Northwest Zone

NW WILDLIFE VIEWING

April 2, 2026  

Tillamook County  

Birds  

Large numbers of waterfowl are arriving daily, moving back to spring nesting grounds. 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. Pastures and fields are heavily used by a variety of waterfowl when flooded and by wading birds under nearly any conditions.

At this time of year, herons and egrets can be seen hunting amphibians and small mammals in local farm fields. Bald eagle pairs can be seen near estuaries and rivers.  

Clatsop County  

Birds  

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.  

Pastures and fields are heavily used by a variety of waterfowl when flooded and by wading birds under nearly any conditions. Peeps can be extremely difficult to identify due to small size and subtle differences in plumage – a good guide and optics are a must.  

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area  

Elk viewing continues to be good at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. The best viewing times are in the mornings and evenings. Viewing should remain good through mid-April. As spring progresses and the weather warms, elk may start to use the timbered areas more during the middle of the day. Bulls have started to shed their antlers and will continue through April. New antler growth can be seen in two to three weeks after shedding. Good places to look are the Fishhawk Tract along Hwy 202 and the Beneke Tract along the first 1.5 miles of Beneke Creek Road.  

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area has concluded the supplemental feeding program for the winter season as elk have switched over to natural forage growing on the area.

Many migratory species have returned to the wildlife area including tree swallows, Wood Ducks, and turkey vultures. Many more are expected to show up over the next couple weeks including violate-green swallows, band-tailed pigeons, and a variety of songbirds. Look for swallows gliding over the open fields and checking out nest boxes near view area fences. Wood ducks, hooded mergansers, and mallards have been seen in the shallow pond areas and along creeks. Turkey vultures have recently been observed soaring on the thermal air currents high in the sky. Band-tailed pigeons and songbirds should be visible at the many bird feeders in the viewing areas. Other species to look for include coyotes hunting for mice in the fields and bald eagles perched in the tall trees near creeks. Listen for pileated woodpeckers near the main viewing area and pacific tree frogs throughout the area in the evenings. 

Areas posted as "Wildlife Refuge" are closed to public entry. Additionally, posted portions of the Beneke Tract are closed to public entry during any Saddle Mt. unit elk season. Closure dates are August 1 through March 31 (see big game 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.