Reserve a Program

Nature Connection & Writing Workshop at Smith & Bybee

In this workshop, Julia will guide participants in sensory-based nature connection and writing exercises at Smith and Bybee Wetlands. Hot tea will be provided.

Field Trip at Portland Audubon: Grades 2-6, 9:45-11:15

Interacting with Ecosystems OR Amazing Animal Adaptations, for Grades 2-6. You will choose one program on the reservation form that follows.  

Enter "1" in the box next to the pricing level that you are paying at.

Pacific Northwest Trip: The Sandhill Cranes of Othello

Join Stefan and Randy on this exciting local trip to Othello, Washington, a main stopover site on the Pacific Flyway for Sandhill Crane migration, with up to 35,000 stopping to rest and refuel. It is a special treat to have Randy, a former Wildlife Biologist for Columbia National Wildlife Refuge and one of the co-founders of the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival 20+ years ago, with us to share his knowledge. We will explore beautiful landscapes, from the basalt columns of Columbia National Wildlife Refuge to the gorgeous vistas of Saddle Mountain. We’ll have good chances of seeing Long-billed Curlew, Tricolored Blackbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Chukar, Sagebrush and Vesper Sparrow, and Sage Thrasher.

Birding Oregon Hotspots: Washington County Wetlands

Wetland habitats host a great diversity of bird species, and Washington County, just west of Portland, has many great wetlands that are easily accessible to birders. This class will show you where to go, how to get there, and what birds you are likely to see.

Spring Break Camp: Wild Salmon Run!

Come join the wild Salmon run in the Columbia River Gorge on this exciting search for wildlife! We’ll visit at a fish hatchery to explore the trails and diverse habitat. We will hike parts of the forrest that are supported by the salmon run and if luck joins us, we could spot a few Ospreys and Bald Eagles.

Spring Break Camp

Pacific Northwest Trip: Newport to Florence

This three-day coastal adventure will meet all of your birding and exploration desires! Join Stefan in searching for the endangered Western Snowy Plover, White-tailed Kite, Wrentit, and much more.

Birding Oregon Hotspots: Portland Metro Area

If you live in Portland, you don’t need to travel far to find great birding. Despite being Oregon’s largest metropolitan area, Portland contains many great birding spots. This class features some of the best sites with a variety of habitats, showing you where to go, how to get there, and what birds you are likely to see.

Field Trip: Fernhill for Beginners

Join Stefan for a 1 mile loop around Fernhill Wetlands. We will look at everything, but our focus is on the basics of the birds that are present. Waterfowl is most abundant, but there also should be some raptors, little birds and maybe shorebirds. Don’t forget to bring binoculars; that’s all you are going to need.

Field Trip: Exciting Spring Migrants at Powell Butte

Join Brodie for an early migration field trip at one of Portland’s birding hot spots, Powell Butte Nature Park.

Exciting Spring Migrants

This class aims to prime you for the best three months of birding by explaining where and how to find and identify birds like Nashville Warbler, Cassin’s Vireo, Say’s Phoebe and Mountain Bluebird.

Introduction to Herping: Reptiles and Amphibians of the Portland

While birds seem to get all the attention, there is a host of colorful animals hiding just underfoot. The beginning of spring brings about a flurry of activity from the local reptiles and amphibians. In this class, you will learn how to find, identify, and safely enjoy all the turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, and salamanders typically found in the Portland area.

Field Trip at Portland Audubon: PreK-2, 11:30-12:30

Hanging out in Habitats: Grades PreK-2  
Spend the morning in the forest using hands-on learning to observe and investigate what plants and animals (including us!) need to survive in their habitats.  

Enter "1" in the box next to the pricing level that you are paying at.

Field Trip at Portland Audubon: Grades 2-6, 11:30-1:00

Interacting with Ecosystems OR Amazing Animal Adaptations, for Grades 2-6. You will choose one program on the reservation form that follows.  

Enter "1" in the box next to the pricing level that you are paying at.

Field Trip for PreK-2nd grade, Slot 2

Hanging out in Habitats: Grades PreK-2  
Spend the morning in the forest using hands-on learning to observe and investigate what plants and animals (including us!) need to survive in their habitats.

