Oaks Bottom w/ Rose City Bird Collective

Location: We’ll meet at the South parking lot near Sellwood Park
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BhSU3Exx19qKUKx26
Leader: Emma

Overview
Join Emma for a late summer morning bird walk at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, one of Portland's premier urban birding destinations. Stretching along the east bank of the Willamette River, Oaks Bottom offers an outstanding blend of marsh, open water, riparian woodland, and oak savanna, providing excellent birding opportunities throughout the year.
By mid-August, fall migration is beginning to pick up. Local breeding birds are still abundant while the first waves of migrating warblers, flycatchers, and shorebirds begin passing through the refuge. The changing season means every walk offers something new, making Oaks Bottom an exciting place to explore for birders of all experience levels.

Accessibility & What to Expect

• Parking: Parking Lot (Plentiful)
• Restroom Access: Yes (Sellwood Park)
• Pace: Easy
• Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles
• Terrain: The trail begins and ends at a 1/8th mile hill considered “Moderately Easy” but may be difficult for those with mobility concerns. The rest of the trail is mostly flat packed gravel trails with a few areas of slight elevation gain.

This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially beginner friendly. We'll move at an easy pace with frequent stops for bird identification, photography, and discussion.

Habitat & What We’ll See
As migration begins, Oaks Bottom becomes increasingly active with both resident birds and early southbound migrants. We'll explore wetland edges, forest trails, and open viewpoints while searching for a variety of species taking advantage of the refuge's diverse habitats.
Some of the species we'll be looking for include:

• Wood Duck
• Great Blue Heron
• Green Heron
• Belted Kingfisher
• Osprey
• Cedar Waxwing
• Willow Flycatcher
• Black-headed Grosbeak
• Yellow Warbler
• Wilson's Warbler
• American Goldfinch
• Barn, Tree, and Violet-green Swallows

We'll also keep an eye on the marsh for Virginia Rail or Sora, and watch the tree canopy for migrating songbirds making their first southbound journey of the season.

What to Bring

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