About us
Calling all larks! (Night owls can sleep in.) This group is for birders who like to get out there before dawn when the air is cool, the trails are clear, and the birds are perky and plentiful. I know a lot of untraveled and secluded places you've probably never heard of.
We'll be visiting parks, refuges, preserves, wildlife areas, forests, beaches, and rural roads--anywhere away from the crowds. Most events will occur from the spring to fall migrations. Groups will be small to reduce our impact. Distances will be short and we will take our time and enjoy ourselves. Leave when you need to or linger longer with us, it's all good.
Early Birds is for adults 18+ only. Please leave all pets at home. Thanks for not smoking or engaging in any recreational substances during our time together. You are responsible for your own comfort and safety, so read the weather report provided and dress accordingly. If you are a chronic No Show, we'll sic the buzzards on ya.
For more outdoor adventures, check out my hiking group, The Contemplative Hiking Society, for waterfalls, rockhounding, moonrises, sunsets, wildflower walks, fall colors, fruit picking, tidepooling on the coast, viewing the elk rut, watching the salmon spawn, and spotting whales.
Upcoming events
1
Shillapoo Wildlife Area: Round Lake, WA
Location not specified yet***SEE DRIVING DIRECTIONS AT BOTTOM***
The Shillapoo Wildlife Area provides almost 2500 acres of beautiful habitat for overwintering waterfowl along the Columbia River floodplain. In May, everybody is in their breeding plumage, lookin' sexy. My favorite is the Ruddy duck who dons a sky blue bill, just for the ladies.
I know a secret spot. The views are magnificent--wetlands, ponds, sloughs, and green fields with cows nursing their spring calves. There are riparian forests of willow, ash, cottonwood, and gigantic white oak with trunks four feet across. Hummingbirds zip across blackberry thickets and butterflies dance down the trail with you. Bullfrogs sing bass to a tree frog choir. Last year, I spotted a mother river otter teaching her baby to fish.
We'll meet in the paved parking area and do about 2 miles out and back very slowly along a level gravel road on top of a levee. You may be occasionally brushing through tall grass and wildflowers wet with dew. Mosquitos are abundant, so bug spray is a must. No restroom on site but occasional cover along the trail, if you know what I mean.
***There is a restroom along NW Lower River Road about 1.5 miles past the entrance to Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. Look for a large gravel parking area that dips down on your right. (Heading back home from the trailhead, it's about 1.4 miles out on your left.)***
Bring water, binoculars/scope, camera equipment, bug spray, and WEATHER appropriate clothing for full sun/wind exposure. No restroom on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Head towards Vancouver Lake State Park, but before you get to it, turn left on NW Lower River Road and go all the way to the end, about 5 miles. Park in the paved lot next to my deep blue Honda CRV. No parking fee.
1 attendee
