Wilkes Creek Headwaters w/ Rose City Bird Collective

Location: We’ll meet at the corner of NE Fremont and NE 154th Ave.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBx6XWyZqd27Tgng8
Leader: Susan

Overview
Join us for a relaxing summer evening bird walk at Wilkes Creek Headwaters led by Susan. Tucked away in east Portland, this hidden natural area protects the headwaters of Wilkes Creek and features a peaceful mix of mature forest, wetlands, and riparian habitat. We'll move at a leisurely pace with frequent stops to enjoy birdsong and observe the wildlife that becomes active during the cooler evening hours.
Though relatively small, Wilkes Creek Headwaters offers a surprising diversity of habitats and serves as an important refuge for many resident and migratory birds. July evenings are often filled with the sounds of nesting birds winding down their day, making this an excellent opportunity to experience the forest at a quieter pace.

Accessibility & What to Expect

Parking: Street (Moderate)
Restroom Access: Possible Porta-Poty
Pace: Easy
Distance: Approximately 2 miles
Terrain: Mostly flat gravel and natural-surface trails with a few uneven sections. Grass may be tall so prepare for the additional possibility of bugs! Paths can still be damp in sections depending on recent weather.

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
By early September, fall migration is underway! The park’s mix of mature trees, dense understory, open edges, and the creek corridor provides excellent habitat for both resident birds and migrants moving south. Summer breeders are beginning to depart, while mixed flocks of chickadees, kinglets, warblers, and other songbirds can often be found actively feeding through the trees and shrubs.

Some of the birds we'll be looking for include:
• Black-capped Chickadee
• Chestnut-backed Chickadee
• Bushtit
• Bewick’s Wren
• Pacific Wren
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet
• Red-breasted Nuthatch
• Brown Creeper
• Downy Woodpecker
• Northern Flicker
• Warbling Vireo
• Orange-crowned Warbler
• Wilson’s Warbler
• Yellow-rumped Warbler
• Swainson’s Thrush

Raptors such as Cooper’s Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk may pass overhead, while migrating songbirds can bring a few surprises as they stop to rest and feed along the wooded creek corridor.

What to Bring
• Binoculars or Scope (if you have them)
• Water
• Sun protection
• Comfortable shoes
• A light jacket or hoodie, as temperatures often cool near sunset
• Insect repellent is recommended