Birds of Leach Botanical Gardens - Beginner Friendly Bird Walk

Join us for an early spring bird walk at Leach Botanical Garden and help support one of East Portland’s most cherished green spaces. Leach Botanical Garden is a beloved community resource currently navigating financial challenges, and your visit makes a real difference. Tickets are $8 per adult and mandatory for entry, and purchasing a ticket directly supports the Garden’s continued care and programming. Additional donations and yearly memberships are warmly encouraged for those who are able.

This walk will be led by Seymore Gulls (Eric), with a garden introduction by Horticulture staff member Sam Mularz. We’ll explore mature trees, early-blooming native plants, and the peaceful Johnson Creek corridor at a relaxed pace for approximately 1–1.5 miles on paved and compacted gravel paths, with frequent stops for observation, questions, and beginner-friendly bird identification.

What to Expect

• Beginner-friendly bird identification support, binoculars for borrowing and help with identification, calls and field marks
• A relaxed pace with frequent stops to observe birds and discuss habitat
• A welcoming, community-centered atmosphere where questions are encouraged

Possible Bird Highlights
We typically encounter 20+ species during a spring walk in this habitat.
Notable possibilities include:

• Black-capped Chickadee
• Varied Thrush
• Anna’s Hummingbird
• Downy Woodpecker

Accessibility & Trail Conditions
Surface: Paved and compacted gravel garden pathways; some boardwalk sections
Grade: Generally gentle slopes; some uneven areas and stairs in parts of the garden
Expect: Early spring conditions—possible wet or slick spots if it has rained
Crowds/noise: Moderate visitor presence during open hours; generally calm garden setting
Shade/sun: Mix of tree canopy, open lawn, and exposed sections
Seating: Benches and bistro tables available throughout the garden
Restrooms: ADA restrooms and changing stations in the upper garden entry plaza; additional restroom inside the lower garden Manor House (ADA access available upon request)
Cell service: Generally available, but may vary in lower garden areas

Meet-Up & Logistics
Meet-up location: Covered Arbor next to the Aerial Tree Walk
Parking: Main entrance at 12323 SE Claybourne St., Portland, OR; parking lot at the end of Claybourne Street
Distance from parking: Short walk from upper parking lot to Covered Arbor
Transit: Short walk from TriMet lines #73 (122nd & Foster) and #10
More info: https://leachgarden.org

Doors open at 10am. Tickets are $8 per adult and mandatory for entry. Purchasing a ticket is part of supporting the Garden during this critical fundraising period. Additional donations and yearly memberships are encouraged for those who would like to further support Leach Botanical Garden’s ongoing work.

Binoculars / Optics

• A group spotting scope will be available (weather permitting)
• A small number of extra binoculars will be available to borrow (message if you'd like to borrow)
• Binoculars are not required to participate

Weather + What to Wear
Early spring weather can be variable, with cool temperatures and potential rain. Please dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket if showers are in the forecast.
Comfortable walking shoes with good traction are recommended, especially if paths are damp. We bird rain or shine unless the garden closes for extreme weather such as high winds, hazardous ice, or poor air quality.

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!