Join Sam DeJarnett, host of the “Always Be Birdin’” podcast, as she partners with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to host a monthly series of guided bird outings in and around the Portland Metropolitan area. DeJarnett has worked for years to uplift the voices of people of color in the birding community. Now, the Service’s Pacific Region’s Migratory Bird Program has worked with DeJarnett to create “My People’s Birding”, a yearlong program designed to help non-birding and beginning birders of color connect to nature through birding.
Event attendees can expect to learn about local birds in a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment with an emphasis on joy and community. Binoculars will be provided, and we suggest participants dress appropriately for the forecasted weather for the day. Families are welcome.
These outings will occur on the last Saturdays of the month at various natural areas in and around the Portland Metropolitan area. New outings will be announced on this site and on DeJarnett’s Instagram, @alwaysbebirdin_podcast.
Event Schedule
Click each event for more info:
December 28th, 10am-12pm: Whitaker Ponds Natural Area
January 25th, 10am-12pm: Smith and Bybee Wetlands
February 22nd, 10am-12pm: Powell Butte Nature Park
Common FAQ’s
What is the purpose of these outings?
These outings are designed to help non-birding and beginning birders of color explore nature in a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment.
Who leads these outings?
These outings are led by Sam DeJarnett, a local Portland birder and activist. DeJarnett is the creator and host of the podcast Always Be Birdin’, which aims to change the narrative around birding by amplifying the voices of black, brown, and indigenous people in the birding and conservation community. She is frequently joined by U.S. Fish and Wildlife service staff who help support these events. You can learn more about DeJarnett and these outings by reading the Service’s piece on her on Medium.
Are these outings beginner friendly?
Yes! Birders of all experience levels are welcome but these outings are specifically geared towards brand new and beginner birders.
What is the general vibe of these events?
These events are fun, casual, and community oriented. Birding can be a social hobby as much as a solo hobby and these events lean into that. These outings are first and foremost about connecting to nature and finding joy, and along the way you will hopefully learn a thing or two about birds.
Will binoculars be provided?
Yes!
Are these outings family friendly?
Yes! These outings are open to all ages.
How much physical activity should I expect?
We will move at a birders pace (read: SLOW). We will also frequently stop to look at birds. Please see the description for specific events on the USFWS website for detailed trail information.
What should I expect to see?
While we can’t guarantee anything, each location has been chosen because it is a popular birding spot in Portland so we will probably see something cool. Depending on the season, we could see (and hear!) some awesome raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds, woodpeckers, songbirds, and more! Part of the fun of birding is that each outing is a surprise. You can check out the eBird link in the event descriptions to get a sneak preview of what to expect
Why would I want to watch birds?
People enjoy birding for many reasons. Birds are everywhere, even in urban areas and often in unexpected places. This makes them an easy way to connect with nature. Birding often takes you out to explore somewhere you would normally never go, like a random bridge where a swallow colony is nesting, or a wetland wastewater treatment pond home to hundreds of ducks.
Birds spark joy, with their bright colors and entertaining behaviors. Many say that different families or species of birds have unique “personalities”. Some people love that birding is relaxing, almost meditative. Others love the thrill of chasing down a rare bird and crossing it off their life list. For some, birding is like the world’s largest scavenger hunt. Many enjoy the challenge of puzzling through identification, while others simply want to look and admire.
Bird watching is great as a relaxing solo activity, but many people also enjoy it as a social activity. Bird nerds love to share their knowledge and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with most birders on the trail about what they’ve seen that day. Birding can be a great way to make friends and find a community. The many local bird groups and events in Portland alone demonstrate that.
Questions or Concerns?
Please reach out via email to Ollie Zanzonico at ollie_zanzonico@fws.gov
