Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council, and bird walk leader, Ryan Gilpin for a follow-up to the October 11 Slough Science presentation on Tree Care for Birds! Ryan will lead a bird walk focused on the habitat needs of the birds that we find at Whitaker Ponds. So many of the birds that make Whitaker Ponds a birding hotspot, are reliant on trees and how we care for trees. In most cases, Columbia Slough birding events are about appreciating wildlife and nature. This event will explore what is being done to provide habitat and minimize disturbance for these birds in urban areas and a call to action to do more. This free event is open to all ages.

What to bring: Pack along water, a snack and binoculars if you have them. Don't have binoculars? No problem! We will have some available for borrow during the event.

Getting There: We will meet near the parking lot at Whitaker Ponds. Parking is free. Taking public transportation?  Bus #75 drops riders off at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd, a 0.25 mile walk from the park entrance. 

 Accessibility: We will be following a mostly flat dirt trail with some tree roots. A restroom is available.

About Ryan: Ryan Gilpin is a consulting arborist, founder of Nidus Consulting, and trip leader on bird walks throughout the Columbia Slough watershed. Ryan is chair of the Tree Care for Birds committee, has written Best Management Practices for arborists to minimize impacts to nesting birds and trains arborists to improve habitat in urban forests.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

As a precursor to this walk, Ryan will also be hosting a Slough Science talk at Level Beer on Wednesday, October 11, discussing tree care for wildlife. Details and registration for Slough Science is available here.