Saturday, June 1, 2024

The Crow-Magnons are heading back to Wasco County! Join leaders Joe Liebezeit and David Mandell on an all-day exploration of Wasco County's incredible birding diversity from the eastern flanks of Mt. Hood down to the pine-oak savannah and finally to the sagebrush. Listen and look for Red Crossbills and Canada Jays high up on Hood, and find Gray Flycatchers, Lewis's Woodpeckers, and maybe a Black-chinned Hummingbird in the foothills below. Add the chance for Loggerhead Shrike and Ash-throated Flycatcher as we hit the sagebrush for a well-rounded day in some of the most spectacular scenery Oregon can offer. 

A minimum of $300 in pledges is requested.

Maximum Number of Participants: 10

Trip Details

Meeting Time: 6 a.m.

Estimated Return Time: 9 p.m.

Transportation type: Travel together by van

Trip Rating and Physical Activity: Moderate. We stop to study unusual species, but move at a quicker pace to identify as many species as possible

Walking distance and terrain: 2 miles with minimal elevation change. Trails are generally in good condition with minimal hazards.

Sun Exposure: 50% to 100%

Facilities: Bathrooms and water available at some stops

Other important information: Please bring food and water

About your leaders:

Joe Liebezeit has worked for Bird Alliance of Oregon since 2013 and is the Assistant Director of Statewide Conservation. Prior to his position with Bird Alliance of Oregon, Joe worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society for 12 years leveraging on-the-ground science efforts to protect wildlife in Arctic Alaska. Joe received his Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire and a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Management from Humboldt State University. Joe has lived in the northwest for nearly 20 years and in Portland since 2005. In his free time he enjoys family time, playing and listening to music, exploring natural areas, and of course, bird watching!

David Mandell has been hooked on birding since the age of five when his dad took him on a pelagic trip off of San Diego and he saw a Horned Puffin. David is a past board member of Bird Alliance of Oregon and served as board president. He has also been guiding pelagic trips off of the coast of Oregon for close to twenty years. When he is not on the ocean, David can often be found exploring Wasco and Sherman counties.