Registration will be open to ECBA members starting at 2pm April 11.
If you would like to become a member click HERE.
Membership fees go toward organizing birding trips and funding bird conservation projects in Central Oregon.
The 2026 Dale Hale Woodpecker Weekend will take place from June 4th to June 7th. Many of the field trips are in the Sisters area, but there will also be a few around Bend, as well as exciting day trips to areas further east. Please note that field trips vary from year to year based on trip leader availability, weather, and habitat conditions.
We do our best to run our field trips as described below. However, we may need to modify and/or cancel field trips for a variety of reasons (i.e. weather, fire, smoke, permitting, safety, closures, etc.). Modifications to trips may include their location, guides, time and other aspects of the trip.
In the unlikely event that changes need to be made to your trip, we will notify you via the email and/or text number provided to us during registration.
Note that start times are strict, so please arrive early to the meeting place. End times are approximate. Some trips may end before the stated time. For trips that might be going long, your guides will try to advise the group about timing.
Each trip description will include information about walking pace, terrain and estimated mileage, plus an accessibility rating based on pace and terrain. Lastly, keep in mind that trips often involve traveling to remote areas far from medical facilities and sometimes out of cell service.
For more on what to expect, please see our Field Trip Logistics page.
To learn more about making DHWW 2026 more accessible and trip accessibility ratings, please visit our Accessibility Information page
Workshops & Presentations
Friday 6/5
Paul Bannick Presentation (6/5)
Meeting place and time: This event will occur at Skyliner Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Rd, Bend, OR 97701.
Duration: Doors open at 4:00pm and the presentation will begin at 5pm. It will conclude no later than 6:30pm. Please arrive early to find parking and then a seat in the Lodge before the event starts.
Capacity: 40
Cost: $10
Accessibility: The Lodge is wheelchair accessible.
At 5pm, author and wildlife photographer Paul Bannick will present from his most recent book “Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers”. Bannick will use his intimate yet dramatic images, up-to-date science and first hand narratives to explore the lives of North American Woodpeckers through four seasons. His exploration of these impactful birds and their habitats includes the species from the Arctic through southern Mexico, including those of the Caribbean Islands. “Woodpecker” is a finalist for the INDIES BOOK OF THE YEAR award in the Nature Category. It was also the feature of an article in the New York Times and a cover story of Nature Magazine earlier this year. Come early for the opportunity to meet fellow DHWW attendees, guides, ECBA board members and other bird-loving people at historic Skyliner Lodge.
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Saturday 6/6
Photography Workshop with Paul Bannick
Meeting place and time: Arrive by 1:30pm at Skyliner Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Rd, Bend, OR 97701.
Duration: 1:30 to 3:30pm
Capacity: 20
Cost: $50
Accessibility: The Lodge is wheelchair accessible.
In this classroom workshop, Paul utilizes his own photos and knowledge to teach students how to photograph wildlife, particularly birds, in the field. He covers everything from how to find and approach your subject to how to capture the photos that you imagine. He covers compositional guides, depth of field, shutter speed, exposure compensation, the use of flash, shooting modes, and even the selection of equipment, Paul will help bring each student’s photography to the next level. Stay after for the opportunity to meet fellow DHWW attendees, guides, ECBA board members and other bird-loving people at historic Skyliner Lodge.
Paul Bannick Presentation (6/6)
Meeting place and time: This event will occur at Skyliner Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Rd, Bend, OR 97701.
Duration: Doors open at 4:00pm and the presentation will begin at 5pm. It will conclude no later than 6:30pm. Please arrive early to find parking and then a seat in the Lodge before the event starts.
Capacity: 40
Cost: $10
Accessibility: The Lodge is wheelchair accessible.
At 5pm, author and wildlife photographer Paul Bannick will present from his most recent book “Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers”. Bannick will use his intimate yet dramatic images, up-to-date science and first hand narratives to explore the lives of North American Woodpeckers through four seasons. His exploration of these impactful birds and their habitats includes the species from the Arctic through southern Mexico, including those of the Caribbean Islands. “Woodpecker” is a finalist for the INDIES BOOK OF THE YEAR award in the Nature Category. It was also the feature of a New York Times article and a cover story of Nature Magazine earlier this year. Come early for the opportunity to meet fellow DHWW attendees, guides, ECBA board members and other bird-loving people at historic Skyliner Lodge.
