About us
Welcome! This group brings together Birding for the People and Rose City Bird Collective to offer inclusive, beginner-friendly birding events in and around Portland.
Our walks are relaxed, social, and focused on learning together—no experience or fancy gear required, and everyone is welcome regardless of background or skill level.
We host regular bird walks in local parks, wetlands, and neighborhoods, with frequent stops and plenty of time for questions.
Birding for the People focuses on lowering barriers of entry to birding with free bird events, loaner optics, and shared resources.
Together, we’re building a birding community centered on curiosity, joy, and birds.
Learn more about Rose City Bird Collective (and join the Discord)
Learn more about Birding for the People
Upcoming events
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Beginner Friendly Birding @ Oaks Bottom w/ Rose City Bird Collective
Sellwood Park, Southeast Miller Street, Portland, OR, USJoin us for a winter bird walk at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, hosted by Rose City Bird Collective in cooperation with Birding for the People, and led by Susan.
This is a slow-paced, beginner-friendly outing with lots of stops for bird ID, learning, and community connection. We’ll walk out-and-back for about 1–2 miles, taking our time to scan the water, trees, and trails.### 🐦 What to Expect
- Beginner-friendly bird identification (no experience needed!)
- Relaxed pace with frequent stops for viewing and photos
- Social, welcoming, community-focused vibe
### 🌿 Bird Highlights (Possible, not guaranteed)
Typical species count: 20–40 species
Notable possibilities include:- Bald Eagle
- Great Blue Heron
- Gadwall
- Brown Creeper
### ♿ Accessibility & Trail Conditions
- Surface: dirt, uneven/rocky areas, boardwalk
- Grade: includes some steeper sections
- Expect: muddy spots, narrow trails, roots/uneven footing
- Crowds/noise: moderate (runners, walkers, traffic/water noise)
- Shade/sun: mixed
- Seating: limited (mainly near the parking lot)
- Restrooms: none available
- Cell service: reliable
### 📍 Meet-Up & Logistics
Meet-up location: JEH Trail Trailhead @ Sellwood Park
Parking: small lot + street parking nearby
Distance from parking: right at the trailhead
Transit: closest bus stop about 0.5 miles @ SE Tacoma & 7th
More info: https://www.portland.gov/parks/oaks-bottom-wildlife-refuge### 🔭 Binoculars / Optics
- Group spotting scope available
- Limited extra binoculars may be available
- No binoculars? Still totally welcome!
### ❄️ Weather + What to Wear
Winter birding can be chilly—dress in layers and plan for slow walking and standing still at times. Waterproof shoes are recommended.
This walk includes some steeper/narrow trail sections, and we may share the path with runners and leashed dogs.### ✅ Safety & Responsibility
This is an outdoor community walk on public trails. Conditions may be muddy, uneven, or slippery depending on weather. Please use your best judgment, stay within your comfort level, and help us keep the group together. By attending, you agree to take responsibility for your own safety and personal belongings.
All ages are welcome—minors must stay with a parent/guardian at all times.
We’d love to have you join us—whether it’s your first bird walk or your millionth!32 attendees
Beginner Birding @ Camassia Natural Area w/ Rose City Bird Collective
Camassia Natural Area, SW Walnut and SW Sunset, West Linn, OR, USJoin us for a late winter bird walk at Camassia Natural Area in West Linn, hosted by Rose City Bird Collective in cooperation with Birding for the People, and led by Emma.
This small preserve along the Tualatin River floodplain features oak woodland, wet meadows, and riparian forest — a peaceful setting with diverse habitats for wintering and resident birds.### 🐦 What to Expect
- Beginner-friendly bird identification tips and open discussion.
- Mile or less walk with easy, relaxed pace and frequent stops to watch & listen.
- Social, welcoming group vibe — questions encouraged!
### 🌿 Bird Highlights
Expect to see a variety of passerines and woodland species typical of late winter.
Notable possibilities include:- Downy Woodpecker
- Spotted Towhee
- Red-breasted Nuthatch
- Red-tailed Hawk
### ♿ Accessibility & Trail Conditions
Surface: mostly natural trail with sections of chip, gravel, and occasional boardwalks on the loop trail.
Grade: generally flat on the main loop, with some minor uneven terrain and occasional rock steps.
Expect: narrow paths, rocky or muddy spots in places.
Crowds/noise: typically quiet in winter, more visitors in spring.
Shade/sun: mix of open meadow and shaded woodland.
Seating: no formal seating.
Restrooms: none at the preserve (nearby businesses offsite).
