Classes and Trips

For classes offered by Bird Alliance of Oregon, register here.

Identifying Shorebirds

August 11, 2026
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Online Class

Late summer is a great time to study shorebirds as they stop to feed and rest on their way from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to wintering grounds in the southern hemisphere. At first glance, many species look alike. But with a little practice, you will find that each has their own unique characteristics. Join us for this online class from Bird Alliance of Oregon as we show you how to identify all the regularly occurring species using shape, pattern, and behavior. Once you know what to look for, you will be identifying shorebirds like a pro. Register here.

Birding Day: Shorebirds on the Coast

August 15, 2026
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Southbound shorebird migration starts in mid-summer, so now is the time to see a variety of sandpipers, plovers, godwits, and dowitchers. Join us as we search beaches and estuaries from Seaside to Fort Stevens for these long-distance travelers as they stop along the coast to rest and feed.

You will drive yourself. Bring food and water. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Access to parking at Fort Stevens State Park will require a parking pass. Register here.

Hummingbirds of Oregon

August 20, 2026
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Online Class

With their jewel-like plumage and dazzling flying abilities, hummingbirds are in a class by themselves. This online class from Bird Alliance of Oregon will introduce you to all the hummingbird species that have been found in Oregon, showing you how to identify each one and where to look for them. We will also learn how to safely feed hummingbirds and how to attract them to your yard. Register here.

Tubenoses: Albatrosses, Shearwaters, and Petrels of Oregon

August 27, 2026
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Online Class

Spending much of their lives at sea, the tubenoses (albatrosses, petrels, storm-petrels, and shearwaters) are marvels of adaptation and design.

Collectively named for the tubular structures on their bills, albatrosses, shearwaters, and petrels spend much of their lives over the open ocean. Such extreme lifestyles require special adaptations. This class from Bird Alliance of Oregon will show you how these birds survive at sea, and will introduce you to the species that are found in the waters off of Oregon.

Whether you are on a pelagic birding trip, a cruise ship, or merely scanning the ocean from shore, getting to know these true seabirds will add a new dimension to your birding. Register here.

550 Species and Counting: What You Need to Know About Bird Flu

September 16, 2026
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Online Class

Avian influenza (bird flu) viruses have always been common in the environment, but in 2020 a new strain emerged that has since been devastating bird and mammal populations throughout the world.

This class from Bird Alliance of Oregon presents a timeline of the current outbreak, showing its history, how it has impacted wildlife, how it might progress in the future, and what steps we can take to slow it down. Register here.

Getting Into Shape for Bird Identification: Silhouettes

September 24, 2026
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Online Class

Bird plumage often contains intricate details of color and pattern. But if the lighting is bad or the bird is far away, those details can be impossible to see. That’s when we rely on shape. Shape is one of the most reliable field marks, and many birds can be identified by their silhouette alone. In this class from Bird Alliance of Oregon we will compare the shapes of similar species to see how shape can help us make confident identifications under challenging conditions.

So, let’s get into shape; no exercise required! Register here.

Field Trip: Timberline Lodge

September 26, 2026
8:00 – Noon
Field Trip

This trip will be searching for autumn migrants above the tree line. Migrant hawks should be on the move along with a variety of songbirds that are hard to find at lower elevations. Target species include Prairie Falcon, Golden Eagle, Townsend’s Solitaire, Horned Lark, and American Pipit. While not seen every trip, Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch is a possibility. This is a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain.

While our pace will be slow, this trip involves strenuous hiking at elevations ranging from 6000’-7000’. Wear good walking shoes, dress for variable weather conditions, and bring water. Register here.

Jays, Magpies, Crows, and Ravens of Oregon

October 14, 2026
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Online Class

The corvids (jays, magpies, crows, and ravens) are among the most intelligent birds, displaying astounding feats of memory, problem solving, and tool use.

This class from Bird Alliance of Oregon will explore the life histories of the 10 species of corvid that have been found in Oregon. You will learn how to identify each one and where to look for them in the state. Register here.

Gulls in Winter

October 29, 2026
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Online Class

Fall and winter bring lots of gulls to Oregon, making it the best time to study and compare the different species. (And no, they don’t actually all look alike.) While some birders are intimidated by gull ID, if you know what to look for, most birds are readily identifiable. This class from Bird Alliance of Oregon will highlight all the species typically found in the state and have you identifying gulls like a pro. Register here.

Birding Day: Gulls of the Coast

October 31, 2026
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Field Trip

The Oregon Coast hosts a variety of gull species from autumn to spring. Comparing species side-by-side is a great way to practice your gull ID skills. Join us on the coast to search hotspots from Cannon Beach to Fort Stevens. We expect to find 7-10 gull species along with lots of other coastal specialties. Taking the digital gull class is helpful but not required. Register here.

Quail, Turkey, and Grouse of Oregon

November 12, 2026
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Online Class

Large and intricately patterned, gallinaceous (chicken-like) birds can be surprisingly hard to find. This class from Bird Alliance of Oregon will introduce you to all the quail, partridges, turkeys, and grouse found in Oregon. You will learn how to identify each one by sight and sound, what habitats they prefer, and where to look for them throughout the state. Register here.