seasonal natural interest

Explore Sauvie Island in search of magnificent eagles, hawks and falcons that spend the winter here. On this special day devoted to raptors, naturalists and hawk experts host activities at four locations around the island. Enjoy guided bird viewing, meet live raptors up close and see hawk identification displays. Free hot drinks and donuts will be available in the morning.

Check in at Kruger's Farm Market, and receive a one-day Sauvie Island Wildlife Area parking permit, event guide, birding map, checklist, and picture handouts to help identify birds of prey. Allow about three hours to visit all the stations. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. Sponsored by the Audubon Society of Portland, Metro, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and HawkWatch International.   No advance registration is required. $10/vehicle upon arrival, cash only please.

Differentiate between evergreens, and identify a tree in winter by looking at the bark and buds. Join naturalist Alice Froelich for a walk at Graham Oaks to unravel these mysteries and more. The forest at this natural area is a living laboratory of Northwest trees.  Ages: 11 and older. Preregistration required. $6/person, $11/family.

Lichens are all around, living on trees, rocks, houses and sidewalks. On this walk, learn natural history of lichens and techniques to identify them. Common lichens and sensitive species of the area will be identified in this hands-on walk. Put on your rain gear, and let's take a look at lichens!  1-3pm, $6/person, $11/family.  Age: 11 and older.

Winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year and is followed by the gradual return of the light.  Come celebrate the end and the beginning of this cycle by walking the prairie and ash forest at the St. John's Landfill. This landscape hosts a spectacular array of song birds, waterfowl, raptors, and mammals that live along the Columbia Slough. All ages. Preregistration required. $6/person, $11/family.

Join us every Wednesday from noon - 1 pm for Lunch with the Birds! Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. A few pairs of loaner binoculars are available. We meet rain or shine and spend our time outside. This event is free for all ages and you do not need to pre-register.  All November dates are held at the North Viewing Station at Jackson Bottom Wetlands and Preserve.  The North Viewing Station is located about 1 mile north of the Education Building, at the intersection of SW Wood Street and S. First Avenue (also known as Highway 219).  Parking is on the east side of First Avenue.