Beginner Friendly Birding @ Whitaker Ponds w/ Rose City Bird Collective

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.