We’re excited to team up once again with the East Cascades Audubon Society for spring birding walks around the Old Mill District. This second annual series of free walking tours give people of all ages an opportunity enjoy the Central Oregon outdoors and wildlife along the banks of the Deschutes River. 

The walks are guided by an expert from the Society and wind around the trails of the Old Mill District that run along the river – an area that is a vital migratory corridor and attracts a whole host of incredible birds either passing through or as cherished residents. This habitat includes many resident ducks, raptors and song birds, as well as Oregon spotted frogs, beavers, muskrats and otters.  Spring is an excellent time to see all the action with warming weather, nesting and migration.

So grab a pal and come down for an approximately two-hour walk –  appropriate for all ages and interested parties, from novices to experienced avian experts. Groups will meet at 10am at the Ticket Mill in the core of the Old Mill District, where binoculars are available for check out. Participants can also pick up a specially designed birding list to help identify birds and some common animals seen along the walk.

Tour dates are April 4 and 18; May 2, 16 and 30.

The Old Mill District supports both a strong retail environment existing communally with a rich and abundant wildlife environment. The Old Mill District was honored with a conservation award in 2013 from ECAS for its efforts to protect and restore this habitat.