birdherspdx: Saturday 10/10 Birding Walk at 🧡Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge🧡 9:30 am.

• Birding walk for trans, non-binary, and women people.

• Build awareness and connections with the world around you through the lens of bird watching.

• All experience levels and ages encouraged!

• All children welcome.

• Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours.

• Bring your water, dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.

Meet at the parking lot at SE 7th Ave and SE Sellwood Blvd. Facilities available in Sellwood Park. We’ll start down the unpaved JEH trail that descends a pretty steep grade down the bluff and then we’ll walk partially around the pond on the Bluff trail and back, between 1-2 miles at a slow pace, allow 2ish hours. Please be on time.

Short introductions to start and we’ll end with open community event announcements and/or requests. Bring your knowledge, questions and yourself, just as you are.
Affinity space for women, trans, and non-binary people.
Please DM or email any questions or accommodation needs.

📸: Spotted Towhee stunner

vancouver.audubon

Vancouver Audubon's Young Birders Club is heading to the WSU-Vancouver Campus in search of migratory birds and irruptive finches. Birders of all levels are welcome and we've got binoculars to share! Join us as we explore this varied habitat and see what birds fall has in store for us.

Young Birders brings together youth between the ages of 8-18, who have an interest in birding and conservation. This group will plan on meeting for at least one field experience per month throughout 2026. Typically the location will be local wildlife areas that are easily accessible by the public for free. Seasoned birding guides from Vancouver Audubon will accompany the group and help with birding tips and identification. Binoculars will be supplied for free to all attendees needing them. There will also be several spotting scopes available to see birds up close, even when they are not.

Registration is required, so make sure you sign up by tapping the link in our bio and navigating to "Young Birders" or go directly to: vancouveraudubon.org/young-birders
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Photos: Red-breasted Nuthatch, Evening Grosbeak, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Pacific Wren by Ken Pitts/Vancouver Audubon

Follow Vancouver Young Birder Club on Instagram

Gardeners are thrilled when they find worms while working in their soil beds because of the critical role these wiggly friends play in producing rich, healthy soil needed to grow vigorous plants. Discover the many benefits and learn how to attract worms to your garden.

Join the Fort Vancouver Regional Library for this FREE workshop, no registration is required.

Accommodations

Library events and programs are open to the public and provided at no cost. Special accommodations may be requested using our Disability Accommodation Request Form no later than 15 days prior to the event.

Los eventos y programas de la biblioteca están abiertos al público y se brindan sin costo. Se pueden solicitar adaptaciones especiales utilizando nuestro formulario de solicitud de adaptaciones para personas con discapacidades (en inglés) hasta 15 días antes del evento.

Особые условия могут быть запрошены с помощью нашей формы запроса на предоставление условий для людей с инвалидностью не позднее чем за 15 дней до мероприятия.

If you’re just getting started with birdwatching, look no further! In this class you’ll learn what sort of equipment might be helpful, safe and ethical bird feeding, identification tools and some common backyard birds to look for, and other useful tips and resources for birdwatching both in your yard and beyond.

Join this FREE Fort Vancouver Regional Library workshop, no registration is required.

Accommodations

Library events and programs are open to the public and provided at no cost. Special accommodations may be requested using our Disability Accommodation Request Form no later than 15 days prior to the event.

Los eventos y programas de la biblioteca están abiertos al público y se brindan sin costo. Se pueden solicitar adaptaciones especiales utilizando nuestro formulario de solicitud de adaptaciones para personas con discapacidades (en inglés) hasta 15 días antes del evento.

Особые условия могут быть запрошены с помощью нашей формы запроса на предоставление условий для людей с инвалидностью не позднее чем за 15 дней до мероприятия.

vancouver.audubon

Our fall series continues with "Amazing Adaptations: how birds survive stormy weather" by speaker Dr. Jamie Cornelius on October 6th!

Jamie is an associate professor at Oregon State University in the integrative biology department. Her research includes investigation of the behavioral and physiological strategies that birds use to cope with unpredictable change in their environments such as storms, fire, drought, urbanization, and unpredictable food resources. The goal is to inform conservation efforts, resource management, and policies that can more efficiently and effectively protect our wild birds. Jamie is a National Geographic Society Explorer, Fulbright Fellow and National Science Foundation CAREER fellow. She also grew up in Vancouver and attended Columbia River High School (Class of ’97)!

