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.
Fern Ridge Wildlife Area
Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is open daily to the public providing great wildlife viewing opportunities.
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.
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
Bird watching is excellent with most spring migrants having moved on and summer residents arriving. Rentenaar Road, Eastside Viewing Platform and Racoon Point remain open for viewing. The trail to Warrior Rock Lighthouse remains open and offers a great hike along with bird viewing. Blue heron have been seen on the Westside of the wildlife area. All open areas on Sauvie Island Road and Reeder Road require a parking permit.
Cliff swallows, barn swallows and purple martins are prevalent and now nesting. Bald eagles, northern harriers, red-tailed hawks and American kestrels may still be seen on the wildlife area and other points on the island. Adult eagles and their young are active at their nest sites and osprey are present and nesting. Be sure to bring your binoculars.
Western painted 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.
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.
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is located on Sauvie Island, approximately 10 miles north of Portland off Hwy. 30. A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and can be purchased at ODFW license agents, ODFW offices, or online. For more information, call (503) 621-3488.