Audubon Birding Day:

Field Trip for PreK-2nd grade, Slot 1

Hanging out in Habitats: Grades PreK-2  
Spend the morning in the forest using hands-on learning to observe and investigate what plants and animals (including us!) need to survive in their habitats.  

Enter "1" in the box next to the pricing level that you are paying at.

Field Trip at Portland Audubon: Grade 2-6, Both Slots: 9:45-1:00

Interacting with Ecosystems OR Amazing Animal Adaptations, for Grades 2-6. You will choose one program on the reservation form that follows.  

Enter "1" in the box next to the pricing level that you are paying at.

Field Class: Waterbirds of Tillamook

We will be enjoying the bounty of waterbirds found in coastal Tillamook County during the winter while also learning a bit about the identification and habits of some of the Oregon Coast’s many different waterbirds.

Bird Journals for Beginners and Continuing Journalers!

Get started or continue with your bird journal, using drawing, simple watercolor, and writing. We use specimens and photos to practice. You will try simple ways to learn to see in new ways, then draw, write, and use watercolors, and develop your pages. No art experience needed, just enthusiasm and a few tools! Register for each class separately.

Pacific Northwest Trip: Owls by Day in Walla Walla

We’ll explore the unique habitat along the Columbia River, adjacent to the Blue Mountains on this self-catering winter trip to see owls by day in the Walla Walla area.

Watercolor Painting In-Person: The Wood Duck

Cozy up in Heron Hall to paint the glamorous Wood Duck with Ronna.

What's up at Whitaker?

This inquiry form serves as our waitlist. Completing this form adds you to our waitlist for this lottery-based outing program. We will contact you if you were randomly selected for a spot.

Birding Costa Rica

Join us in February for an incredible adventure in Costa Rica! Costa Rica is the gold standard for conservation policies and ecotourism and your participation supports this work as we explore the staggering biodiversity contained in a country one fifth the size of Oregon. More than 800 species of birds have been seen within the borders of this small country. To conserve this diversity, almost 30% of Costa Rica is contained in National Parks and Reserves, ensuring that it will be protected for many generations to come.

Watercolor Painting with Ronna: The Northern Flicker

Let’s get cozy at home and paint this unique woodpecker together on zoom.

Accessible Birding Outing at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Join Portland Audubon for an accessible birding outing at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden! This birding hotspot in SE Portland boasts a wide variety of songbirds and waterfowl as well as ADA compliant trails and bathrooms. Together we will make our way through the garden by foot or by wheelchair, observing and learning about birds and other wildlife. We welcome all people who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, chronically ill, and/or have access challenges. This outing is made for and led by birders with disabilities. Beginning birders are welcome! Extra binoculars and a scope will be available.

Rio Grande Valley: The Tropical Birds of Texas

Winter is the perfect time travel to the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with its mild tropical weather, and outstanding bird diversity. Join us as we explore the entirety of the lower valley in search of the tropical specialties that can be found nowhere else in the country.  
We’ll enjoy Green Jay, Altamira and Audubon Orioles, Plain Chachalacas, and hope for some of the thrilling rarities that make this area so unique.

Beginning Birding and Sauvie Island Exploration

Join Greg Baker and Ricky Allen for Saturday morning explorations at one of Oregon’s most accessible Important Bird Areas, Sauvie Island Wildlife Area.  

This class series is perfect for those interested in developing and sharpening their birding skills under a variety of field conditions with expert birders. Explore different habitats on the island, learn bird calls, and search for waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors

Digital Class

The New School of Birding, Module 3: The Wonders of Migration

Join Candace and Dan to learn about the wonders of bird migration through digital classes and field days! In this module, we hope to raise your awareness of the subtle cues of nature, and bring you into closer understanding of the lives of our feathered neighbors. We’ll explore how and why birds migrate, delving into the mysteries of how birds stay on course, how scientists measure migration, the amazing journeys of long-distance migrants, and much more. Along the way, we’ll practice our birding skills in the field, with a focus on the diversity and abundance of spring migrants in our region.