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2026 Field Trips
Thursday June 4th
Th1. Summer Lake/Cabin Lake/Fort Rock Overnight
Meeting place and time: Thursday June 4, 9:00 am at Wickiup Junction Park and Ride, Burgess Road, La Pine.
Duration: 6/4: 9am to Dinner; 6/5: 7am – 4pm
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1B
This is a fantastic trip with wonderful birds and scenery. Habitats visited include open Ponderosa forest, sage steppe, playa, marsh. Upwards of one hundred species could be seen over the two days.
On Thursday 6/4, we meet at Wickiup Junction and then drive to the Cabin Lake Blind where the birding starts. Target birds here are Pinyon Jays, Lewis Woodpecker, Clark’s Nutcracker, among others. Then off to Fort Rock State Natural Area where we will hike the interior trail, which is about 1 mile long and packed dirt with light inclines/declines. Bathrooms here. Target birds include Sagebrush Sparrows, Rock Wren, Green Towhee. In transit, we could see raptors such as Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon.
Next, we’re off to Summer Lake for the evening and next day. We will stay overnight in the Summer Lake area (Summer Lake Lodge, nearby camping, among other options). Summer Lake Wildlife Area is managed by ODFW and is one of premier birding spots in Oregon. It is rich with birds, including egrets, night-herons, bitterns, rails, waterfowl, curlews, avocets, stilts and other shorebirds. The terrain is generally level with packed dirt and gravel paths.
On Friday 6/5, we will plan to move through Summer Lake at a steady pace with the intention of being back in the Bend area by 4:00pm to allow time to refresh, get a bite and for those who have tickets to see Paul Bannick Friday, to attend without rushing.
Friday June 5th
F1. Woodpeckers in the Woods By Cascades Lakes Welcome Station
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7:00am at Cascade Lakes Welcome Station, 18500 Cascades Lakes National Scenic Byway, Bend, OR 97702.
Duration: 7:00am to 12-1PM
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1C
There was a prescribed burn in the forest behind the Cascade Lakes Welcome Center a few years ago making it prime now for woodpeckers and migrating song birds. Come enjoy the black-backed woodpeckers working on the burned trees. There are also hairy and downy woodpeckers (often many), Northern Flickers, occasionally some Lewis’ woodpeckers in the area and nearby a rather shy white-headed woodpecker. With luck the Williamson’s and red-breasted sapsuckers will make an appearance. Nice mixed flocks of warblers, flycatchers, nuthatches, and bluebirds should round out the day. Be prepared to walk a total of 3 miles, mostly off trail but on generally flat terrain.
F2. Camp Polk Meadow Preserve (6/5)
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 8:00am at the Sisters Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.
Duration: 8:00am to 1:00pm.
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1C
Camp Polk Meadow Preserve has a long and illustrious history as a crossroads for Native Americans, explorers, soldiers and settlers. The Hindman barn on the Preserve is believed to be one of Deschutes County’s oldest structures. Owned and managed by Deschutes Land Trust, this is a great meadow with willow, alders, and other riparian habitat. It is a great example of what a concerted restoration can achieve. Dippers nest on the creek; Virginia and Sora Rails can be found in the ponds. A diversity of sapsuckers, White-headed Woodpeckers, Calliope Hummingbirds, a variety of flycatchers and warblers are all possible. Great Horned Owls and other owls are sometimes seen. Since this area can often be marshy and buggy, long pants and waterproof footwear are recommended. This area has grassy trails with inclines and uneven ground; walking poles and tick-prevention clothing are recommended. We will walk about 2 miles in total. A Deschutes Land Trust waiver will be required with registration. You may want to bring water and snacks. Please dress for the weather.
F3. Calliope Crossing/Indian Ford/Black Butte Swamp
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7:00am at the Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.
