Habitat: Forested tidal swamps, brushy woodlots, marshes and sloughs along the Columbia River. Diverse habitats that support the endangered Columbian white-tailed deer and also benefit a large variety of birds, including nesting bald eagles, great horned owls and osprey.

Birds we’ll look for: May is a great time to find birds at Julia Butler Hansen.  Insert this E-bird URL in your browser address window for birds we might see, https://ebird.org/hotspot/L163495/bird-list?m=5

Meeting Location: Julia Butler Hansen Visitor’s Center, 6 Steamboat Slough Rd, Cathlamet, WA 98612. Restrooms are available at the visitor’s center Mon-Fri. Refuge phone: (360) 795-3915.  Depending on your GPS and familiarity with the area, it may help you to travel to 46 Whitetail Road, Cathlamet,WA 98612, then to the visitor’s center at 6 Steamboat Slough Rd

Group size: Limited to 12

Walk/Drive

Distance: ~1 mile total. If we decide to walk part of the dike.
Pace: Easy, frequent stops. Lots of pull outs to stop and get out of the car. Carpooling from the visitor’s center is strongly preferred
Terrain: Mostly flat, packed gravel on the dike trail
Accessibility: Some uneven surfaces 
What to bring

Binoculars + optics cleaning/drying clothes, especially if there is a chance of rain
Spotting scopes welcomed
Warm layers, gloves, hats and rain protection. You can always take it off.
Field guide
Water and sack lunch (leave in car) for a casual lunch during our group review of all birds seen and heard
Weather & cancellations: Trip will proceed in light rain. Heavy rain or unsafe conditions may result in cancellation and registered participants will be notified of the cancellation by email.

All are welcome: All skill levels are welcomed. If you are a beginner, great!  If you are intermediate or advanced and can help identify birds, terrific!

Check back for reservation instructions