Birding For The People

Join us for a winter bird walk at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, hosted by Rose City Bird Collective in cooperation with Birding for the People and led by Kim.

Whitaker Ponds is a small but bird-rich wetland tucked into northeast Portland. This site offers excellent opportunities to observe waterfowl, wetland birds, and songbirds in a compact and accessible setting.
In January, the ponds often host a variety of ducks, including Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Gadwall, and American Wigeon. We’ll also be on the lookout for Wood Ducks, which are frequently seen here year-round. Along the pond edges and in nearby shrubs, expect Song Sparrows, Spotted Towhees, and flocks of Bushtits. Overhead, we may see Belted Kingfishers darting between perches, along with Red-tailed Hawks or other raptors passing through the area.
This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially well-suited for beginners. We’ll move at an easy, relaxed pace with frequent stops for viewing and identification. The walk will last approximately two hours, and participants are welcome to join for any portion of the walk and leave at any time. Total distance is about one mile on mostly flat terrain.
Bring binoculars if you have them, dress warmly, and expect muddy paths depending on recent weather. Sidewalks are paved near the parking lot, porta-potty, and gazebo, with unpaved paths for the majority of the loop. Bike racks and parking are available on-site; please see the Whitaker Ponds website for full transit and access information.

Join us for a winter bird walk at Smith and Bybee Wetlands, hosted by Rose City Bird Collective in cooperation with Birding for the People and led by Emma.

One of the largest urban wetlands in the United States, Smith and Bybee is a mosaic of tall cottonwoods, open water, and low wetlands, and remains one of Metro’s best-kept birding secrets.
In winter, the wetlands often host a variety of waterfowl, with chances to see Mallards, Gadwall, and American Wigeon on the water. In the trees and along the edges, we’ll keep an eye out for Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Wrens, Downy Woodpeckers, and other winter songbirds tucked into the habitat. On a good day, you might hear Bald Eagles or Kingfishers fly overhead!
This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially well-suited for beginners. We’ll move at an easy pace with frequent stops for viewing and identification. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress warmly, and expect muddy paths depending on recent weather.
Trails are paved throughout the area, including in the parking lot, near the restroom and shelter. The trail includes two covered viewpoints and occasional benches. Bike racks and parking are available on-site, please see the Smith and Bybee website for full transit and access information.

Join us for a slightly earlier (9:00am) winter bird walk at the Columbia Slough: Elrod Access in northeast Portland, led by Deborah.

Map (https://maps.app.goo.gl/dkapuUW6HC3AxYmz6)

This section of the Columbia Slough offers a mix of open water, marsh, and riparian habitat, making it a productive spot for winter birding within the city.
During the winter months, the slough commonly hosts a variety of waterfowl, including Mallard, Gadwall, American Wigeon, and Northern Shoveler. We’ll also watch for Bufflehead and Ring-necked Duck on the open water. The reed filled edges and shrubs may hold Song Sparrows, Golden-crowned Sparrows, and other wintering songbirds, while Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets are often seen hunting along the shoreline. Overhead, keep an eye out for Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and other accipiters cruising the corridor.
This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially welcoming to beginners. We’ll keep a relaxed pace with plenty of time for observation and questions. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress for the weather, and be prepared for potentially damp or muddy conditions along the trail.

Parking can be found at the following pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dkapuUW6HC3AxYmz6