Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
Most extensive freshwater marsh in the western United States. The peak of spring migration includes over 250,00 ducks, 125,000 geese, and 6,000 Sandhill Cranes. Important breeding area for Trumpeter Swan, Sandhill Crane, Long-billed Curlew, and White-faced Ibis. Refuge headquarters is famous as a fall and spring migrant trap. The best times to visit are in the spring, summer, and fall.
Upper and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge
Internationally renowned wildlife area on the Pacific Flyway. Peak fall migration concentrates over 1 million birds. Important nesting area for American White Pelican, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Great Egret. More than 1,000 Bald Eagle winter in the area – the largest gathering of Bald Eagles in the contiguous United States. This site offers good bird watching year-round.
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
One of the best locations on the northern coast to see colonial nesting birds, like Common Murre, Brandt’s Cormorant, and Pigeon Guillemot. Rocky beaches and nearby shores are favored haul-out areas for Harbor Seal and California Sea Lion. The best times to visit are in the fall, spring, and summer.
Boiler Bay Wayside
Roadside overview of the rocky shore. Great place to see birds of the rocky coast like Black Oystercatcher, Black Turnstone, and Pelagic Cormorant. High vantage point provides opportunities to see birds of open ocean, such as shearwaters and murrelets, and Gray Whale. The best times to visit are in the fall, spring, and winter.
Cape Meares State Park and National Wildlife Refuge
Steep cliffs and old-growth forests of western hemlock and Sitka spruce. Colonial nesting area for Tufted Puffin, Common Murre, and Pigeon Guillemot. A good place to see Steller’s Sea Lion, Harbor Seal, California Sea Lion, and Gray Whale. Trails to and from the cliffs are through the massive old-growth forest. The best times to visit are in the spring, fall, and winter.
Bayocean Peninsula
A mix of pine/spruce forest, grassy dunes, sandy beach, wetlands, and mudflats. Large flocks of wintering duck, especially American Wigeon, on Tillamook Bay. Excellent place to see shorebirds in migration. This site offers good bird watching year-round.
Fort Stevens State Park
A viewing platform provides opportunities to see sea ducks like Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, and Black Scoter. Fall seabird migration, including up to 500,000 Sooty Shearwater migrating past the South Jetty. Close views of shorebirds, as rising tides cause concentrations behind the South Jetty or in Trestle Bay. The best times to visit are in the spring, winter, and fall.
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
Important habitat in the floodplain of the Columbia River to wintering waterfowl and other animals. In fall, over 150,000 ducks, swans, and geese use the area as a migratory stop or stay for the winter. Outstanding place to see Bald Eagle and Sandhill Crane in winter. Up to 100, Great Blue Heron can be seen feeding at one time on Sturgeon Lake. The best times to visit are in the fall, winter, and spring. Portions of the refuge are closed to the public from October to April.
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Portland’s first city wildlife refuge. Good location to see spring migrants. Great Blue Heron, the official city bird, are common. Nesting area for Green Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, Wood Duck, Western Screech Owl, Bushtit, and Rufous Hummingbird.The best times to visit are in the spring, winter, and fall.
Audubon Society of Portland Sanctuary
Feeders provide close-up views of forest birds like Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Band-tailed Pigeon. Wintering species include Varied Thrush. Interpretive displays and a Nature Store, open daily, provides information and sells optics and nature books. This site offers good bird watching year-round.
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