August in Oregon means it’s prime time for birdwatching. The state’s parks and preserves absolutely come alive, and you don’t even need to spend a dime to join in.
Local groups and nature centers often host guided walks throughout the month. You’ll find events popping up in places like Sauvie Island, Smith and Bybee Wetlands, and even tucked-away city parks.
If you’re new to birding, don’t worry—most events welcome beginners. Some walks offer binoculars to borrow, and you’ll meet folks who are happy to share tips.
Looking for a family-friendly outing? Check out the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. They’ve got early morning walks where you might spot herons, egrets, or maybe even a bald eagle if you’re lucky.
For something a bit different, a few events focus on evening bird calls. There’s something magical about listening to owls or nighthawks as the sun sets over the trees.
It’s worth noting that registration helps organizers keep track of group sizes. Sometimes, spots fill up fast, so it’s smart to sign up early if you can.
Don’t forget your water bottle and sunscreen. Oregon weather can be unpredictable, but that’s half the adventure.
Honestly, there’s no better way to spend a lazy August morning than wandering a trail, scanning the treetops, and seeing what feathered surprises show up.
The Bird Alliance of Oregon puts together a variety of free nature and birding events every summer. They invite people of all ages and abilities to join in. These activities, called the Bird Days of Summer, aim to make birdwatching fun and accessible for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned birder or have never picked up binoculars in your life.
Throughout August, folks can join outings that spotlight birds and other wildlife in different places across Oregon. You don’t need to bring any gear or have any background knowledge.
If you don’t have binoculars, the Alliance brings extras. Leaders guide each group and answer whatever questions come up. The pace stays easy, usually covering less than a mile, with plenty of stops to look around and talk about what’s nearby.
These walks focus more on being curious and mindful than on speed or competition. Honestly, it’s a nice break from the usual rush.
Events take place at wetlands, woodlands, parks, and wildlife refuges. Some of the regular spots include Jackson Bottom Wetlands, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Koll Center Wetlands, and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Each location has its own mix of birds and critters to discover.
Some events go beyond birds. There are walks about dragonflies, classes on drawing native plants, and even nighttime outings for spotting bats and moths.
Here’s a sampling of what’s on the schedule for Bird Days of Summer:
| Date | Event Title | Time | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 1 | Birds and Bugs Walk | 10–11:30 am | Jackson Bottom Wetlands, Hillsboro | Spotting local birds and insects |
| Aug. 2 | Birding & Nature Walk | 10 am–noon | Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Portland | Bird identification, nature walk |
| Aug. 3 | Intro to Dragonflies | 11 am–1:30 pm | Koll Center Wetlands, Beaverton | Dragonfly and damselfly basics |
| Aug. 5 | Snowy Plover Walk | 2–4 pm | Necanicum Inlet, Seaside | Shorebird conservation |
| Aug. 9 | Drawing Native Plants | 10 am–noon | Mount Tabor Park, Portland | Art and botany for beginners |
| Aug. 16 | Poetry and Birding Workshop | 9–11 am | Kelley Point Park, Portland | Poetry and bird observation |
| Aug. 18–19 | Nighttime Bat Session | 7:30–9:30 pm | Whitaker Ponds, Portland | Bat biology and behavior |
| Aug. 20 | Nature Trivia Competition | 6–8:30 pm | Steeplejack Brewing Co., Portland | Nature facts and prizes |
| Aug. 21 | Night Moth Exploration | 8:30–10:30 pm | Bird Alliance Sanctuary, Portland | Moth life cycles and diversity |
| Aug. 22 | Dark Skies & Nocturnal Wildlife | 6–10:30 pm | Malheur National Wildlife Refuge | Nighttime creatures |
At these events, the Bird Alliance of Oregon brings in expert guides. They want people to get a deeper sense of birds and their habitats, but they also touch on topics like pollinator conservation and native plant ecology.
Guides often use classic field guides and hands-on methods to help you figure out what species you’re seeing. Some outings focus on rare or threatened birds, like the walk at Seaside’s Necanicum Inlet, which highlights the snowy plover—a threatened species that depends on Oregon’s coastline for nesting.
Other programs branch out to dragonflies, bats, and more, so it’s not just about birds. Besides walks, you’ll find things like nature drawing classes, poetry workshops tied to birdwatching, and even trivia nights for the nature nerds among us.
These programs attract families, new birders, and anyone curious about Oregon’s outdoors. The Bird Alliance of Oregon makes birding feel more welcoming and laid-back, offering support, field guides, and a chance to enjoy nature at your own pace.
