The daffodils are up, the cherry trees are blossoming and spring is in the air. The air is also full of birds migrating and nesting across the state of Oregon. Whether you’re a beginning birder or well-weathered friend of the feathered, you’ll enjoy these and other birding events in Oregon (writes Eileen Garvin).
Don’t miss the 32nd Annual John Scharff Migratory Bird Festival in Eastern Oregon’s Harney County. It’s your chance to view thousands of birds migrating through the high desert landscape of the Harney Basin. The family-friendly event includes a variety of birding activities as well as historical and cultural elements.
The 10th Annual Birding and Blues Festival in Pacific City takes off April 12-14. Daytime activities include bird outings, nature sketching and educational walks at the Nestucca Bay Wildlife Refuge, the Neskowin Marsh and the Clay Meyers State Natural Area. The Norman Sylvester Band and the Duffy Bishop Band will get the evening rocking on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively.
The Ladd Marsh Bird Festival in La Grande, May 17-19, commemorates International Migratory Bird Day. Held at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Ladd Marsh, the weekend includes talks from experts, marsh outings and kids’ activities. Visitors will have the chance to see more than 200 bird species that live at or pass through the area, including ducks, geese, raptors, passerines and shore birds.
The Tualatin River Bird Festival will take place on May 18 at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge in Sherwood. In its 19th year, the family-focused event will include workshops on building bee boards and bird and bat houses, fly fishing and archery demos, and various educational outings, including an early morning bird walk as well as wildlife, wildflower and twilight walks.
For more information about bird migrations and bird viewing areas, visit the ODFW’s Wildlife Viewing map.
For more information about top events in Oregon take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Oregon.