Harbor View Bluffs w/ Rose City Bird Collective

Location: We'll meet at the Visitor parking area near the University of Portland Beach Volleyball Courts
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FdGsVnnjb7wJCE9J7
Leader: Nicole

Overview
Join Nicole for a relaxing summer morning bird walk along the Willamette Bluff Trail near the University of Portland beach volleyball courts. Perched above the Willamette River, this scenic stretch of forest and bluff offers a unique combination of mature Douglas-fir woodland, oak habitat, and panoramic river views.
Early August is a wonderful time to explore the area as resident birds remain active while the first signs of fall migration begin to appear. The shady forest provides welcome relief from the summer heat, and the overlook areas offer opportunities to watch swifts, swallows, and raptors soaring over the river. We'll enjoy a leisurely walk with frequent stops for bird identification, photography, and conversation.

Accessibility & What to Expect

• Parking: Parking available near the volleyball courts
• Restroom Access: No
• Pace: Easy
• Distance: Approximately 1.5–2 miles
• Terrain: Mostly flat to gently rolling paved and gravel paths with a few short inclines.

This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially beginner friendly. We'll move at a comfortable pace with plenty of time to observe birds, answer questions, and enjoy the beautiful scenery overlooking the Willamette River.

Habitat & What We'll see
The forested bluff supports a variety of woodland birds while the open skies and river corridor attract swallows, swifts, and birds of prey. Early migrants may also begin moving through the trees, making every walk a little different.
Some of the species we'll be looking for include:

• Black-headed Grosbeak
• Cedar Waxwing
• Pacific-slope Flycatcher
• Chestnut-backed Chickadee
• Red-breasted Nuthatch
• Downy Woodpecker
• Northern Flicker
• Bewick's Wren
• American Goldfinch
• Osprey
• Cooper's Hawk
• Vaux's Swift

We'll also keep an eye on the Willamette River below for Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, and the occasional Bald Eagle passing overhead.

What to Bring

• Binoculars or a spotting scope (if you have them)
• Water
• Sun protection
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Bug repellent if you’d like