Bird is the word in Lincoln City

Spotted Towhee • Photo by Ruth Shelly

As the late winter rains drive worms to the surface of the earth, birds become more abundant on lawns and yards, bringing with them the feeling that spring is on the way. But to really set the mood as we near the official start of the season, join the Audubon Society of Lincoln City for its next bird walk this Saturday, March 12.

Audubon volunteers will lead bird fans old and new through The Villages Open Space, which provides diverse habitat for an interesting array of species.

Look and listen for winter sparrows, woodland and open-meadow resident raptors and small perching birds.

Walk downhill past the Sal la Sea wetlands to the parking lot at Roads End State Park to look for nearshore birds. Depending on participant numbers and interest, the group will return with an uphill hike or carpool back to the starting point.

All the club’s bird walks are free, family-friendly, easy to moderately easy and no pre-registration or experience is required.

A small number of binoculars and guidebooks are available. Walks are held rain or shine, so dress appropriately for coastal weather and be sure to carry water.

The walk begins at 9 am at the cul-de-sac at the north end of NE Devils Lake Blvd. in Lincoln City. For more information, go to lincolncityaudubon.org.