Southwest Zone

December 4, 2025

Coos and Curry counties

Coquille Valley Wildlife Area (CVWA)

Coquille Valley Wildlife Area (CVWA) in Coos County is open to public access. Permits for access are required and are available, free of charge, at the kiosk located in the parking lot along North Bank Road. You must access CVWA through this point. Please fill out the upper half ("A" half) of the permit and deposit it in the slot located on the post of the kiosk. Sign and carry the lower half ("B" half) with you while you enjoy CVWA. At the end of your visit please fill out the B half and deposit it in the same slot.

CVWA, both Winter Lake and Beaver Slough Tracts, are open to seven-day-a-week access from Feb. 1 through Aug. 31. From Sept. 1 through Jan. 31 Winter Lake Tract is open to public access Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays while Beaver Slough Tract remains open seven days a week.

Birds

If you're visiting the Oregon Coast to check a few birds off your life list, this time of year is a great bet for catching a glimpse of uncommon migrants as they rest and feed on their route back to wintering grounds. On the south coast, bird viewing hotspots include the various rock islands near Bandon, Cape Arago, Coos Bay and the Coquille River estuary (learn more about these and other birding hotspots here).

Consider stopping at the Port Orford Docks or Floras Lake/New River to look for Cassin's Auklet. This small, blue-footed gray bird is identifiable by a white underwing stripe, pale underbill, and white eyebrow. While it typically forages in the open ocean, upwellings can bring birds closer to shore. Unfortunately, birds in poor health may wash onto Oregon's beaches in years when ocean foraging conditions are poor. The species was added as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN, formerly Strategy Species) in the 2025 revision of the State's Wildlife Action Plan (Conservation Strategy), and community science observations of this bird documented through platforms like eBird, or of beach cast birds through networks like COASST (https://coasst.org/) can provide data that helps to inform conservation strategies for species experiencing declining population trends.

Many shorebirds winter in the coastal bays where they access mud flats for feeding. During king tides and periods of high run-off from rain, finding these birds can be challenging. Times of lower tides is the time to find them. Birders will find a mix of Western Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, Dunlin, Black-bellied Plovers as well as others. These birds will be in full, colorful, winter plumage. Places that are easy to access for viewing are Bandon Marsh Unit of Bandon National Wildlife Refuge in the Coquille River estuary and mud flats along Cape Arago Hwy near Charleston.

If you choose to venture out onto the mud flats, keep a close eye on water levels since rising tides can rise very quickly in winter and spring and trap the unsuspecting birder by flowing in behind them in low spots. Keeping a 2025 tide book while poking around on the mud flats is advisable.

Marine mammals

Whales migrate in the winter along the Oregon coast, traveling south on their route to warming breeding grounds. On calm days, watching the coast (with optics!) from locations with expansive ocean views is a productive way to see one—or many—species of whales. In southern Oregon, whale-watching hot spots include Harris Beach, Cape Ferrelo, Battle Rock, Face Rock, Shore Acres, Bastendorff Park, and Umpqua Lighthouse (or visit Oregon State Park's Whale Watching website).

While you may get lucky and see humpback whales, sei whales, or even blue whales, the most common whales to see during migration are gray whales. Gray whales have one of the longest known mammal migrations, traveling from the Bering Sea south to calving grounds in Baja California, Mexico. Gray whales were the first marine mammals to be recovered through the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Significant declines occurred historically due to commercial overharvest before federal protections were established. The gray whale population in Oregon was removed from the Federal ESA in 1994, although gray whales are still a SGCN and are listed as Endangered by the State of Oregon due to threats such as boat collisions, entanglement, and other disturbances to animals and their habitats.

Wildlife tracking

Wildlife tracking is a skillset that naturalists use to learn about the behaviors and interactions of animals by observing the evidence that they leave behind. Unique terrain in Oregon's coastal dunes create an ideal environment for year-round tracking activity. You can follow the foraging bouts of plovers, identify the culprits visiting a scavenged carcass, or follow the movements of a river otter along the beach all simply by observing tracks left in the sand.