Vancouver Audubon’s programs are free and open to the public. Join us at 6:30pm on the first Tuesdays of the month at 13413 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive in Vancouver, WA.
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Photos: Ken Archer/Audubon Photography Awards; Ken Pitts/Vancouver Audubon

Autumn is a dynamic time of change in nature, with birds migrating across the land, plants preparing for dormancy, and fungi popping up everywhere. Learn more about local ecology and how seasonal shifts affect what we observe on this relaxed walk around Plas Newydd Farm.

• Coffee, tea, water and light snacks will be provided.

• Participants should plan on bringing a water bottle, lunch, and any specific snacks needed.

• Accessibility Note: This workshop takes place in an historic farmhouse that is not currently wheelchair accessible, as well as out on the landscape of a working farm. We will work to accommodate access however we can, but please email arts@pnfarm.com to confirm that the space will work for you before you commit to the workshop!

• Registration is required HERE.

Full and partial scholarships available. Please email Abby for more information.

About our teacher

Rebecca Lexa, MA, OMN, WFR is a naturalist in Portland, OR. She teaches a variety of classes on regional natural history, and leads guided nature tours in the Pacific Northwest. She is also the author of The Everyday Naturalist: How to Identify Animals, Plants, and Fungi Wherever You Go (Ten Speed Press, 2025).

Forest Therapy at Bird Alliance of Oregon Wildlife Sanctuary

Enhance your wellbeing! Join Andrea Kreiner, a certified nature and forest therapy guide, for a slow and mindful sensory journey to connect with nature at the Bird Alliance of Oregon Wildlife Sanctuary.

Forest Therapy is the practice of spending time in the forest to enhance one’s health, wellness, and happiness. Research has shown that spending time in nature reduces stress, can boost the immune system, and restores mental energy. 

During the short walk, you will receive a series of invitations to help slow down, engage your senses, release stress, and be more present as you connect with the natural world and experience the restorative qualities of nature.

Accessibility information for Bird Alliance of Oregon Wildlife Sanctuary

Register!

Class Details

• Location: Bird Alliance of Oregon, 5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland, OR 97210

• Fee: $25 members / $35 non-members

• Limited to 10 participants.

Guide - Andrea Kreiner

Andrea has had a lifelong connection to the Earth and the natural world. She comes to forest therapy guiding after a 30-year career in climate change and sustainability, working with governments and businesses worldwide. Now, she gets to blend her facilitation, strategic planning, and team-building skills with her joy in sharing the forest with participants on her walks.

Andrea wrote her first poem after being inspired by the rocky coast in Maine as an 11-year-old and now enjoys composing poems in partnership with trees. She loves spending time in the forest; on any given day, you will find her walking her dog, wandering, running, or sitting along the forest trails by her home. When she is not in the forest, she is busy with her husband and five children (four human, one canine) or working on her second cookbook.

ORGANIZER- Tara Lemezis, Phone: 971-222-6131, Email: tlemezis@birdallianceoregon.org

Join educators from the Water Resources Education Center to discover the amazing journeys of two of our river’s most remarkable fish. This drop-in program takes place indoors and is designed for children ages 5–12. Through hands-on activities, you’ll explore the fascinating life cycles of salmon and lamprey and discover how they depend on healthy waterways throughout their lives.

No registration is required. Drop-in anytime between 1 and 2 p.m. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. The Water Center is open the first and third Saturday of every month, from noon to 4 p.m.

Accessibility: The WREC has accessible parking, paved pathways and fully accessible facility. Restrooms are available on site, as well as drinking fountains.

Contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-7111 if you have any questions.

Join Vancouver Audubon Society’s Young Birders at Ridgefield NWR Visit Center, where Birdfest held by Ridgefield and Friends, celebrating the return of wintering birds to the refuge.

Young Birders will be manning spotting scopes at a station. If you are interested in Young Birders and what we do, please join us to find out more. If you are interested in volunteering manning scopes, please contact Ken Pitts (kenp@vancouveraudubon.org) or Isaac Lang (i.lang@vancouver.org) if you are interested.

BirdFest and Bluegrass is the main event every year that the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge & the City of Ridgefield put on to bring awareness to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, and all that it has to offer.