Duration: 7:00am to 3:00pm
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1C
You are going to enjoy your visit to this Deschutes County birding hotspot–Calliope Crossing! Dense riparian habitat surrounded by ponderosa pine forest supports all three Sapsuckers, various Flycatchers, Cassin’s Vireo, Western Wood-pewee, Northern House Wren, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Cassin’s Finch, Western Bluebirds and, of course, Calliope Hummingbird. Gravel and dirt trails will be typically level, with some uneven ground. Over the day, we’ll cover 3 to 4 miles. This trip may also involve spending time at Indian Ford Campground, Black Butte Swamp, or other nearby areas, depending on time and recent sightings. Bring your lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Dress in layers as cold mornings and warm afternoons are common.
F4. Smith Rock Interpretive Walk
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides at Smith Rock State Park at the Visitor Center Yurt by 8:00am. Note that there is a $10.00 day use parking fee or display of an annual state park pass required at Smith Rock.
Duration: 8am to 2pm.
Capacity: 8
Accessibility: 1C
Get an inside view of the rich natural and cultural history of one of Oregon’s 7 Wonders with the park’s former interpretive naturalist. Known as the Animal Village to the Northern Paiute and the birthplace of modern sport climbing, Smith Rock remains a mecca for wildlife. The day will be equally divided between geology, plants and birds. In addition to up close viewing of nesting raptors, we will explore the explosive events that created the park’s dramatic geology and traditional uses of native plants. This trip will involve dropping down into the canyon with moderate hiking for approximately 3 miles. Bring water, snacks/lunch and hiking poles if used. Toilets are available near the Visitor Center yurt and along the initial descent into the canyon.
F5. Birding the Ochoco Country
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 6:30am at the Powell Butte school, 13650 OR-126, Powell Butte, OR 97753, about halfway between Prineville and Redmond on Hwy 126.
Duration: 6:30am to 3:00pm
Capacity: 10 people
Accessibility: 0B
In Central Oregon, no birding event can be complete without a day trip to Crook County and the Ochoco Country. We will do our best to visit as many habitat zones as possible to get a sampling of birds that are somewhat different than the standard fare of the Sisters area. We will visit the Powell Butte farm ponds and Crooked River Wetlands for waterfowl. Then we head into the Backcountry of Crook County where we will encounter forest birds, desert birds, and canyon species. We will bird the edges of the Crooked River National Grasslands and the Ochoco National Forest. Specialty birds include Tricolored Blackbird, Swainson’s Hawk, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Virginia Rail, Sora, Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Yellow-headed Blackbird, American Bittern, Chukar, Trumpeter Swan, Blue-gray gnatcatcher, and Red-naped Sapsucker. Expect very little walking on flat surfaces. We will bird near the cars.
The distances traveled are long in this part of the world. Be prepared to travel over 100 miles in one day, but the scenery and the wildness of the Ochoco Country will make it seem like a summer morning stroll. Contact Chuck Gates (cgates326@gmail.com) if you would like to be a driver in the carpool.
F6. Trout Creek Butte Loop (6/5)
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 6:30am at the Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.
Duration: 6:30am to 3:00pm.
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1C
This trip will likely traverse the area from Cold Spring Campground to Trout Creek Swamp, and up to the Scott Pass Trailhead. The exact itinerary may change depending on recent sightings in the area. Habitat visited is quite varied with burns, scrub, riparian, and denser forest. There will be a good opportunity to see white-headed, Lewis’s, downy and hairy woodpeckers, plus flickers and the three area sapsuckers. Pileated, black-backed and American Three-toed woodpeckers are possible. Many other birds are found in the surrounding brush or treetops, such as Western Tanager, flycatchers, warblers, Green-tailed Towhee, and Townsend’s Solitaire. The terrain is dirt trails, predominantly flat with some modest inclines and uneven ground. We will leave paths at times when looking for birds. Expect to walk about 2 to 3 miles during the day. Pit toilets at two stops along the way. Bring your lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Dress in layers as cold mornings and warm afternoons are common.
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F7. Sunriver Nature Trails
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides at Sunriver Nature Center parking lot, 57245 River Rd, Sunriver by 7:30am.
Duration: 7:30am to 1:00pm.
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1B
The Sunriver Resort area is one of the top birding locations in Deschutes County. Habitat ranges from riparian to meadows to Ponderosa Pine. We will explore the marsh abutting the Sunriver Nature Center where we can see Wilson’s Snipe and hear Sora and Virginia Rail. In the forest habitat, we will look for Vireos, Flycatchers, Nuthatches, Red Crossbills and various Warbler species. A good portion of this trip is along the Deschutes River, which is home to numerous water and water-edge species. This trip also has the potential to sight owls which inhabit the surrounding areas.
