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Northwest Zone
Table of Contents
Recreation Report
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July 10, 2024
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Tillamook county
Birds
Both residential and migratory songbirds are active in north coast forests as nesting and rearing of young has been in full swing for several weeks. As a result, many species are very visible as they forage not only for themselves but nests full of young. One less frequently seen species that is noticeable this time of year in Coast Range forests is the western tanager. This neo-tropical migrant is one of the most strikingly colored birds to be found on the north coast; males are distinctive with dark wings and tail, bright yellow body and red-orange head.
Three Arch Rocks NWR is located just west of Oceanside and was historically home to thousands of nesting common murres by mid-May. However, in recent years bald eagles have strafed the colonies of murres and other seabirds to the point where the seabirds largely gave up nesting there. Large numbers of pigeon guillemots appear to have taken their place and seem to be less susceptible to predation. On the lower rock, nearest to the shoreline, is where the Steller sea lions can be found on a reliable basis. They are the larger, lighter colored cousin to the more common California sea lion. Binoculars or a spotting scope make for the best viewing.
The Vaux's swifts have returned to the Wilson School chimney in the City of Tillamook. Hundreds of swifts put on a show as they return nightly to roost, circling the area in increasing numbers around twilight before diving into the chimney to roost for the night. Swifts spend the day foraging on insects at high altitude and have a slightly bat-like, fluttering flight very different from the low-level aerial foraging by swallows.
Mammals
Deer and elk should begin frequenting open spaces soon with fawns and calves in tow. A mostly white piebald doe was seen recently near Sandlake, north of Pacific City. Piebaldism is an incomplete form of albinism and while still rare, pockets of deer showing the trait are not unusual in some localities such as the Pacific City area.
Clatsop county
Birds
The Twilight Eagle Sanctuary and other viewing areas near the Columbia are good places to watch bald eagles and ospreys as they fish, hunt and tend their nests. Territorial disputes this time of year are not uncommon among the eagles as they vie for the best hunting spots and defend their nest areas from intruders.
Fort Stevens State Park has many viewing opportunities from the beach access areas off various parking lots to the viewing bunker on Trestle Bay (by parking lot D) to the forested areas along the bike paths. Different species frequent the variety of habitats, allowing visitors to see everything from pelagic species to woodpeckers and warblers in the space of a few minutes' bike ride.
Easily-viewed migratory species present in many areas of the county include band-tailed pigeons, violet-green swallows, tree swallows, and wood ducks. Look for band-tailed pigeons near areas with abundant elderberries and tall trees to stage from. Swallows can be seen gliding over open fields and small ponds. Wood ducks, hooded mergansers, and mallards have been seen on the shallow pond areas, in fields with standing water, and along creeks.
Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area
Elk viewing continues to be good at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. The best viewing has been in the early mornings and again in the evenings. As the days get longer and weather warms, elk will start to use the timbered areas more during the day. Bulls are actively growing antlers with some larger males being seen along Hwy 202.
Good places to look for elk are the Fishhawk Tract along Hwy 202 and the Beneke Track along the first 1.5 miles of Beneke Road.
Calving and fawning season is here. Elk generally give birth form late May through early July. Visitors are cautioned to not disturb elk calves, deer fawns, and other young wildlife. "If you care, leave them there." Watch for vegetation movement behind the adults as calves try to follow their mothers through the tall grass. As fields are mowed during July and August, calves should be more visible.
Migratory species that have returned to the wildlife area include violate-green swallows, tree swallows, mallards, and wood ducks, as well as many songbird species. Band-tailed pigeons should be arriving soon. Swallows can be seen gliding over the open fields and checking out nest boxes. Wood ducks, hooded mergansers, and mallards have been seen in the shallow pond areas, in fields with standing water, and along creeks. Many different songbirds can be seen visiting the view area bird feeders.
Other wildlife to watch for include: coyotes in the fields, bald eagle perched in tall trees near the creeks, and turkey vultures soaring overhead. Listen for pileated woodpecker calls in the mornings or pacific tree frog croaking in the evenings.
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 waterfowl use the estuaries such as pintails, widgeon, mallards and teal. Many different waterfowl species can be seen resting along the edges of these waterways as well. 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.
Brown Pelicans have been seen in high numbers in all of the Mid Coast estuaries and coastlines.
Red crossbills have been abundant on USFS lands these past couple of weeks. Listening in the forest is the best way to locate these birds.