We celebrate the Sandhill Crane returning to the Refuge, a huge stately bird that is endangered in Washington State, and we celebrate everything the Refuge is and what it brings to the community. With endangered species, hundreds of migratory species, an auto tour route, photo blind, walking trails, habitat restoration programs, and so much more – there is a lot to celebrate, and a lot to learn.

We are uniquely fortunate to have the Refuge as a resource right in our own backyard, and by learning not only how to appreciate the beauty, but the necessity of it, you come one step closer to being able to support it.

Whether you head downtown to jam with bluegrass bands, shop, or do crafts, take a drive around the Refuge’s Auto Tour, or head to the Carty Unit for family crafts, guided hikes, or a walk on the trail- there is something for everyone, and lots to learn!

Visit the Friends web page for updates on schedules, performances and activities!

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Event Schedule - Carty & River 'S' Units - Carty Unit Events, 28908 NW Main Avenue

• 9 AM – Opening Blessing with the Chinook Indian Nation

  • Join Sam Robinson, Vice-Chairman of the Chinook Indian Nation, and Friends Board Member, to bless and begin our festival.

9 AM – 2 PM –

• Self-Guided Wander Walks provided by Ridgefield Community Library and the Friends of RNWR

• Family Activities & Crafts

  • Create bird and nature-themed crafts

• Pro Photo Supply Ridgefield Refuge & Fledgling Photo Contest Winner Display

• Partner Party

  • Come on by the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Carty Unit and hang out with over 13 of the partners who make our Refuge work! From Washington Trails Association to Master Gardeners (Do their scavenger hunt and win a magnifying glass! While supplies last), and many more! Check out our Linktree for a complete list.

• Ridgefield Refuge Art Contest

  • Our second annual art competition with the Ridgefield Art Association welcomes submissions of bird-themed artwork. Free to enter, with cash prizes for winners across four categories. Register before September 30, View and vote on the submissions on the Carty Unit, 9 AM – 2 PM! Please vote only once per age group.

• Hikes Meet at the Carty Unit Trailhead by the flagpole.

  • 9:15 AM – ASMP & Pro Photo Supply Photography Hike

    • Learn about nature and wildlife photography on a walk with ASMP and Pro Photo Supply on the Carty Unit’s Carty Lake Trail.

  • 10 AM – Explore The Ridgefield NWR Through Nature Journaling

    • Learn new ways to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the RNWR through nature journaling. Your journal will be your tool for exploration as we walk part of the Oaks to Wetland Trail. We’ll pause along the way to observe, sketch, and record the discoveries we make together, using journaling techniques to sharpen our attention to the world around us. Great class for kids 10 years or above and all adults. You will receive: a watercolor journal, a watercolor brush pen, and the paints necessary for your first journal entry. Registration Required. 

  • 10 AM – Family-Friendly Carty Trail Discoveries

    • Bring the whole family, and join a Refuge Naturalist on the Carty Lake Trail.

  • 11 PM – Geology Hike with Jim Maul

    • Join local geologist Jim Maul for a guided hike that explores the geological history of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. You’ll learn about the massive glacial floods that carved out the landscape and shaped the Columbia River. Discover how this powerful natural event created the fertile wetlands and unique terrain we see today. It’s a fascinating look at the “bones” of the Refuge, perfect for anyone interested in the natural history of the area.

  • 12 PM – Carty Lake Trail Nature Hike

    • Bring the whole family, and join a Refuge Naturalist on the Carty Lake Trail.

  • 1 PM – Noticing Nature Hike for Families

    • Join Jessica Becker, author of the “little feet hiking” book series, to learn nature awareness skills and hike 1.4 miles on the Oaks to Wetland Trail to see what we notice. This hike is appropriate for walkers of all ages. Strollers and wheelchairs can join us for the first half mile of the hike. Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and your sense of wonder!

River ‘S’ Unit Events - 1071 S Hillhurst RD

• 9 AM – 1 PM – Vancouver Audubon Spotting Scopes

  • Join Vancouver Audubon for a free and easy birding experience on the River ‘S’ Unit Auto Tour. We’ll have spotting scopes set up just beyond the Hunt Gate to give you a close-up look at migrating and resident birds. Drive through the gate and park in the lot to the left. Stop by anytime between 9 AM and 1 PM to enjoy this unique viewing opportunity during BirdFest & Bluegrass!