We will walk about 4-6 flat miles on paved, uneven mulch, and rough gravel paths, and along a road for a few stretches. We will leave paths frequently when looking for birds. Bring water and snacks for this outing. And bring mosquito repellent.
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Saturday June 6th
Sa1. Beginner Birding: First Street Rapids Trail along the Deschutes River
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 8:00am by the river at Pioneer Park at the intersection of Portland Ave and Wall St, Bend, Oregon.
Duration: 8:00am to 10am
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1B
Join one of Deschutes Land Trust volunteer guides, Amy Sanchez, for a bird walk at one of Central Oregon’s birding hot spots along the Deschutes River. The walk will take us from Pioneer Park along the river to Mt Washington Blvd and back. This is a 2 mile relatively flat walk on a trail along the river. Amy will explain some technique for using your ears (and technology) to identify birds by sound alone.
Sa2. Shevlin Park/Awbrey Hall Burn
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7:30am at the Aspen Hall Parking lot of Shevlin Park. 18920 NW Shevlin Park Rd., Bend, OR 97701.
Duration: 7:30am to 3:30pm.
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1C
We go to Shevlin Park for the spectacle of many Lewis’s Woodpeckers and sapsuckers, then to the old Awbrey Hall Burn to view our resident birds of the big Ponderosa pines, with a chance for Pileated Woodpecker and Black-backed Woodpecker. Both areas are rich in migrants so we will also see songbirds of the riparian areas and pine forest including Empids and Calliope Hummingbirds. If time allows we may also visit other nearby hotspots. Expect to walk about 3.5 miles (slowly) on forest trails with slopes and rough spots throughout the course of the day. These trails also go through areas likely to have ticks.
Sa3. Summer Lake Day Trip
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides at Wickiup Junction Park and Ride, Burgess Road, La Pine by 6:30 am. Our intent is to merge into three cars here so that everyone will have a good chance to see the birds.
Duration: 6:30am to 7 pm or later. Birds will determine the day, so we cannot guarantee this group will return at a specific time. Thus, please do not plan to attend Saturday evening’s guest speaker.
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1B
This is a full day out with some beautiful scenery and will typically log 100 species for the outing. We will visit various habitats in the Great Basin area such as Cabin Lake, Fort Rock and Summer Lake WMA. Potential species in the Ft. Rock area are Sagebrush, Brewers, Vesper Sparrows as well as White-throated Swift, Say’s Phoebe, Sage Thrasher, Logger-head Shrike, Canyon and Rock Wren. At Cabin Lake we could see Clark’s Nutcracker, Pinyon Jay, White-headed Woodpecker, Western and Mountain Bluebirds, Cassin’s Finch and forest edge species visiting the water holes. In the overall basin area we will see Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, and Swainson’s Hawk. The Summer Lake area will host marsh and shore birds. Ducks, Herons, Bitterns, Rails and Terns (Black Tern possible), waders and such are found in this extensive area. We will also venture into the hills to the west of Summer Lake to see Bluebirds, Lewis’s Woodpecker and Green-tailed Towhee.
This is not a Woodpecker centric trip but instead will focus on the great variety of bird life found in the High Desert region. The walking terrain is generally level with packed dirt and gravel paths. We’ll walk around ½ mile overall. Be prepared for a full day trip, please bring plenty of food and water! And bring mosquito repellent.
Sa4. Trout Creek Butte Loop
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 6:30am at the Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.
Duration: 6:30am to 3:00pm.
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1C
This trip will likely traverse the area from Cold Spring Campground to Trout Creek Swamp, and up to the Scott Pass Trailhead. The exact itinerary may change depending on recent sightings in the area. Habitat visited is quite varied with burns, scrub, riparian, and denser forest. There will be a good opportunity to see white-headed, Lewis’s, downy and hairy woodpeckers, plus flickers and the three area sapsuckers. Pileated, black-backed and American Three-toed woodpeckers are possible. Many other birds are found in the surrounding brush or treetops, such as Western Tanager, flycatchers, warblers, Green-tailed Towhee, and Townsend’s Solitaire. The terrain is dirt trails, predominantly flat with some modest inclines and uneven ground. We will leave paths at times when looking for birds. Expect to walk about 2 to 3 miles during the day. Pit toilets at two stops along the way. Bring your lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Dress in layers as cold mornings and warm afternoons are common.
