Northwest Zone

Dec. 4, 2024‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

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Tillamook county

Birds

Coastal headlands in Tillamook County include Cascade Head and Capes Kiwanda, Lookout, Meares and Falcon. Sandy beaches occupy the stretches in between. Species of birds found along the shore range from the easily identified black oystercatcher with its huge orange bill to the dizzying array of "peeps" – sandpipers, sanderlings and the like – which take more effort and a good field guide to properly identify species. Some (oystercatchers and the generally non-descript surf bird) spend more time foraging among the rocks, others in the wet sand while dodging waves (sanderlings and sandpipers) and still others in the dry sand along the "wrack line" (snowy and semi-palmated plovers).

Large numbers of waterfowl arrived before November and will likely spend the rest of the winter here. They will raft up out in the middle of most local estuaries on calm days but will move around with the incoming tide and on windy days. Many species of diving ducks can be seen on area lakes and bays. Likewise, many migrating geese are beginning to arrive and are using area fields, along with many egrets, herons and wintering raptors.

See note below for Clatsop County storm-watchers – the same holds true coast-wide.

Clatsop county

Birds

The Columbia River estuary is stopover spot #1 for migrating ducks and geese during November. Puddle ducks will more likely be found around flooded fields and creek mouths, while diving ducks will be using deeper water in lakes, bays and sometimes larger sloughs. Bald eagles will be found nearby, looking to pick off the unwary or injured.

Coastal storm-watchers may find interesting pelagic species pushed closer to shore by the rough weather. Some species which may be viewed during and just after storms include skuas, jaegers, petrels, storm petrels, shearwaters, fulmars and even the occasional albatross. These species are best viewed from headlands (also the best spots for storm-watching) with good optics on clear days just following storm activity and high winds.

The southern Clatsop County coast – from Tillamook Head to Arch Cape – offers a variety of habitats for bird watchers from forested headlands (resident and neo-tropical migrants) to sandy beach (shorebirds) to rocky beach (different shorebirds) to offshore rocks (colonial-nesting seabirds). Some good viewing is possible even without binoculars while offshore rocks require a good spotting scope to see the goings on.

Three of the lesser-seen wading birds on the north coast are the green heron, black-crowned night heron and American bittern. These species are most often seen and best viewed from the water by kayak or canoe while paddling the still waters of upper bays and sloughs and some coastal lakes. All are very secretive and well camouflaged, using vegetation at the water's edge to good advantage; quiet approach or drifting with the tide yield the best chances for sightings. Other seldom-seen (yet often heard!) birds in these areas include rails (Virginia and sora) and marsh wrens.

Young's Bay provides a scenic loop with many viewing opportunities along the way. Start at the mouth of the bay in Astoria and follow Hwy 202 along the water's edge all the way to Olney. Cross over onto Young's River Loop and head back north again to Miles Crossing. Many species can be viewed from various pull-outs along the way and the mix of waterfowl, wading birds, marsh birds and upland passerines changes with every mile. Deer, elk and small mammals can also be seen near field edges and the farm/forest interface.

A car or bike tour around the Brownsmead/Aldrich Point area this time of year yields many viewing opportunities along the sloughs, Columbia River, woodlands, marsh and farmland. Species include bald eagles, ospreys, various hawks, geese, ducks, wading birds and numerous passerines. Also look for Columbian white-tailed deer in lowland areas near the river and black-tailed deer near the forest edge. Elk may be present at times in open fields as well.

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

Elk viewing has been excellent at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. Elk have been out every day with best viewing in the mornings between 9 a.m. and noon and again in the evenings.

Good places to look are the Fishhawk Tract along Hwy 202 and the Beneke Track along the first 1.5 miles of Beneke Road.

Jewell Meadows started its winter elk feeding program on Dec 1. Elk are fed a supplemental diet of alfalfa hay each day during the months of December, January and February. Feeding times are between 9 and 10 a.m. most days. This supplemental feed holds the elk in the open meadows longer during the day and offers visitors better viewing opportunities. Staff try to feed closer to the viewing areas on weekends.

Reservations for the winter elk tours have been completely filled for the 3-month program. Staff started taking reservations on Dec. 1 and by noon 875 individuals had signed up.

Brochures with maps are available at the main viewing area kiosk. Remember that areas posted as "Wildlife Refuge" are closed to public entry. Posted portions of the Beneke Tract are closed to public entry Aug. 1 through March 31. (See Big Game Hunting Regulations for exceptions.)

A parking permit is required to park at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. Find out how to buy a parking permit.

Lincoln County/western Lane county

Several species of birds, such as herons, osprey, eagles, pelicans, pintails, widgeon, mallards and teal, use our coastal estuaries and lakes for foraging and resting. They can often be found along the edges of the estuary and roosting in adjacent trees. Some good places to check out are the mouth of the Salmon River, Devils Lake, Siletz Bay, Yaquina Bay, Alsea Bay, Yachats River mouth, multiple lakes around Florence and the mouth of the Siuslaw River. Take your binoculars and try to catch a glimpse of these birds as they begin their migration south.