• 9 AM & 11 AM – Vancouver Audubon Family Birding Hike on the Kiwa Trail

  • Meet at the Kiwa Trail Parking Lot and trailhead, approximately halfway through the Refuge Auto Tour, allow yourself time in case the Auto Tour is busy.

• All Day – River S Unit Auto Tour & Kiwa Trail

Vancouver Audubon Society lead Cindy McCormick will lead a walk on the dike trail to look for migrating shorebirds, Sandhill Cranes, and other wetland and open country species in the area. If lake levels allow, we will return and cross over to view the north end of Vancouver Lake from the North Bridge Trail.

• Expect a walk of about 2 miles on gravel and grass across mostly flat but uneven terrain. Some minor obstructions such as roots, debris, or potholes may be present.

• There are no restroom facilities at this site.

• Dress for the weather. Sunscreen and a hat may be a good idea if the warm, sunny weather continues. Waterproof boots are recommended.

Bird Outings are meant to be a casual, local morning of birding. They are a great time to enjoy birds with others and find new areas to visit. You can work on bird identification by sight and sound. It’s also an opportunity to practice your eBird app with help when needed. These outings are easy to join or leave at any time during the morning. You don’t have to commit to the entire walk if you have limited energy, ability, or time. All are welcome!

Leader: Cindy McCormack
Meeting time: 7:30am
Meeting Location: Shillapoo Lake trail access on Erwin O Reiger Memoral HWY
Registration Required: Register by emailing vas@vancouveraudubon.org

Join Water Resources Education Center staff on a Wednesday morning guided nature walk where we will explore the rich ecosystems along the Columbia River and adjacent wetland.

As we wander, we’ll discover native plants, search for wildlife, and learn how these vibrant waterways support life all around us. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned nature lover, there’s always something new to see and learn on the trail.

• This program is great for families with youth ages 6 and older as well as adults who want to get out and wander!

• Be prepared to walk 2 miles on paved pathways, unpaved wetland trails, and along sandy beaches.

• Registration is required.  Sign up today!

If the event becomes full, please contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111 to add your name to the waitlist.

Cameraderie, Youth Program Instagram and Facebook

What Is Cameraderie? Cameraderie is a youth birding, wildlife, and nature photography program started by the Vancouver Audubon Society, founded by Shaunak Deshpande. The program connects youth ages 8-18 with experienced birders and photographers in the Vancouver and Portland area, creating a community where young people can develop real skills in both bird identification and nature photography. What started as conversations between talented teen photographers and Vancouver Audubon has grown into an active program with monthly walks, zooms, and workshops. Cameraderie believes that when young people understand the natural world around them, they become its most passionate advocates.

Monthly Bird Walks: Each month Cameraderie organizes bird walks at some of the best natural areas in the Pacific Northwest, including Steigerwald Lake NWR, Ridgefield NWR, Conboy Lake NWR, and Sams Walker along the Columbia River Gorge. Walks are led by experienced birder and photographer Ken Pitts alongside volunteer guides, giving youth the opportunity to learn bird identification, observe wildlife behavior, and practice photography in the field. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to join. Our walks typically run from early morning through midday to catch peak bird activity, and no prior experience is needed, just curiosity and a love of the outdoors.

This week’s walk is at Salmon Creek Greenway Trail (Saturday September 26th, 8:00am – 11:00pm)

Registration required HERE

Join HOPE Dementia Support for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and nature at the Wildlife Refuge!

Join HOPE Dementia Support for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and nature at the beautiful Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge.

This outing is designed for individuals living with dementia and their care partners and families to enjoy time together in a relaxed, supportive environment. We'll take in the sights and sounds of the refuge, observe local wildlife, enjoy fresh air, and connect with others.

Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or simply looking for a way to spend time outdoors, this experience offers an opportunity to slow down, be present, and enjoy the beauty around us.

This is a FREE event. Please RSVP Here or call HOPE dementia Support at 360-513-5754

Join educators from the City of Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center to discover the incredible journeys animals make during late summer and early fall.

This FREE drop-in program takes place indoors and is designed for children ages 5–12 years old. Explore interactive activities that reveal how water connects the amazing migrations of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and other wildlife.

• No registration is required.

• Drop-in anytime between 1 and 2 p.m. 

• All youth must be accompanied by an adult.

The Water Center is open the first and third Saturday of every month, from noon to 4 p.m.

Contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-7111 if you have any questions.

Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery holds an annual Open House each September for the public to view adult salmon, watch spawning, see adults jumping up the fish ladder, and learn the important role hatcheries play. Educational activities such as Migration Golf, fish printing, and chalk art are available to kids of all ages.

vancouver.audubon

Fall migration is just around the corner which means it's almost time for Vancouver Audubon's 3rd annual Migratory Bird Celebration!

Every year tens of millions of birds migrate through Southwest Washington travelling thousands of miles as they make their way from their wintering grounds to nesting grounds and back again. Whether you're an avid birder or just looking for a free and family-friendly Saturday morning, we're inviting you to come join us as we celebrate these remarkable birds and their journey. Expect games, crafts, plenty of hands on fun, and experienced guides leading bird outings around Marine Park!

• Admission: Free! All ages and all are welcome!

You're invited!  Join us for a Hatchery Tour at Columbia Springs.  

Have you ever wondered how old the fish are out in our round ponds, or how the hatchery works? What temperature do you think the springwater is as it comes out of the ground? Find the answers to these questions and more on a tour of our unique historic hatchery! 

Come along with knowledgeable Columbia Springs staff, experts, and volunteers, as they trace the path of spring water through our unique site, and learn about the trout and salmon that grow up here along the way. 

While all ages are welcome, tour content may be most engaging for older kids and adults.

• Let us know you’re coming in advance by registering at: https://www.columbiasprings.org/events/guided-tours/ 

• We will meet at 3:00pm. Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather!

• Accessibility: Columbia Springs has ADA parking and paved pathways with access to the visitor center and fish ponds. The nature trails are not ADA accessible. Learn more HERE.

• Contact Information: Kristine Jacobs, events@columbiasprings.org, 360-882-0936 x 230 

fbc.pdx & queer_flockers

If you haven't been keeping up with the Vaux's Swifts behaviors over the last couple of years, you might be surprised to know that Chapman Elementary isn't the largest roost anymore.

Instead, they seem to have split into smaller groups and scattered to various locations. Please come out and join us this year at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral located at 3131 NE Glisan St.

• NO ALCOHOL will be permitted on the church campus.

• Dress for the weather and consider packing a picnic for yourself.

• The church was kind enough to allow us to use the space again and asked that we use street parking only if arriving by vehicle as they have an event ending at 6pm. Consider carpooling or using public transit.

• Accessibility notes: There is a ramp entrance to the parking lot, which leads to the plaza from here: 45.5271512, -122.6325019

• Trimet: Bus 19, Stop at Glisan & 32nd (Stop ID: 2109)

Columbia Springs Nature Days are an exploration of the natural world – right here in town!

Nature Days are free events to get community members outside into nature. Our goal is to inspire all people to see themselves as successful scientists, understand that they have ideas that matter, and appreciate that everyone belongs in nature. Upon arrival, stop by our check in tent to learn about the activities happening. From there, you can make your own adventure!

Some activities and presentations will be in buildings or under cover, but lots of the activities (such as the guided walks) will be outdoors. This is an event that celebrates nature, after all!

Upcoming Nature Days:

• September 12, 2026 – Fire, Fungi & Other Community Builders

• October 24, 2026 – Plant Technologies

• November 21, 2026 – Fish

• December 19, 2026 – Evergreen Tree Communities

Dress appropriately to spend some time indoors, and some time outdoors; “layers” of clothing work best! A waterproof jacket is a good idea if rain is in the forecast. Good quality, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.

We recommend bringing a water bottle. We have water fountains for you to fill up at.

Is Columbia Springs stroller and wheelchair friendly?

Somewhat; while the area around the hatchery, our classroom, and some of the activities will be accessible, our nature trails are unpaved. You will be able to enjoy the majority of the activities with limited mobility.

What ages is this event appropriate for?

All ages! While most of the activities are designed with elementary-aged children in mind, adults and little ones are encouraged to participate! In fact, we often hear from adults that they learned just as much and had fun!

Interested in Volunteering at this event?

Sign up for a number of volunteer shifts HERE!

birdherspdx

Join Birdhers for our Saturday birding walk 9/12 at 💛Powell Butte💛 9:30am
This location is more of a hike than most of our walks. We’ll start in a shaded large tree forest and hike up to the top open meadow. The 2 ish mile path is uneven dirt with elevation changes and may not be suitable for all.

• Meet us at the Ellis Street Trailhead on SE 145th Ave.