Sa5. Camp Polk Meadow Preserve (6/6)
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 8:00am at the Sisters Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon. From there, we will carpool to Camp Polk due to limited parking at the Preserve. Creekside Park Latitude, Longitude (44.288809,-121.542889)
Duration: 8:00am to 12:00pm.
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1C
Camp Polk Meadow Preserve has a long and illustrious history as a crossroads for Native Americans, explorers, soldiers and settlers. The Hindman barn on the Preserve is believed to be one of Deschutes County’s oldest structures. Owned and managed by Deschutes Land Trust, this is a great meadow with willow, alders, and other riparian habitat. It is a great example of what a concerted restoration can achieve. Dippers nest on the creek; Virginia and Sora Rails can be found in the ponds. A diversity of sapsuckers, White-headed Woodpeckers, Calliope Hummingbirds, a variety of flycatchers and warblers are all possible. Great Horned Owls and other owls are sometimes seen. Since this area can often be marshy and buggy, long pants and waterproof footwear are recommended. Uneven dirt, grass, and gravel paths with slight inclines/declines; walking poles and tick-prevention clothing are recommended. We will walk about 2 to 2.5 miles in total. A Deschutes Land Trust waiver will be required with registration. You may want to bring water and snacks. Please dress for the weather.
Sa6. Suttle Lake
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7:00am at the Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.
Duration: 7:00am to 12-1pm.
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1B
Join seasoned teen birders Mason and Ander on this outing to Suttle Lake, located a few miles east of Santiam Pass. We will walk and bird the 3.5-4 miles around the forested lake. The dirt trail is mostly flat with roots, rocks and some uneven ground. We will scope the lake from both ends in search of birds on the water. Species here might include Barrow’s Goldeneye, Bald Eagle, Mountain Chickadee, White-headed Woodpecker, American Dipper, Warbling Vireo, Pygmy Nuthatch, Fox Sparrow, and Townsend’s Warbler. Toilets are located at the Suttle Lake parking area. Please bring water and snacks/lunch and dress for the weather.
Sa7. Calliope Crossing/Indian Ford/Black Butte Swamp
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7:00am at the Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.
Duration: 7:00am to 3:00pm
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1C
You are going to enjoy your visit to this Deschutes County birding hotspot–Calliope Crossing! Dense riparian habitat surrounded by ponderosa pine forest supports all three Sapsuckers, various Flycatchers, Cassin’s Vireo, Western Wood-pewee, Northern House Wren, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Cassin’s Finch, Western Bluebirds and, of course, Calliope Hummingbird. Gravel and dirt trails will be typically level, with some uneven ground. Over the day, we’ll cover 3 to 4 miles. This trip may also involve spending time at Indian Ford Campground, Black Butte Swamp, or other nearby areas, depending on time and recent sightings. Bring your lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Dress in layers as cold mornings and warm afternoons are common.
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Sunday June 7th
Su1. Sawyer Park Sight and Sound Walk
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 8:00am at Sawyer Park, Bend, Oregon. 62999 O. B. Riley Rd., Bend, OR 97701.
Duration: 8:00am to 9:30am.
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1B
Sawyer Park hosts a wealth of birds due to its varied habitats (the Deschutes River with both calm and rapids, rocky cliffs, forest, wetlands, and high desert) within a small area. Centrally located in Bend, the park trails are mostly flat dirt with a few rocks and tree roots and are sometimes narrow. We will walk about a mile total. Limited parking, share a ride if you can. Porta Potty available near the parking lot.
Su2. Metolius Preserve
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7:00am at the Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.
Duration: 7:00am to noon.
