On a forested hillside above the Willamette, the Bird Alliance of Oregon’s sanctuary has introduced Portland kids to wild neighbors since 1902. Its Wildlife Care Center treats thousands of injured animals yearly, and its ambassador birds — owls, a raven, a vulture with a fan club — star in daily meet-and-greets.
Four miles of trails wind through the 143-acre sanctuary into Forest Park, crossing Balch Creek where dippers nest under the bridges. The nature store is a treasure chest of field guides and feeders, and the ecotours and camps turn young birders into lifelong conservationists.
Admission is free (donations power the mission). Come for an owl, leave with binoculars on the birthday list.
