Willamette Zone

Attention wildlife viewers – we want your photos!

Whether you’re grabbing shots of birds or mammals, reptiles or amphibians, we’d love to see your results. When you submit your photos to ODFW they could appear on our website or signs, or in social or brochures. What a great way to share your experience with others!

Photo submission form

12 tips for better wildlife photos

Oregon is home to more than 250 different species of animals – from common to iconic -- making it a perfect place to hone your wildlife photography skills.  Consider these tips when photographing wildlife this summer.

Corvallis Area

EE Wilson Wildlife Area

There are lots of deer, shorebirds and waterfowl to see on the Wildlife Area – look for goose, mallard, hooded merganser and wood duck broods. Wildlife viewing remains good for waterfowl and shorebirds. Neotropical migrants in the area include yellow-breasted chat, American goldfinch, various swallows, warblers, thrush, kinglet and common yellowthroat.

Note: Dogs are required to be on a leash inside the wildlife area boundary. Rifles and pistols are prohibited year-round. Find directions to EE Wilson Wildlife Area.

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

Eugene Area

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

The Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is now open for daily public use. Waterfowl have begun to nest and some goslings and ducklings have been seen so it is extra important at this time of year for you to maintain control of your dog. Regulations require that all dogs must be on a leash to prevent harassment of wildlife.

Observant visitors may catch a glimpse of black-tailed deer and furbearers including beaver, otter, mink, red fox and coyotes. Some of the unusual and special bird species to be on the lookout for include white pelicans, black terns, band-tailed pigeons, yellow-headed blackbirds, osprey and bald eagles. This is a great time of year to look for waterfowl, shore birds, wading birds, songbirds, raptors, reptiles, and amphibians. Western pond turtles may be seen basking on logs, branches, and rocks in sunny areas of rivers, off-channel ponds, and other wetlands. Please report sightings of turtles here.

An elevated viewing platform in the Fisher Butte unit just south of Royal Avenue is open year-round. A second viewing platform is located 1/4 mile north of the Fisher Butte unit parking lot on Hwy. 126.

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

Portland Area

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area Westside, Oak Island and North units are seasonally closed from Oct. 1through April 15, 2019.  Eastside units will be closed through April 30, 2019. Rentenaar Road, Eastside Viewing Platform and Raccoon Point will remain open for viewing. The trail to Warrior Rock Lighthouse remains open and offers a great hike along with bird viewing. All open areas are on Reeder Road and require a parking permit.

Viewing opportunities are plentiful as wintering waterfowl are present. This allows for excellent viewing of snow geese, swans, bald eagles, northern harriers and large numbers of sandhill cranes. Bald eagles have increased activity near their nest sites. Recently a couple of peregrine falcons have been seen on the eastside of wildlife area. Be sure to bring your binoculars.

Sauvie Island is a main stopping point for migratory birds as they travel along the Pacific Flyway. ODFW actively manages the area to provide food and cover for these creatures.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is located on Sauvie Island, approximately 10 miles north of Portland off Hwy. 30. A parking permit is required to park on the wildlife area. Find out how to buy a parking permit. For more information, call (503) 621-3488.