Cell service: variable/likely available but not guaranteed on trail.### 📍 Meet-Up & Logistics
Meet-up location: 4800 Walnut Street, West Linn, OR 97068 (Camassia Nature Preserve trailhead).
Parking: small roadside parking area at end of Walnut Street; street parking on Maple ave arrive early if possible.
Distance from parking: short walk from parking to trail entrance.
Transit: TriMet Bus #35 stops nearby; walk up West A Street to access trails.
More info: Camassia Natural Area Accessibility Info### 🔭 Binoculars / Optics
- Group spotting scope may be available for distant views.
- Extra binoculars might be available to share (please let us know if you'd like to borrow some!)
- Binoculars are not required — beginners welcome!
### ❄️ Weather + What to Wear
February in West Linn is cool and often damp. Dress in layers, waterproof footwear is a good idea given potential muddy sections, and bring rain gear if showers are forecast. Warm headwear and gloves help with comfort during slower birding stops.
### ✅ Safety & Responsibility
This is an outdoor community walk on public trails. Conditions may be muddy, uneven, or slippery depending on weather. Please use your best judgment, stay within your comfort level, and help us keep the group together. By attending, you agree to take responsibility for your own safety and personal belongings.
All ages are welcome—minors must stay with a parent/guardian at all times.
We’d love to have you join us—whether it’s your first bird walk or your millionth!2 attendees
Birding + Stewardship @Columbia Children’s Arboretum w/Rose City Bird Collective
Columbia Children's Arboretum, 10040 NE 6th Ave, Portland, OR, USJoin us for a late-winter bird walk + stewardship morning at Columbia Children’s Arboretum, hosted by Rose City Bird Collective in cooperation with Birding for the People, and led by Kim.
This unique green space along the Columbia Slough blends young forest plantings, open areas, and slough-side habitat—making it a rewarding place for winter birding and a meaningful setting to connect bird observation with hands-on habitat restoration.
### 🐦 What to Expect
- Beginner-friendly bird identification with guidance and space for questions
- Relaxed pace with frequent stops to observe birds and habitat
- Welcoming, community-centered vibe with an emphasis on learning and care for place
- After the bird walk, those who wish can seamlessly transition into a native planting stewardship event at the arboretum @ 10AM
### 🌿 Bird Highlights (Possible, not guaranteed)
Late winter walks here often turn up 15+ species.
Notable possibilities include:- Steller's Jay
- Lesser Goldfinch
- Bewick's Wren
- Red-tailed Hawk
### ♿ Accessibility & Trail Conditions
Surface: paved paths and compacted gravel; grassy or muddy sections possible after rain
Grade: mostly flat throughout the arboretum
Expect: wide paths, open sightlines, and occasional soft or muddy spots in winter
Crowds/noise: generally quiet; occasional nearby traffic or aircraft noise
Shade/sun: Mix with tree cover
Seating: limited informal seating; standing for most of the walk
Restrooms: ADA-accessible restrooms on site (meeting location)
Cell service: generally available, but not guaranteed
Detailed accessibility info from Oregon Hikers .org### 📍 Meet-Up & Logistics
Meet-up location: middle of Columbia Children’s Arboretum, at the ADA-accessible restrooms
Parking: street parking in the residential neighborhood on NE Meadow Dr.
Distance from parking: short walk through the park to the restrooms
Transit: nearby TriMet bus routes; final approach requires walking through the park
More info:### 🔭 Binoculars / Optics
- A group scope may be available for cooperative birds
- Extra binoculars may be available to borrow (ask ahead of time and we'll bring extras!)
- Binoculars are helpful but not required!
### ❄️ Weather + What to Wear
Late February mornings can be cool and damp. Dress in warm layers, wear waterproof footwear, and bring rain protection if showers are forecast. Expect muddy patches depending on recent rainfall.
### 🌱 Stewardship Opportunity (Optional, Encouraged!)
This walk is intentionally timed to flow directly into a native planting stewardship event hosted by the Columbia Slough Watershed Council beginning at 10:00 AM at the arboretum. Participants are encouraged to stay, plant native species, and help support habitat restoration in the watershed.
If you plan to participate in the planting event, please register in advance to receive updates or cancellation notices:
https://www.columbiaslough.org/events-list/columbia-childrens-arboretum-planting-event### ✅ Safety & Responsibility
This is an outdoor community walk on public trails. Conditions may be muddy, uneven, or slippery depending on weather. Please use your best judgment, stay within your comfort level, and help us keep the group together. By attending, you agree to take responsibility for your own safety and personal belongings.
All ages are welcome—minors must stay with a parent/guardian at all times.
We’d love to have you join us—whether it’s your first bird walk or your millionth!1 attendee
Past events
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