Southwest Zone
Table of Contents
Recreation Report
March 6, 2024
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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 deposited 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.
Coos County
Birds
The Oregon Coast is a great place to look for wintering birds. 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.
Keep an eye (or an ear) out for black oystercatchers ⸻ an Oregon Conservation Strategy Species with an orange bill that can be found near several rocky coastal destinations including the islands near Bandon, Gold Beach, and Cape Arago. These birds are very active and vocal with a sharp, shrill call that can be heard from quite a distance.
Winter storms can cause birds that would normally be found off shore or along rocky shorelines to move closer to shore or into bays. Those interested in searching for birds like pigeon guillemots, fulmars, harlequin ducks and many others may have opportunities to see these birds near the mouths of bays. Point Adams in Charleston is a good example of a place where these offshore birds can be seen from land in the winter.
Marine mammals
Pupping season for northern elephant seals begins as early as January. Mother northern elephant seals generally spend only a short time with their pups before "parking" them on beaches and leaving to forage. From that time on the pups are on their own. This behavior often leads to beach goers stumbling upon these 500+ pound babies on local beaches.
These young animals will grow, relying on considerable fat reserves, until they are capable of foraging out at sea like their mothers. Because they have very little understanding of the dangers that people and other animals can pose to them, the pups often lie on beaches where human traffic is common and not move. People often think these are sick or stranded animals. In fact, the behavior is normal for them. In addition, the young pups will slough off skin as they grow and the odor from the skin can be significant. This leads people to believe there is something wrong with the pup. There isn't.
If you encounter one of these big babies don't approach it and contact your local ODFW or Oregon Parks office so appropriate measures can be taken to protect the pups while they grow large enough to join other northern elephant seals feeding out at sea.
If you think an animal you find is in trouble, contact your local ODFW office to report the animal or contact the Marine Mammal Stranding Network an (800) 452-7888.
Big game
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 this 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.
This time of year, 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
Acorn woodpeckers are a Strategy Species in the Klamath and Willamette Valley Ecoregions, but the abundance of oak habitats in southwestern Oregon provide an important refuge these birds. As year-round residents of Douglas County, acorn woodpeckers can be found living in groups and defending granary trees. Birds drill holes into granary trees, which they then use to store insects and acorns which provide food through the winter. Common locations to find acorn woodpeckers include Roseburg at River Forks Park, North Bank Habitat Management Area and Whistlers Park.
The 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.
Wildlife Tracking
Snow levels in eastern Douglas County can limit motorized access to high-elevation areas; however, storms can also provide excellent opportunities to track wildlife through the snow. Check road and snow conditions before you go, and if you're visiting one of the Sno-Parks on the Umpqua National Forest (Mt. Thielsen, Cinnamon Butte, North Crater Lake, South Diamond, and Three Lakes), you'll need an Oregon State Sno-Park Parking Permit.
Squirrels, rabbits and hares, deer and elk, mustelids, and carnivores are common in this region and can all be identified by the size, shape, and pattern of prints left behind in the snow. If using a photograph to identify the print, include an object in the photo for scale.
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
Birds
On the last Wednesday of every month at 4 p.m. (Pacific time), Rogue Valley Audubon offers an online program for birders who are interested in learning more about local birds. Each episode is about an hour long with a variety of topics and speakers. Sign up to watch.
Quail: As spring approaches, 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. During the winter, this species is found at lower elevations closer to the Rogue Valley.
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.
Yellowlegs: If you find yourself on a mudflat, look for greater and lesser yellowlegs. Yellowlegs are medium-sized shorebirds with bright yellow legs. They can be seen foraging actively in shallow water areas, taking long strides and reaching down to snatch invertebrates. It can be hard to tell the greater and lesser yellowlegs apart by plumage alone. Greater yellowlegs are larger in overall size than lesser yellowlegs, with a slightly upturned bill that is longer than their head. They have a longer neck, larger and blockier head and bill, and bigger chest than lesser yellowlegs. Calls and songs can also be very useful for telling these birds apart.
Turkey vulture: Spring brings trees budding, bees buzzing, flowers blooming, and birds chirping. Along with all the hustle and bustle of spring's arrival, turkey vultures begin making their first appearances. There have been recent reports of the raptors return in the last week or two. Turkey vultures are a large dark-brown colored bird with a bright red head. They are widespread over open country, woods, deserts, and foothills scavenging for carrion.
Unlike most birds, turkey vultures have a well-developed sense of smell allowing them to smell carrion from over a mile away. Although their feeding habits can seem repulsive to some, they are one of the environment's best defense at clearing carrion before it rots and potentially spreads disease. On crisp early mornings, as the sun rises, they can sometimes be seen perched on a branch or rock with their wings spread, to increase their body temperatures after the cool night.
Bald eagle: While adults are rather distinct, juvenile bald and golden eagles can be difficult to distinguish during their first winter. Bald eagles go through several plumage stages, transitioning from fully dark brown, to mottled brown and white, to full adult plumage of a blackish-brown body with a white head and tail. Bald eagles don't acquire their full plumage until they're approximately 5 years old. If you've seen a brown eagle lacking a white head and tail, be sure to check your field guide to compare it with goleden eagle plumage. Bald eagles (our national emblem since 1782) are year-round residents of the Rogue Valley. Recently a juvenile has been observed diving on waterfowl in the Whetstone Pond at the Denman Wildlife Area.
Lewis's woodpeckers: These are year-round residents of the Rogue Valley. Look for this Strategy Species 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.
Hiking opportunities
Buck Prairie Nordic Park
Located in Southern Oregon's Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, approximately 28 miles northeast of Ashland are miles of trail systems for all types of winter outdoor recreationalists with varying experience levels. Whether you're looking for a hike by foot or by snowshoe, a beautiful cross-country ski adventure, a fun walk with your family pet, or an exciting snowmobile ride, Buck Prairie an excellent winter option for your winter activities. For more information please visit https://www.blm.gov/visit/buck-prairie-nordic-trail-system
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 there are dog parks 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 of these 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.
Jacksonville Forest Park
The 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.
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 paved loop trail guides you along the basalt lava tubes where the Rogue River gouges its way through. Enjoy being out in nature while viewing and listening to the vocals of local songbirds and other wildlife that inhabit the area.
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 sign (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). With the wet season settling into the Rogue Valley, please remember to use caution on the slippery trails within the wildlife area. A pair of waterproof boots might be beneficial on your next visit.
The covered viewing station on Whetstone Pond off East Gregory Road provides a bit of relief from the summer sun and offers a great opportunity to view 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 at Denman Wildlife Area. Find out how to buy a parking permit.
It is illegal to dump domestic waterfowl and poultry. 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 make you aware that feeding the birds on the wildlife area is not permitted. Feeding waterfowl can cause the spread of disease as both migratory and domestic birds congregate in large quantities when being fed.
Amphibians
Salamanders are a group of tailed amphibians with long bodies and short limbs. They often prefer habitats with damp conditions, which allows them to "breathe" better through their skin. Wet and rainy days (typically late fall through spring in Oregon) are the best time to look for salamanders, as the additional moisture from fog and rain allow for increased surface activity. To find salamanders, look in cracks or search under bark, rocks or logs. If you move any debris during your search, remember to put it back where you found it when you're done—salamanders are sensitive to disturbance and many salamanders are also protected in Oregon.
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: https://www.inaturalist.org/ for more information, or join ODFW's Wildlife Conservation project.