Fieldcraft for Beginners on Powell Butte

Several things add to our birding success. There’s binoculars. Being where the birds are. Maybe an app to help with bird songs. And fieldcraft!

Fieldcraft includes body movement and placement, not breaking the skyline, knowing which birds are skittish and which are not, and using edge habitat to blend in.

We may see a few of our special breeding birds: Lazuli Buntings, Savannah Sparrows, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Western Tanagers, Tree Swallows. And maybe, if we’re lucky, a few warblers.

We’ll start early to beat the heat (the birds have the same idea). This will be a 2+ mile hike and we’ll go slow, but it may take about 2.5 hours.

Bring your hats and summer smiles!

Walking distance: Up to 2.5 miles.
Elevation changes: Mostly flat with periodic elevation change along the periphery of the park at grassland-to-forest confluence.
Trail: Mostly wide hard packed dirt and/or gravel, some narrow dirt or scattered small rocky trails; asphalt or paved roads in parking areas.
Pacing: Slow
Rest stops: Stone bench at top of vantage point.
Sun exposure: Occasional treed and partially shaded, full sun for most of hike.
Amenities (bathrooms and parking): Vault toilets at visitor center. Ample parking below the visitor center.