Orchard Park w/ Rose City Bird Collective

Location: We'll meet at the Orchard Park parking area
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KGgViNPqZHye1X966
Leader: Lauren & Mel

Overview
Join Lauren and Mel for a late summer morning bird walk at Orchard Park, one of Hillsboro's hidden birding gems. This peaceful park features a wonderful mix of wetlands, ponds, open meadows, and riparian woodland that attracts a surprising diversity of birds throughout the year.
By the end of August, fall migration is well underway. Many local breeding birds are still present, while the first waves of migrating warblers, flycatchers, vireos, and sparrows begin moving through the park. Waterfowl numbers also begin to increase as birds disperse after the nesting season. We'll enjoy a relaxed walk with plenty of opportunities to observe, identify, and photograph birds while learning about the seasonal changes taking place.

Accessibility & What to Expect

• Parking: Parking lot (moderate)
• Restroom Access: Yes
• Pace: Easy
• Distance: Approximately 1.5–2 miles
• Terrain: Mostly flat, paved and gravel walking paths with very little elevation gain.

This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially beginner friendly. We'll move at a comfortable pace with frequent stops to observe birds, answer questions, and enjoy the diversity that Orchard Park has to offer.

Habitat & What We’ll See
Orchard Park's combination of wetlands, ponds, and woodland edges makes it an excellent place to observe both resident birds and early fall migrants. We'll explore each habitat in search of a wide variety of species.
Some of the species we'll be looking for include:

• Wood Duck
• Great Blue Heron
• Green Heron
• Belted Kingfisher
• Black-headed Grosbeak
• Cedar Waxwing
• Willow Flycatcher
• Yellow Warbler
• Warbling Vireo
• American Goldfinch
• Red-winged Blackbird
• Barn, Tree, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows

We'll also keep an eye out for migrating warblers feeding in the trees, Osprey overhead, and the possibility of an early shorebird stopping by the wetland margins.

What to Bring

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