Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
About 15 miles southwest of Klamath Falls, this refuge is not open to the public, but Bald Eagle, Raven, Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks can be seen from the road close by. The late-winter Bald Eagle flyout, which is most impressive in mid-February, occurs at and shortly following first-light each morning. From Klamath Falls take Highway 97 south past Worden and turn right on the Keno-Worden Road. Immediately after crossing the railroad tracks turn left on the gravel, all-weather road. The late winter flyout of up to 500 Bald Eagles may be observed from the road approximately two miles from this intersection.
Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.
This large natural marsh provides important nesting, feeding, and resting habitat for waterfowl, while the surrounding meadowlands are attractive nesting and feeding areas for sandhill crane, yellow rail, and various shorebirds and raptors. The adjacent pine forests also support diverse wildlife including great gray owls. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded here and in the nearby Klamath Basin. To reach the refuge from Klamath Falls, Oregon: travel north on Highway 97 approximately 45 miles. Turn right onto Silver Lake Road and travel east 9.5 miles to Forest Service Road 690.
Portland Area
Portland Area
Birders visiting Portland can visit a number of good sites close to the city. During the Spring the Audubon Society of Portland sponsors weekday morning free Bird Song Walks. From beginners to advanced birders, all are welcome. Bring binoculars and a field guide, and dress for the weather. Spring can be chilly. The walks all start at 7 AM. The birdsong walks visit several hotspots.
Tualatin Hills Nature Park in Beaverton. Directions: From the Westside MAX [http://www.trimet.org/] get off at Merlo Rd. Station and walk down the trail into the preserve to the Interpretive Center. By car, take Murray Blvd. south from Hwy 26 to Millikan Blvd. Turn right onto Millikan Blvd. The park is at 15655 SW Millikan Blvd. just past the second RR tracks.
Mt. Tabor
Directions: From SE Belmont, go south on SE 69th two short blocks, just into the park turn right and drive as far as possible to gate - park along street. Mt. Tabor Park is closed to vehicle traffic on Wednesdays, so be sure to use this entrance. [Mt. Tabor Tri-Met Bus #15 stops at SE 69th & Yamhill Sts. - call 503-231-3215 or check http://www.trimet.org/]
The Nature Conservancy’s Camassia Preserve
Directions: Take Exit 8 off I-205 and turn toward Oregon City (but don’t cross the river). At the 76 gas station, turn right then left to follow Willamette Falls Dr. Turn right on Sunset, cross I-205, and immediately turn right on Walnut Street. The preserve is at the end of Walnut Street.
Pittock Mansion
Directions: Follow W Burnside about 1.2 miles west of NW 23rd and turn right onto NW Barnes Rd. Follow the well-marked signs through the neighborhood for another .7 mile to the park. Meet at the parking lot of the Pittock Mansion [West Burnside Tri-Met Bus #20 stops at the bottom of the hill - call 503-231-3220 or check http://www.trimet.org/].
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area.
This birding hotspot is conveniently situated just 20 minutes east of downtown Portland. In late summer the mudflats here hold huge numbers of migrating shorebirds. A visit in the fall and winter can produce good numbers of waterfowl, sandhill cranes, raptors, gulls, sparrows and bald eagles.
The Malheur Nationl Wildlife Refuge.
In southeast Oregon, this refuge is well known for its high bird diversity and over 320 bird species have been documented. In spring many migratory birds nest on the refuge while others stop over on their way to northern nesting areas, making it one of the most popular birding sites in the west. In early spring (March), the best birding areas include the meadows along Hotchkiss and Greenhouse Lanes and Potter Swamp Road near Burns. The Double-O Unit of Malheur Refuge is another good birding spot. Major songbird migration begins in April and reaches its peak in mid May. Refuge Headquarters, Benson Pond and P Ranch are the best places to look for passerines. In July and August, returning shorebirds arrive in large numbers and the Double-O unit of the refuge and Harney, Mud, and Malheur Lakes provide excellent feeding places for them. Warblers, sparrows and other songbirds reach their autumn peak at Malheur from mid August through late September at Refuge Headquarters, P-Ranch and Page Springs.
To reach the refuge take State Highway 78 two miles east of Burns, Oregon. Head south on State Highway 205 for 24 miles to the large refuge sign. Head east on Harney County Road 405 (narrows to Princeton Road) for 6 miles. Turn left at top of hill into headquarters area.
The Tillamook Bay Area.
55 miles south of Astoria and 40 miles north of Lincoln City, this is one of the best birding areas to go sea watching. Tufted Puffins are found along the coast here, and in August, Sooty Shearwaters can be seen from the shore.