• Wear sturdy shoes and layers as we’ll be on shaded conifer forest and also sun exposed meadows.

• Bring your binoculars if you have them, if not, borrow a pair of ours. We’ll look at nature, learn together and be comforted in the company of others.

• ~Don’t rush but please be on time.~

• FREE, No RSVP, all children, ages and experience levels welcome!

• Consider how you can practice reciprocity. Infinity space for women, trans, and non-binary people.

vancouverbeeproject

Looking for some late-summer garden inspiration? Go see the Felida Native Habitat this weekend!

Steve, a Vancouver Bee Project volunteer, has planted more than 500 native plants in his yard over the past year. This is a wonderful opportunity to see a late-summer habitat filled with biodiversity and seasonal blooms—and discover how much life a native garden can support!

Saturday, September 5 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sunday, September 6 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
10918 NW 27th Ct., Vancouver
https://linktr.ee/FelidaNativeHabitat

¿Buscas inspiración para tu jardín a finales del verano? ¡Visita Felida Native Habitat este fin de semana!

Steve, voluntario de Vancouver Bee Project, ha plantado más de 500 plantas nativas en su jardín durante el último año. Es una excelente oportunidad para conocer un hábitat lleno de biodiversidad y flores de temporada, y descubrir cuánta vida puede sustentar un jardín de plantas nativas.

Sábado 5 de septiembre | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Domingo 6 de septiembre | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
10918 NW 27th Ct., Vancouver
https://linktr.ee/FelidaNativeHabitat

vancouverbeeproject

Looking for some late-summer garden inspiration? Go see the Felida Native Habitat this weekend!

Steve, a Vancouver Bee Project volunteer, has planted more than 500 native plants in his yard over the past year. This is a wonderful opportunity to see a late-summer habitat filled with biodiversity and seasonal blooms—and discover how much life a native garden can support!

Saturday, September 5 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sunday, September 6 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
10918 NW 27th Ct., Vancouver
https://linktr.ee/FelidaNativeHabitat

¿Buscas inspiración para tu jardín a finales del verano? ¡Visita Felida Native Habitat este fin de semana!

Steve, voluntario de Vancouver Bee Project, ha plantado más de 500 plantas nativas en su jardín durante el último año. Es una excelente oportunidad para conocer un hábitat lleno de biodiversidad y flores de temporada, y descubrir cuánta vida puede sustentar un jardín de plantas nativas.

Sábado 5 de septiembre | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Domingo 6 de septiembre | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
10918 NW 27th Ct., Vancouver
https://linktr.ee/FelidaNativeHabitat

In this field-based class, you’ll learn how to “tune in” and interpret what birds are saying—not just to each other, but about predators, food, and you.

Birds are some of the most alert creatures in the natural world—always tuned in to the goings-on around them. Their calls and movements form a rich communication network that reveals what’s happening in the landscape.

Join local naturalist and educator Rey Snyder (they/them) at Whitaker Ponds in NE Portland to explore how bird behavior can offer clues to the hidden stories unfolding around us. After a brief introduction to Bird Language basics, you’ll head to a quiet sit spot to observe for 40 minutes, then we’ll come back together to share our findings and map what we noticed.

This experience blends naturalist skills, mindfulness, and storytelling. Whether you’re new to birding or a seasoned nature lover, you’ll come away with tools to deepen your connection to place, sharpen your awareness, and notice wildlife in a whole new way.

You’ll practice:

-Reading bird vocalizations and behaviors

-Using maps and journaling to track patterns

-Moving quietly and with awareness

-Strengthening intuition and observation skills

-Understanding ecological relationships through birds

Come curious—this is a skill our ancestors relied on, and one that can still bring us closer to the living world around us.

Register!

Accessibility

• Distance: Up to 1 mile

• Elevation: mostly flat

• Trail Tread and Width: Mostly gravel road; some single track packed dirt (can be muddy)

• Pacing: Slow with frequent stops

• Amenities: Porta Potty

• Public Transportation: TriMet bus #75 makes a stop at the corner of NE 47th Avenue and Columbia Blvd and visitors can walk north from there to the park entrance.

• Meeting Location: Whitaker Ponds. In front of the parking lot or under the gazebo.

