“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.” ― Henry David Thoreau, “Walden”
Take a walk on the refuge and you’ll find it’s a quiet time for songbirds. They have completed their breeding and raising babies. Many of the birds are still around so you may hear them singing if you come early.
Wilson’s snipes and spotted sandpipers are hatching. Great blue herons and great egrets may be seen foraging on fish and frogs in drying wetlands. Most wetlands are dry now to grow the next crop of natural waterfowl food.
However, birds aren’t the only wildlife you will see. Visitors have reported seeing minks, coyotes, black-tailed deer, rough-skinned newts and garter snakes.
The refuge is one of a handful of urban national wildlife refuges in the country. It is close to home but offers a place where people can escape the city and experience nature in a quiet setting. Its diverse habitats support some of the most abundant and varied wildlife in the Tualatin River watershed.
The refuge is home to nearly 200 species of birds, over 50 species of mammals, and a variety of insects, fish and plants. Every month offers a different aspect of nature and July is a good month to visit.
The songbirds are getting quiet after raising their young, but they are still present. You may hear them sing in the early morning. Great blue herons and great egrets forage on fish and frogs in the wetlands. Bald eagles are seen almost everyday sitting in the trees or flying around.
Stop in the Visitor Center when you visit the refuge. It is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Friendly, knowledgeable volunteers are there to greet you and answer your questions. The Nature’s Overlook Store offers a wetland viewing area complete with chairs and spotting scopes — a good place to catch your breath after a walk. Take time to browse the informative displays about the beginnings of the refuge or browse the nature-themed merchandise for sale.
Brews for the Birds Music Festival: Two Days of Fun in the Sun
Get ready for a weekend of music, brews, and fun 4-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 at Langer’s Entertainment in Sherwood. This popular festival is free and family friendly. It is perfect for an afternoon or evening out with friends and family.
Lineup for the main stage:
Friday, Aug. 2
4-6 p.m.: The Dudes — Get ready for an amazing mix of rock ‘n’ roll and country music.7-9 p.m.: The Lloyd Jones Struggle — Don’t miss this legendary Portland blues band.
Saturday, Aug. 3
1-3 p.m.: Ja Ska Mon — Eugene’s favorite reggae band brings the island vibes.4-6 p.m.: Filthy Skillets — Portland’s own Bluegrass greats will have your feet tappin’.7-9 p.m.: Swamp Thang — Get ready to dance the night away with the best Zydeco this side of he Mississippi.
Come on down, enjoy some delicious brews (for purchase), listen to fantastic music, and celebrate our feathered friends at the Brews for the Birds Music Festival!
Support our cause
Sponsorship opportunities available. Partner with the Friends and showcase your brand to a dedicated community.
Vendor market applications are open for Friday night and Saturday festival markets. Showcase your unique products and connect with festival attendees
A huge thank you to Langer’s for their support.
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