possibilities include:
- Bald Eagle
- Great Blue Heron
- Gadwall
- Brown Creeper
### ♿ Accessibility & Trail Conditions
- Surface: dirt, uneven/rocky areas, boardwalk
- Grade: includes some steeper sections
- Expect: muddy spots, narrow trails, roots/uneven footing
- Crowds/noise: moderate (runners, walkers, traffic/water noise)
- Shade/sun: mixed
- Seating: limited (mainly near the parking lot)
- Restrooms: none available
- Cell service: reliable
### 📍 Meet-Up & Logistics
Meet-up location: JEH Trail Trailhead @ Sellwood Park
Parking: small lot + street parking nearby
Distance from parking: right at the trailhead
Transit: closest bus stop about 0.5 miles @ SE Tacoma & 7th
More info: https://www.portland.gov/parks/oaks-bottom-wildlife-refuge
### 🔭 Binoculars / Optics
- Group spotting scope available
- Limited extra binoculars may be available
- No binoculars? Still totally welcome!
### ❄️ Weather + What to Wear
Winter birding can be chilly—dress in layers and plan for slow walking and standing still at times. Waterproof shoes are recommended.
This walk includes some steeper/narrow trail sections, and we may share the path with runners and leashed dogs.
### ✅ Safety & Responsibility
This is an outdoor community walk on public trails. Conditions may be muddy, uneven, or slippery depending on weather. Please use your best judgment, stay within your comfort level, and help us keep the group together. By attending, you agree to take responsibility for your own safety and personal belongings.
All ages are welcome—minors must stay with a parent/guardian at all times.
We’d love to have you join us—whether it’s your first bird walk or your millionth!33 attendees
Past events
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