Smith & Bybee w/ Rose City Bird Collective

Location: We’ll meet at the covered pavilion at the parking lot next to the restrooms.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rq7TTa5JP4AFFCV87
Leader: Kim

Overview
Join us for a summer morning bird walk at Smith & Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, one of the largest protected urban wetlands in the United States. Led by Kim, this walk will take us through a diverse landscape of seasonal wetlands, ponds, cottonwood forests, and riparian habitat that supports an incredible variety of birdlife throughout the year.
Early August is an exciting time to visit as many resident birds are still active with recently fledged young, while the first hints of southbound migration begin to appear. Shorebirds may begin showing up on exposed mudflats, swallows gather in impressive flocks, and raptors are often seen soaring overhead. We'll take our time exploring the trails and viewpoints, stopping often for bird identification, photography, and conversation.

Accessibility & What to Expect

• Parking: Parking Lot (Plentiful)
• Restroom Access: Vault Toilets
• Pace: Easy
• Distance: Approximately 2 miles
• Terrain: Mostly flat asphalt with some bumps, no elevation gain

The roads and trails are generally wide and level, though some sections may be uneven or dusty depending on recent conditions. Please remain on designated roads and trails and respect any seasonal closures protecting nesting wildlife.
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, photography, and identification.

Habitat & What We'll see
Smith & Bybee offers excellent opportunities to observe wetland birds, woodland species, swallows, raptors, and a variety of waterfowl. Depending on water levels and recent migration activity, every visit brings something different.
Some of the species we'll be looking for include:

• Wood Duck
• Great Blue Heron
• Osprey
• Bald Eagle
• Green Heron
• Black-headed Grosbeak
• Marsh Wren
• Willow Flycatcher
• Red-winged Blackbird
• Cedar Waxwing
• Purple Martin
• Tree, Barn, and Violet-green Swallows

We'll also keep an eye out for early migrant shorebirds, Belted Kingfishers along the sloughs, and with a little luck, perhaps a Virginia Rail calling from the marsh vegetation.

What to Bring

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