If you've ever wanted the chance to sharpen your tracking skills with the help of professional wildlife trackers, consider signing up for the Oregon Dunes Wildlife Tracking Field Course, by the Wilderness Awareness School. The next session is scheduled for April 29 to May 1, 2026, so there's plenty of time to sign up. Learn more about the program, here.

Big game

In the winter, Western Oregon's Roosevelt Elk herds move down from the mountains to forage in warmer valley bottoms where food is more abundant. As the season progresses into late October, and early November, bulls will be harder to see as they start to move away from cow herds, becoming more solitary or living in bachelor herds. It seems that all the insults and fights between bulls in the rut are forgiven once the rut concludes.

While this is a unique and impressive spectacle that everyone should see, it is extremely important to keep your distance from these animals. They can become exceedingly aggressive during the rut period.

Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area is a good place to watch elk as several herds are currently spending most days in the fields near observation points. Dean Creek is also a good place to see a variety of birds from waterfowl to wintering songbirds.

Douglas County

Big game

Columbian white-tailed deer once occurred across northwestern Oregon. Only two small populations remain, and the Umpqua Valley is a great place to come see a unique western population of what is better known as an eastern deer species. Recovery efforts in the Umpqua Valley resulted in removal of this population from the federal Endangered Species Act in 2003.

Columbian white-tailed (and black-tailed) deer can be found throughout much of the greater Roseburg area. Visit them at the North Bank Habitat Management Area or look for herds on private agricultural lands and fields, where they often occur in strong numbers.

Birds

The recent update to Oregon's State Wildlife Action Plan (Conservation Strategy) includes additions of several species of birds to the Species of Greatest Information Need list (SGIN, Data Gap Species). This list identifies species where there is not enough information to determine conservation needs. Observations of these species through platforms like eBird are immensely valuable for conservation planning and make for a great scavenger hunt for birders looking for a new challenge. In Douglas County, SGIN that you might see this winter include Brandt's Cormorant, California Gull, Clark's Grebe, Peregrine Falcon, Rufous Hummingbird, Tricolored Blackbird, and Western Screech Owl.

This website, www.UmpquaBirds.org, is a great resource for birding opportunities in Douglas County. Visit the website to download seasonal lists of birds expected to occur in coastal, cascade, and valley habitats within the region. You can also visit umpquaaudubon.org to sign up for upcoming birding events or to look for presentations about the region's avifauna.

Ford's Pond in northern Douglas County is home to nearly 200 species of birds. During the early winter, you can expect to see plenty of ducks, geese, sparrow, and a few shorebirds including sandpipers and yellowlegs. Other winter birding hotspots in Douglas County include Stewart Park near Roseburg (great for waterfowl, snipe, passerines, and gulls).

Wildlife Tracking

As snow-levels drop in the Cascades, tracks left behind in the snow mark the activities of animals that are otherwise very hard to find. Prints from squirrels and chipmunks, rabbits and hares, deer and elk, mustelids, and carnivores can all be identified by the size, shape, and pattern of prints left behind in the snow. If you need help identifying a track, consider sharing your observation with other naturalists (e.g. with online groups or community science platforms), and be sure to include an object for scale in any photos you take to identify the print. A good wildlife tracking book can help you to figure out how to identify the tracks left by different species of wildlife.

Jackson and Josephine counties

Alpine mammals

In high elevation habitats in the Cascade's Range, keep an eye out for Oregon's elusive Sierra Nevada red fox. This subspecies is restricted to the Oregon Cascades, Lassen Peak area and the Sierra Nevada Range. Small population sizes and isolated habitats may contribute towards this species' vulnerability to threats like climate change, habitat loss, predation, vehicle strikes or disease.

Observations of this species are needed to help support ODFW's efforts to manage montane red foxes in Oregon. You can help by volunteering with ODFW to help track montane foxes (volunteer link here), or by sharing your sightings of Sierra Nevada red fox and other red-fox subspecies with wildlife managers by submitting photo reports to ODFW's Community Science project, found here.

Black-tailed deer

As fall progresses to winter, deer are winding down from the breeding season, typically referred to as "the rut." It's still a great time to see spectacular bucks in open areas, chasing does that they intend to breed. Deer during this time of year are less focused on being secretive and therefore are easier to spot and view for longer periods of time.

