Saturday, May 11

Join Bird Alliance of Oregon educator Brodie Cass Talbott for a Big Sit! For the uninitiated, a Big Sit is an effort to count as many birds as possible from one stationary location. Our team is named after the nuthatch family, Sittidae, and we hope to be visited by some of the White-breasted Nuthatches that love the nearby oak trees! Racoon Point on Sauvie Island is a perfect spot for a Big Sit, as it sits on a dike providing good views of several different habitats, and it is one of the best wheelchair-accessible birding spots in the region. 

We’ll watch for raptors like Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel, scan for lingering waterfowl, and listen for singing songbirds like Yellow Warbler and Black-headed Grosbeak. With luck we may be able to spot harder to find species like Lazuli Bunting or migrating shorebirds. We’ll be well-timed for migratory species, and hope for a few surprises!

Registered team members will receive a Birdathon pin, printed checklist, and other perks, but folks are also welcome to drop in.

How many species can we find together? 25? 35?? 50??? Come help us shoot for the moon!

Maximum number of participants: Drop-ins welcome!

Minimum fundraising requested: $50 for team members. Drop-in birders are invited to make a donation to support the team’s fundraising efforts.

Logistics and Accessibility Info

Meeting time: The Big Sit will start at 7 am, but we plan on this being a drop-in style event. You are encouraged to stay the entire time and see how many species you can find with us, or you can just come by for the time period that is right for you!

Ending time: Noon

Transportation type: This will be a stationary event at Racoon Point on Sauvie Island. For participants wanting to use public transportation, we will help to arrange a shuttle from the Park & Ride at the Sauvie Island Bridge, or a location in Portland. For participants wishing to drive, please be aware that you will need an ODFW Parking Pass, available online, at the small market on the island, or at the 7-11 in Linnton.  

Walking distance and terrain: There is a short (30 yard) paved incline trail to the top of the dike. We will be stationed on the dike throughout. 

Are there benches or other places to rest? There are two benches, but participants are encouraged to bring their own camp chair or stool. 

Sun Exposure: Full Sun. There is no shade at this location, but we may bring a pop-up shade

Will water be available? No, bring what you need.

What is the restroom situation? ADA Porta Potty

Team Leader bios: 

Brodie works as an educator with Bird Alliance of Oregon. After many years of wildland firefighting and leading river tours, he spent six years living and teaching across Asia, where his interest in birds became his passion. He has birded across five continents, and uses his experience in education and ecotourism to share his love of the outdoors with people from all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, with an eye towards increasing access to wild spaces for people from diverse communities.