Join us for a weekend of birding in Sherman and Gilliam counties during our Birding Blitz from Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 24.
Sherman and Gilliam counties are located along the Columbia River in north-central Oregon. Both counties are relatively under-visited by birders and hold lots of surprises! Sherman and Gilliam counties are full of canyons, backroads, and a great variety of habitats, including wheat fields, wheat fields, and wheat fields. There may also be some wheat fields. Nevertheless, it is exactly this kind of country that makes birding towns, isolated roadside stops, and riverine zones so exciting! You never know what may pop up during late May, when many migrants are still passing through. Potential rarities include Veery, American Redstart, Least Flycatcher and maybe even some eastern vagrants. Cottonwood Canyon State Park, located on the border between counties, should have excellent birding as well, and could be of special interest to those of us who like getting off the road to look for birds.
Itinerary and Registration
The Sherman/Gilliam Birding Blitz headquarters are TBA. Plan on meeting at a central location (TBA) each morning to assign areas, coordinate efforts, and exchange information.
On the mornings of Saturday, May 23rd and Sunday, May 24th we will break into groups and count birds in and near assigned Hotspot Squares. After surveying Hotspot Squares in the morning, birders can visit county hotspots and explore interesting habitats in the afternoon.
This will be a free event! However, participants will be responsible for their own accommodations and meals. We recommend booking accommodations at nearby lodging and camping (city TBA) as early as possible.
Would you like to join us? Please help us plan by registering in advance.
Please specify if you would like to meet Friday evening and/or if you have preferred birding areas or teams. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. We look forward to seeing you there!