Birds

On the first Wednesday of every month, birders can join Rogue Valley Audubon Society for a field trip to learn more about birds on Denman Wildlife Area. You can learn more about this opportunity on the chapter's website, here. Please note that wildlife area parking permits are required to be on the wildlife area. Permits can be purchased from any local license dealer or online. They also come free with a hunting license. Permits must be visible from the front dashboard of your vehicle.

If you'd like to test your birding skills, the Upcoming Christmas Bird Count is a great opportunity to engage with local birders and to learn more about the winter residents of the Rogue Valley. You can contribute observations during the official count day while birding from your backyard or neighborhood if you reside in the Ashland (December 21) or Medford (January 3) area or consider joining a birding group if you'd like a faster pace. More information about the annual Christmas Bird Count is available from Rogue Valley Audubon's Website.

Quail: Keep an eye out for the two species of quail that live in southwest Oregon. If you see a ground bird with a long straight head plume and chestnut-colored throat and flanks, then you're looking at a Mountain Quail—a species that typically lives at higher elevations.

Unlike Mountain Quail, California Quail have a curved head plume and the feathers on their chest give them a scaled appearance. The California Quail, also referred to as the valley quail, is typically found in the lower elevation valleys, and can be more common than the Mountain Quail in agriculture and suburban areas near thick brushy cover.

Great Blue Herons: These are partial migrant birds, meaning some populations chose to fly to breeding grounds as the weather changes in the fall and early winter months while others prefer to stay. They are highly adaptable hunters. They can be found near bodies of water, in wetlands, marshes, urban settings with water sources, and occasionally they can be seen in agricultural fields, searching for amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, insects, and other birds.

Great Egrets: Smaller in size to the Great Blue Heron and white in color, these birds can be found in similar habitats as the Great Blue Heron, wading in shallow water in search of unsuspecting prey. They're unique in that they can be found on every continent in the world, except Antarctica. They're highly adaptable to varying habitats and are very intelligent birds.

American Bittern: American Bitterns are a medium-size heron with thick, compact bodies, a thick neck, and long pointed bill. They are a buffy beige color with vertical darker brown stripes that help camouflage them in the tall marshy vegetation. Similar to other herons, they are patient and stealthy when searching for prey. When alarmed they are known to stand motionless, almost completely upright, with their bill pointed straight into the air, as if they are just part of the swaying vegetation that surrounds them.

Watch for them in shallow freshwater marshes, toward the margins of the reeds and other tall vegetation. They are rarely seen out in the open and are less commonly observed this time of year.

Lewis's Woodpecker: These are year-round residents of the Rogue Valley. Look for this Species of Greatest Conservation Need in areas with abundant large snags and open canopy. Unlike other woodpeckers in North America, this species forages on aerial insects (flycatching), making short bouts of flight from elevated perches to catch prey.

iNaturalist

iNaturalist is used to share and gather information on various plants and animals around you. The information provided by users generates data for science and conservation. This is a very popular, and free, tool used by both nature lovers and scientists alike. If you're interested in learning about what plants or animals have been observed in your area, or if you'd like to submit wildlife observations to support conservation efforts in Oregon, you can access the platform via the website or through an app. Visit: iNaturalist for more information, or join ODFW's Wildlife Conservation project.

Amphibians:

Late fall through the spring is salamander season in Oregon. This time of year, rain events can increase salamander activity making it more likely for animals to be found on the surface or moving across the forest floor. Twelve of Oregon's 19 species of salamanders occur in this area: rough-skinned newt, long-toed salamander, pacific giant salamander, southern torrent salamander, ensatina, Dunn's salamander, Del Norte salamander, clouded salamander, northwestern salamander, Siskiyou mountains salamander, western-red backed salamander, and Klamath black salamander. To increase your odds of finding salamanders, head out when the weather is cool and rainy. If you search under cover objects (logs, debris, rocks, bark), be sure to put them back where you found them afterwords. Most species of salamanders are protected in Oregon, which means that handling or collection are not authorized without a permit.

