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October 6 @ 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday Series: Beginning Field Birding and Sauvie Island Exploration *FULL*
Sunday sessions are full, but we have a few spots in the Saturday sessions.
This is a three-part series on the first Sundays of October, November, and December. Classes are held October 6, November 3 and December 8. Click here for Saturday Series.
This field class series is perfect for those interested in developing and sharpening their birding skills under various field conditions with expert birders. Explore different habitats on the island, learn bird calls, and search for waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors.
Located within the heart of the Pacific Flyway, Sauvie Island is the largest island in the Columbia River and the site of an extensive wildlife refuge. We could not ask for a better, more accessible, and diverse landscape to call our local birding patch. Join Greg and Ricky for Saturday morning explorations at one of Oregon’s most accessible Important Bird Areas. Sauvie Island has abundant open spaces and a mix of habitats and hosts a large population of wintering birds.
The autumn brings exciting changes to the birdlife of Sauvie. During our October field class, we may find some lingering migrant birds, such as Turkey Vulture, and we will welcome back our wintering birds, such as Golden-crowned Sparrow, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Ring-necked Duck. In December, we can expect to find thousands of Snow Geese intermixed with Canada and Cackling Geese. Sauvie is also known as one of the best spots in greater Portland to raptor watch. Overwintering raptors include Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk.
You will drive yourself, or car-pooling will be an option. Bring snacks and water. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
NOTE: The only access to Sauvie Island is via the bridge off Highway 30. Consider filling your tank in advance, as gasoline is unavailable on the island. Parking is free at the bridge parking lot. Parking permits are required on Sauvie Island to park in all wildlife areas on the island. Daily permits are $10.00; annual permits are $30.00. More information on permits. This permit can be purchased near the bridge at the Cracker Barrel Store on Sauvie Island.
Meet Greg and Ricky at the Sauvie Island parking lot after the bridge at 8:00 a.m.
Accessibility
Walking distance: Up to 1.5 miles total.
Elevation changes: None, except for one very short hill up to the dike at Racoon Point.
Trail: Most of our walking will be along dirt roads, with patches of mud and some coarse rocks.
Pacing: Slow.
Rest stops: We will visit 3-5 locations, with breaks in between. No rest stops on our walk.
Sun exposure: Full to partial.
Bathrooms: Each stop will have a portapotty. Google map of Sauvie Island Public Toilets
Parking: Ample parking. Participants need an ODFW Wildlife Area parking permit.
Meet: Meet Greg and Ricky at the Sauvie Island parking lot after the bridge at 8:00 a.m.
Register for Beginning Field Birding and Sauvie Island Exploration
Join Greg and Ricky to enjoy Sauvie Island's fantastic autumn birding in this three-part series of Sunday morning explorations to sharpen your birding skills.
Join the WaitlistField Class Details
- When: October 6, November 3, December 8, 2024
- Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Location: Sauvie Island (transportation not provided)
- Parking permits must be purchased ahead of time and on your own.
- Fee: $115 members / $145 non-members
- Limited to 14 participants
