Central Zone

Dec. 4, 2024‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

If there’s not a photo, it didn’t happen

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Crook County

There are red-tailed, rough-legged and ferruginous hawks, northern harriers, American kestrels, prairie falcons and golden eagles throughout Crook County and they're usually associated more closely with open/agricultural areas. Bald eagles and osprey, on the other hand, are more closely associated with water bodies. Look for northern goshawks throughout the Ochoco National Forest, and for ducklings and goslings in rivers and lakes.

Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area

The Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area offers access to view a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, otter, beaver, raptors, shorebirds and waterfowl. Maps of the wildlife area are available at the Prineville ODFW office, at Prineville Reservoir State Park office and the ODFW website. Vehicles must remain on open roads, designated by a green dot, and cross-country motorized travel is prohibited.

Wasco/Sherman/Hood County

The Lower Deschutes River provides ample wildlife viewing opportunities. California bighorn sheep are frequently observed in the canyon and can provide fantastic viewing all times of the year. The best spot to view sheep is from the BLM access road just downstream and across the river from Sherars Falls (along Hwy 216). Focus your efforts near large cliff complexes for best viewing. You can also see sheep from The Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area access trail on the east side of the river by hiking up from the mouth of the river. Sheep can be seen as low as river mile 7 or 8.

The John Day River Canyon also is home to bighorn sheep but access is a bit more limited. The easiest place to access the canyon is at Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Hike up or downstream from the access point to look for sheep.

Also, while in these river canyons keep an eye out for a variety of native songbird species. Bullock's orioles and western kingbirds can be commonly seen in alders and willows near the riverbanks. The iconic song of the canyon wren can be heard throughout the Deschutes and John Day. Also brush up on rock wren calls, which are often heard in similar habitats. On the water keep an eye out for broods of mallards, geese, and common mergansers. Several species of upland game birds including pheasant, chukar, quail, and turkeys are found in these canyons and throughout the district.

Oak woodlands throughout Hood River and Wasco counties provide food and cover for many wildlife species. Acorns from these trees are a particularly important food source for western gray squirrels and deer. Woodpeckers such as Lewis's woodpeckers, may be found scouring live and dead oak trees for insects found in the wood.

You can see a variety of common raptor species throughout the Mid-Columbia district. Common species this time of year include red-tailed hawk, osprey, golden eagle, bald eagle, American kestrel, and northern harrier. Other less commonly seen species include prairie falcon, and peregrine falcon.

White River Wildlife Area

White river has started its winter closure as of Dec. 1: All the areas are closed to motorized traffic with area north of Badger Cr Rd being closed to any public access. Maps can be found online or at welcome boards on the wildlife area.

Photography opportunities are good in the wildlife area. Deer and elk have been seen near agricultural fields, south facing slopes and open water ways. If you're traveling on or near the wildlife area, be alert for big game animals, especially deer.

The wildlife area is also home to many other game and nongame species. Look for wild turkeys foraging, skunks, coyotes, the occasional river otter and muskrat in waterways, and black bear or cougar as they move throughout the wildlife area.

There are many chances to see bald eagles and golden eagles on the wildlife area. You can spot other raptors such as red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, osprey and northern harriers hunting their prey. Rough-legged hawks have been seen in the area too. Look for birds perched on powerlines/poles, fences and trees.

Visitors area still seeing geese and ducks in the area. Ponds and waterways are full so waterfowl can be seen in several locations.

Lewis' woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, flickers, western meadowlarks, Steller's jays, scrub jays, gray jays, Townsend's solitaire, horned larks, golden-crowed kinglets and robins are all at home on the wildlife area.

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

Reminder: WILDLIFE AREA PARKING PERMIT required. Display your required parking permit when visiting the wildlife area. If you are using ELS, you must print out your parking permit and display it. Camping in the wildlife area is only allowed in designated camping areas. Please pack out your trash. Only street legal vehicles are allowed in the wildlife area, no ATV's or snowmobiles. WRWA headquarters 541-544-2126.