Hiking opportunities

Rogue Gorge and Natural Bridge

Located roughly 52 miles northeast of Medford, in the beautiful Upper Rogue Wild and Scenic River the Rogue River Gorge Trail and Natural Bridge are waiting for exploration. The 3.5-mile loop trail guides you along the basalt lava tubes where the Rogue River gouges its way through. Enjoy the fall leaves turning while listening to the vocals of local songbirds and other wildlife that inhabit the area.

Lithia Park

Ninety-three acres of forested canyonland, located in the heart of Ashland-Lithia Park provides miles of trail systems to explore that are friendly to all experience levels. Within the park is a Japanese garden, a formal rose garden, duck ponds, picnic areas, fountains, and so much more. Deer and other wildlife can be seen as the park meanders along Ashland Creek. Bring your binoculars for bird-viewing opportunities. No dogs are allowed in Lithia but dog parks are located nearby.

Table Rocks

The two Table Rocks of southern Oregon provide excellent hiking opportunities. The Upper Table Rock Trail is located off Modoc Road and is a slightly shorter hike, whereas the Lower Table Rock Trail is located off Table Rock Road and is longer, yet a slightly less steep climb. Both trails provide a good opportunity to see a variety of native wildlife, and to hear vocal species like northern flicker and acorn woodpeckers. Both hikes offer excellent views of the surrounding Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges if you hike to the top of the trail. During the wetter fall and winter months, wear appropriate footwear as the trail can be muddy. No dogs are allowed on the Table Rocks trails.

Jacksonville Forest Park

Jacksonville Forest Park is located just outside of the historic town of Jacksonville. This is a 1,100-acre park with over 30 trails provided access to scenic forests, creeks, and sunny oak woodlands. The park provides excellent opportunities for hikers (and bikers and equestrians) of all skill levels. The city of Jacksonville offers a digital map to help users stay on-trail, available here.

Local Lakes

Lost Creek Lake provides 30 miles of trails which include portions of the Rogue River National Recreation Trail. Along the lake and riverbanks, look for a wide variety of wildlife and wildflowers. Deer may be seen early in the morning and late evenings along water ways. Pick up a copy of the brochure of the trail system at the Stewart State Park or McGregor Park visitor centers in the area. Check the Corps Lakes website for updates on facility closure status.

Lake Selmac is a great place to see waterfowl, eagles, osprey and other shore birds. The lake also offers a wide variety of activities from camping, sailing, boating, fishing, to swimming, and hiking. To get to the lake from Grants Pass, take highway 199 west about 12 miles to the lake turn0pff sign at Lakeshore Drive. Turn left and follow the road to the lake.

Denman Wildlife Area

Below the fourth pond and to the north, you can access the Denman Horse Trail (2.5 mile) with great views of the Upper Table Rock. While a daytime encounter is unlikely, keep an eye out for mammal signs (scat, scrapes, trails and tracks) to learn about how deer, fox, bear, beaver and muskrat use the important riparian habitat along Little Butte Creek. Waterfowl are also common on Little Butte Creek, especially near the confluence of the Rogue River.

An interpretive trail guide is available from the Denman Wildlife Area office; call ahead to ask for a copy or to get a map of other trails on with wildlife area (541) 826-8774.

The covered viewing station on Whetstone Pond off East Gregory Road provides shelter from the wetter and colder fall weather while offering opportunity to view turtles, waterfowl, egrets, raptors and songbirds. The viewing station was installed by Oregon Hunters Association and can be accessed from a paved, ADA-accessible pathway that also extends into the pond for up-close viewing access.

A parking permit is required to park in the Denman Wildlife Area. Find out how to buy a parking permit.

Domestic waterfowl and poultry: It is illegal to dump domestic waterfowl and poultry. There are significant impacts to the wild birds that inhabit the area. Domestic ducks and geese compete with native/migratory ducks and geese for nesting habitat and food sources, and domestic waterfowl have the potential of introducing disease into the wild populations.

The Denman Wildlife Area staff would also like to remind visitors that feeding the birds in the wildlife area is NOT permitted. Feeding waterfowl bread or other processed and unnatural food is harmful to birds and feeding them can cause the spread of disease as both migratory and domestic birds congregate in large quantities when being fed.