Southwest Zone

Jan. 8, 2025‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

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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.

Birds

The Oregon Coast is a great place to look for migrating 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.

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 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, not only, rise very quickly in winter and spring but they can also 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.

Waterfowl numbers are quite high on the south coast currently but with the heavy precipitation that has recently occurred those birds are scattered throughout the valleys. While waterfowl are available for viewing on Coquille Valley Wildlife Area and Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, larger numbers of birds can be seen in the upper Coquille Valley near the town of Myrtle Point or in "stringer valleys" such as Templeton Valley, north of North Bend city, and Lee Valley, located east of the town of Coquille. In the winter months ducks are in full, colorful winter plumage, as are shorebirds.

Other waterfowl to keep an eye out for are tundra swans and sea ducks. The Coquille Valley often has the largest concentration of tundra swans along the Oregon coast. Sea ducks move into the saltwater portions of estuaries in the winter. Examples of these birds are harlequin ducks and surf scoters. Bullard's State Park and view points around Charleston are good places to see sea ducks.

Many winter storms have impacted the Oregon coast this fall. When this happens, waterbirds move closer to shore in the lee of rocky points to wait out the storms. Some of these seabirds are difficult to see from shore at other times of year. Birds available for viewing in Coos Bay currently are red-necked grebes, Western and Clarks grebes (can you tell the difference?) and both Pacific and common loons. Viewers should respect the ocean and stay back away from crashing waves to avoid being washed off of rocks.

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.

Marine mammals

Whales of many different species are beginning to migrate, passing the Oregon coast. On calm days watching the coast from observation points will result in sighting whales, sometimes several of them. The presence of migrating whales will increase going into the spring months, with March being one of the best months to see them. Probably the most common whales to see during the migration are gray whales. However, humpback whales, sei whales and even blue whales can be seen on occasion.

One of the most popular whale viewing locations in Coos County is, unfortunately, closed for the foreseeable future. Cape Arago Hwy had a landslide in shore Acres state park in early January which resulted in a closure of the highway near Sunset Bay. Accessing Simpson reef and Cape Arago itself required hiking several miles until the road is repaired.

Other places to view whales in or near Coos County are Bastendorff Park lookout near Charleston and Umpqua Lighthouse near Winchester Bay.

Big game

In the winter months Roosevelt bulls tend to separate themselves from larger groups of cows and calves. They can be seen from time to time in bachelor groups if a person searches for them.

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.

If the weather is not sunny and warm the Hinsdale observation platform is covered and offers a great view of the fields there. Restrooms are available. Take a thermos of coffee and enjoy the morning and all the action. Dean Creek can also be a great place to view waterfowl and other wildlife including coyotes and 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, and 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.

Ford's Pond in northern Douglas County is home to nearly 200 species of birds. During the fall, you can expect to see plenty of ducks, geese, swallows, and a diversity of shorebirds such as dowitchers, sandpipers, yellowlegs, snipe, and egrets. Other fall birding hotspots in Douglas County include Stewart Park near Roseburg (great for swifts, swallows, and waterfowl).

In the fall, Greater White-fronted Geese migrate along the Pacific Flyway from breeding habitat in Alaska to wintering areas in the western US and Mexico. Listen for the characteristic "laughing" call of large flocks as they pass overhead. Fields and lakes or ponds are good places to look for geese that may stop over to rest and forage before continuing the migration.

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 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.

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. The 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.

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.

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.

Hiking opportunities

Buck Prairie Nordic Park

As snow accumulates in the high county, consider visiting 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

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 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. During the wetter fall and winter months, wear appropriate footwear as the trail can be muddy.

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.

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).

The covered viewing station on Whetstone Pond off East Gregory Road provides shelter from the wetter and colder 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 at 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 on 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.