Where Eagles Fly and Wildlife Abounds

As millions of migratory birds can attest, Oregon is a great place to visit in the fall and winter. Not only do feathered friends pass through the state en route to warmer climates but all kinds of wildlife emerges, from the shores to the deserts. Visit any of Oregon’s 19 federal wildlife refuges or other sanctuaries and view animals from elk to eagles to whales.

The drive to these sites on Oregon’s highways can be part of the experience. Watch for red-tailed hawks on fence posts, kestrels on power lines. Deer frequent orchards and meadows. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, mule deer and pronghorn (antelope) in Eastern
Oregon fields, and bighorn sheep along Interstate 84, east of The Dalles.

At Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area, near Astoria, you’re likely to observe the magnificent Roosevelt elk as well as black-tailed deer, coyote, herons and birds of prey.

Also on the coast, the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area near Newport is a good place to explore tide pools teeming with hermit crabs, sea anemones, sea stars and mussels. The bluffs at Yaquina Head will give you a chance to catch sight of the 20,000 gray whales that migrate each year along the Pacific Coast between Alaska and Mexico.

Across the Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport, a nature trail at the Hatfield Marine Science Center harbors American widgeon, ducks, geese and shorebirds. Down the coast from Newport, north of Florence, steller and California sea lions congregate at the base of headland cliffs.

Near Portland, the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area boasts an astounding number of ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, herons and eagles. And at Bonneville Dam, an underwater fish viewing station enables you to watch salmon returning from their ocean voyages up the Columbia River Gorge.

At the Elkhorn Wildlife Area near Baker City, huge herds of Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer migrate. To the south, you’ll find some of Oregon’s most impressive birding.
The stunning Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Steens Mountain in Oregon’s southeast corner serves host to sandhill cranes and tundra swans and dozens of other bird species. The Klamath Basin is a birder’s paradise as well, especially for waterfowl and raptors. The Bear Valley Refuge hosts the largest gathering of bald eagles in the contiguous United States.

If you go
The following (moving clockwise around the state) are a few of Oregon’s prime wildlife-watching spots during the fall and winter:

Whale watching
Gray whales are visible from October to March along the coast. Southbound whales peak in numbers around Jan. 1. Returning pods peak in mid-March. For more information, call Whale Watching Spoken Here, 541-563-2002 or visit www.whalespoken.org.

Yaquina Head
Outstanding Natural Area Features shoreline tide pools and rugged headlands with a historic lighthouse. From the headlands, you can see gray whales, seals and nesting sea-bird colonies. Located 3.5 miles north of Newport; open dawn to dusk. The interpretive center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Entrance fee: $5 per car. For more information, call 541-574-3100 or visit www.yaquinalights.org.

Hatfield Marine Science Center
The center offers outstanding aquarium exhibits, natural history displays and educational programs. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, otherwise open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. 2030 S.E. Marine Science Drive, Newport. For more information, call 541-867-0100 or visit www.hmsc.orst.edu.

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area
From September to March, elk roam and feed and rest in creek-side meadows. Peak viewing season is November. From Portland, take Highway 26 west nearly 50 miles to the Jewell junction. Follow the unmarked state highway north about nine miles to Jewell, then follow signs to the site, about 1.5 miles. For more information, call 503-755-2264.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
Ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, tundra swans, herons and eagles congregate in huge numbers. October to November is the peak season. Bald eagles gather December to March, with the peak season in mid-January. Some nesting sites are restricted. Check at headquarters for maps, information and parking permits. From Portland, drive 10 miles west on Highway 30. Cross over the Sauvie Island Bridge and go north two miles, just past the Northwest Reeder Road junction. For more information, call 503-621-3488.

Bonneville Dam
View thousands of fall chinook, coho and steelhead migrating from the ocean to their spawning grounds at the Bradford Island Visitor Center underwater fish viewing station. The fish run September to December, peaking in September and October. The center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information,
call 541-374-8820 or visit www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b. Located about 40 miles from Portland off Interstate 84.

Elkhorn Wildlife Area
Hundreds of Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer gather at this winter feeding site from December to March. Between La Grande and Baker City, take the North Powder exit (exit 258). Go west at the exit and follow the brown wildlife viewing signs to the site. For information, call 541-898-2826.

Klamath Basin
A vast refuge habitat for thousands of birds, ducks, geese, pelicans, herons and eagles. To reach the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, proceed about 19 miles south of Klamath Falls on Highway 97 to State Line Road 161. Go east about four miles to the headquarters. Numbers peak in November. For more information, call 800-445-6728.

Bear Valley Refuge
Within the Klamath Basin, view protected eagle roosts from December to mid-March. Pullouts along Highway 97, south of Klamath Falls, offer excellent opportunities to observe morning eagle and other raptor fly-outs. Eagle numbers peak in February. For more information, call 800-445-6728.