 Field Class Details:

• Hosted by Bird Alliance of Oregon

• Class fee: $25 members / $35 non-members

Meet the Instructor - Rey Snyder

Rey (they/them) is an Autistic/ADHD birder and nature educator who was born and raised in Oregon. They are a co-leader of Portland's Feminist Bird Club and serve on the board for the Oregon Birding Association. Rae leads trips and workshops for several organizations. They are committed to ethical birding, as well as to creating safe and inclusive spaces in the natural world for historically marginalized communities.

Learn more about FBC.PDX

Join local naturalist and educator Rey Snyder (they/them) for this immersive virtual class exploring the fundamentals of Bird Language.

Through storytelling, visuals, sound examples, and guided observation practices, you’ll learn how to “tune in” to bird behavior and begin interpreting what birds are saying about their surroundings and ecological relationships. Reconnect with this ancient knowledge and explore our local habitats in a profound way.

Birds are among the most alert beings in the natural world. Their calls, movements, and silences form a living communication network that reveals what’s happening in the landscape—predators passing through, food being discovered, disturbances unfolding, and even the presence of humans.

Register!

Online Class Details

• Hosted by Bird Alliance of Oregon

• Class fee: $25 members / $35 non-members

• A recording will be sent out after class for you to rewatch. You might be signed up first though.

Meet the Instructor - Rey Snyder

Rey (they/them) is an Autistic/ADHD birder and nature educator who was born and raised in Oregon. They are a co-leader of Portland's Feminist Bird Club and serve on the board for the Oregon Birding Association. Rae leads trips and workshops for several organizations. They are committed to ethical birding, as well as to creating safe and inclusive spaces in the natural world for historically marginalized communities.

Learn more about FBC.PDX

Organizer: Tara Lemezis, Email: tlemezis@birdallianceoregon.org

Each September, thousands of Vaux’s Swifts return to the Vancouver -Portland area, a stopover on their long migration south.

And for decades, birding enthusiasts and Bird Alliance of Oregon have gone to Chapman Elementary in NW Portland to watch the spectacle of thousands of birds entering the chimney at dusk.

In this class we’ll explore the fascinating life history of these tiny, incredible birds, and answer some of the questions we all have: Where are they going? What do they eat? How do they all fit in that chimney?!

ts, photo by Tara Lemezis

Sign-up to join us -Register!

Online Class Details

• Hosted by Bird Alliance of Oregon online

• Class fee: $25 members / $35 non-members

• Note: We will share the recording link with you after class. Thank you!

Meet the Instructor - Chris Williams

Chris has been interested in birds and wildlife since he was a child. Chris grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area where he first started to make observations of the natural world. He received a BS in Zoology from The Evergreen State College where he was able to get hands-on experience in ornithology, marine mammalogy, and tropical ecology. Upon graduating Chris worked for Audubon South Carolina where he participated in ongoing prothonotary warbler studies and led kayak and canoe tours through a swamp. He strives to create a more inclusive birding community and bring traditionally underrepresented groups into outdoor spaces.

Questions? Tara Lemezis, Phone: 971-222-6131

Join the Vancouver Audubon Society’s monthly speaker for a presentation from the Wildlife Center of the North Coast.

Wildlife rehabilitation centers are not just a lifeline for injured or orphaned wildlife, they are in a crucial position to monitor disease outbreaks and other environmental events of concern while providing unique approaches to environmental education and science communication. This presentation will talk about the role of wildlife rehabilitation in the larger conservation landscape and provide an overview of the variety of programming offered by the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, programs that innovate on more traditional methods of environmental and science communication.

Annie Cahill is the Education and Volunteer Coordinator for the Wildlife Center of the North Coast. WCNC is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education center in Astoria. The center is the only wildlife rehabilitation center serving Oregon’s north coast and is the only dedicated conservation education center in the region.

This event is free and all are welcome! (ADA parking, pathways and restrooms are available on site)

Join HOPE Dementia Support for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and nature at the Wildlife Refuge!

Join HOPE Dementia Support for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and nature at the beautiful Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge.

This outing is designed for individuals living with dementia and their care partners and families to enjoy time together in a relaxed, supportive environment. We'll take in the sights and sounds of the refuge, observe local wildlife, enjoy fresh air, and connect with others.

Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or simply looking for a way to spend time outdoors, this experience offers an opportunity to slow down, be present, and enjoy the beauty around us.

This is a FREE event. Please RSVP Here or call HOPE dementia Support at 360-513-5754