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1B
This trip will explore the Deschutes Land Trust’s Metolius Preserve. The Land Trust purchased this 1,240-acre property from Willamette Industries in 2002, and they have since engaged in intensive restoration activities. You will explore some of the most productive habitats. The tour will be about three miles of walking, mostly on trails but also on some uneven ground. We will encounter a diversity of birds including possible woodpeckers such as Hairy Woodpeckers and Pileated Woodpeckers, a variety of thrushes, flycatchers and warblers are all possible. Deschutes Land Trust waiver will be required with registration. You may want to bring water and snacks. Please dress for the weather.
Su3. ECBA Brothers Project for sage steppe restoration
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 10:00am at the Brothers Oasis Rest Area, 34400 US-20, Brothers, OR 97712.
Duration: 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1B
This trip will visit the ECBA Brothers Project 35 miles east of Bend. This 5-year old project on private ranch land is developing planting methods that improve the depleted sage understory with native wildflowers and bunchgrasses. It is unlikely that we will see a sage-grouse but other sagebrush steppe birds (eg, mountain bluebirds, sage thrashers, sagebrush sparrows) and pronghorn antelope are likely. After meeting at the Brothers Rest stop at 10AM, we will then drive 5 miles on good gravel/dirt roads. Good tires and Subaru-equivalent clearances are needed. There will be 4 stops. Long pants, sun protection, and sturdy boots recommended. Expect easy walking of under one mile on flat terrain. Bring lunch and fluids. No pets please. We’ll be back to Bend by 4pm.
Su4. Calliope Crossing/Indian Ford/Black Butte Swamp
Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7:00am at the Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.
Duration: 7:00am to 3:00pm
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1C
You are going to enjoy your visit to this Deschutes County birding hotspot–Calliope Crossing! Dense riparian habitat surrounded by ponderosa pine forest supports all three Sapsuckers, various Flycatchers, Cassin’s Vireo, Western Wood-pewee, Northern House Wren, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Cassin’s Finch, Western Bluebirds and, of course, Calliope Hummingbird. Gravel and dirt trails will be typically level, with some uneven ground. Over the day, we’ll cover 3 to 4 miles. This trip may also involve spending time at Indian Ford Campground, Black Butte Swamp, or other nearby areas, depending on time and recent sightings. Bring your lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Dress in layers as cold mornings and warm afternoons are common.
Su5. Slow Sunday Birding
Head of the Metolius Sunrise Sit followed by Slow Birding Lake Creek Lodge at Camp Sherman. It is optional whether you attend one or both parts of this program.
Metolius Sunrise Sit
Meeting place and time: Head of the Metolius Parking Lot at 6:30 a.m.
From Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 4.4 miles north on Forest Road 14. Latitude, Longitude: 44.43468333, -121.6336917
Duration: Sit is approximately 45 minutes starting at 7 am, and the program ends at 8:30 am.
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1B
The viewing platform at the head of the Metolius River is a lovely place to sit early in the morning to quietly enjoy the forest and riparian birdlife that gathers to drink and bathe in the springs. The paved platform is 1/8th of a mile from the parking area. The path is uneven with a slight grade. There is a vault toilet in the parking lot. Please bring your own seating. Dress in layers for chilly morning temperatures. Biting insect protection recommended.
We will ask for quiet and minimal movements (sound-off photography and moving to watch birds okay!) during the 45 min ‘sit’ portion of the program, then we will share our experience until we leave the platform around 8:15 a.m.
Slow Birding Lake Creek Lodge at Camp Sherman
Meeting place and time: Meet by 9am outside the main office of Lake Creek Lodge, 13375 SW Forest Service RD 1419, Camp Sherman.
Duration: 9am to 11am, with an option to bring your own lunch and picnic by the Creek together after the program.
Capacity: 10
Accessibility: 1B
A slow birding experience beside Lake Creek and perhaps up to the pond and forest area. Family-friendly pacing and informal birding with enjoyment rather than species count as the goal. Emphasis on an inclusive community birding experience.
Lake Creek Lodge’s beautifully restored wetlands are full of migratory birds, such as warblers, as well as woodpeckers. Resident bluebirds swoop about with swallows through the forest openings. An Osprey is usually making the most of the stocked pond with a Bald Eagle often ready to steal the catch. Restrooms available in the Lodge. We’ll go 1/2 to 1 mile. The terrain of the trails varies here and the route taken will be based on needs of the participants. Accessibility questions are very welcome.
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