Red-breasted sapsucker at Crystal Springs. Credit: Ken Goldman
March 23, 8:00am - 10:00am
$40 per person for a 2 hour session
Two hours of guided birding through the garden before it opens to the public. Our focus will be on birding by ear, getting acquainted with the unique songs and calls of our spring birds as well as their ID marks. The birds will ultimately decide our focus, however, and we will be flexible to what they have to offer.
The pace will be slow and deliberate. We will make many stops and take time to ensure that everyone has a chance to see and/or hear the bird.
Beginners welcome! Class limited to 14 participants.
Program Details:
We’ll meet just inside the gate at 8 am to circle up and say our hellos. Then, we’ll venture into the garden together as a group.
Bring binoculars if you have them! If not, I’ll have a few extras to share. I’ll bring a scope as well.
Dress for the weather. Layers can be very helpful. A brimmed hat will help keep the sun out of your eyes and the rain off your binoculars.
Accessibility notes:
As per DisabledHikers.com: The major trails within the garden are wheelchair accessible. The central path to the lake is paved with a max grade of 5%. The other paths are firm surface and packed pea gravel. There are many trail options – here are stats for the main loop that leads over the lake, to the restrooms, and back. Distance: 0.5 mile; Elevation Change: 20 feet; Max Grade: 5%; Max Cross-Slope: 2%; Typical Width: 4 feet; Typical Surface: paved, wood, packed pea gravel; Amenities: accessible toilets, potable water, accessible parking, benches.
Please reach out if you have accessibility needs/accommodations that we can support.
About The Facilitator
Photo courtesy of Rae Snyder
Rae (they/them) is an Autistic/ADHD educator and passionate bird nerd who grew up in Northwest and Central Oregon, where they found belonging and solace in the outdoors.
Their fascination with birds ignited as a young child when a Red-winged Blackbird mobbed them at a pond during breeding season, but up-close encounters with a Western Grebe and a Common Poorwill at Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Wildlife Care Center in 2016 inspired them to explore birds beyond the backyard. Rae leads bird outings and educational events with the Feminist Bird Club, Bird Alliance of Oregon, the Oregon Birding Association, and more.
They love contributing to citizen science projects and conservation efforts, and are committed to ethical birding and to creating safe and inclusive spaces for all birds and all humans.