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Features: These fish have dark blue backs, silver sides and bellies, and very long pectoral (side) fins. Albacore caught off the Pacific Coast are generally 21 to 30 inches long with the largest fish running about 35 pounds. Habitat: Tuna are pelagic species, meaning they spend their lives in the open ocean. Albacore generally show up 15-200 miles or more off the Pacific Coast in mid-July and stick around through September. Albacore are usually found where surface water temperatures are at least 59 degrees Fahrenheit and the water has a distinct clear blue color (this is where chlorophyll levels are

The skies near favored stopover locations are filled twice annually with the sights and sounds of these geese as they migrate between Arctic breeding grounds and wintering areas farther south. Snow geese share very similar all-white plumage and black wing tips with the less common Ross's goose. These are Oregon's only wild white geese. It is predominantly a spring and fall migrant, especially abundant in large wetland and agricultural complexes such as Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Silvies River floodplain in Harney County, Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and Klamath Wildlife Area. Wintering snow geese in Oregon are found primarily along

The bighorn sheep is a medium-sized, largely brownish bovid with a white rump patch, muzzle, venter, and rear portion of the legs. The tail is blackish brown on the exposed surface. The hooves are equipped with a rubberlike pad that facilitates negotiating rocky terrain. The ears are relatively small and somewhat pointed. Both sexes are equipped with horns; those of males are massive and spiral outward, whereas those of females are relatively thin, recurved, and mostly directed upward and posteriorly. Horn growth reflects nutritional status. Bighorn sheep are capable of moving with speed and agility through the precipitous terrain in

Features: Butter clams have oval and oblong shaped shells with heavy, thick valves and hinge. Their shells have fine concentric rings. When the shell is open a little, you can see the pale ruffled mantle reminiscent of a tuxedo. Like the gaper clam, they have their two siphons fused together into one "neck." Average adult size is 3-4 inches but can range up to 5 inches. Butter clams can live more than 20 years. Habitat: Butter clams can be found in a wide variety of substrates but prefer sand and gravel/cobble beaches. They live approximately 6-12 inches deep and can

Lizards are more like ancient reptiles than either snakes or turtles. There are more than 2,500 species of lizards known in the world and they range from legless, snake-like varieties to the better known, four-legged type with five toes on each foot and scaly skin. Most lizards lay eggs but some give birth to live young. Most eat insects and small animals; some eat plants. Many lizards are very fast and most can swim. Some can even "swim" through sand, just below the surface. Lizards don't like to be caught and several species will take some pretty drastic steps to

Sperm whales inhabit all oceans of the world, and have been observed in Oregon waters from March through November. Sperm whales are usually found in deep off-shore waters so they are only occasionally seen off Oregon by fishers and birders on offshore trips. It is the largest of the toothed whales and possesses the largest brain of any animal with an enormous head to house it. Sperm whales have 20 to 26 large conical teeth found only in their lower jaw. A mature male can grow to 52 feet long with its head representing up to one-third of its length

Of several swans found in Oregon, the tundra swan is by far the most common during the non-breeding season. It is most readily distinguished from the similar-appearing trumpeter swan by voice, although subtle differences in physical appearance and behavior can separate the two with difficulty. It is a fairly common transient throughout the state but most abundant at large bodies of water and wetland complexes east of the Cascades including the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding Harney Basin, Summer Lake Wildlife Area and the Klamath Basin. Hear the call of the tundra swan Photo by Kathy Munsel, ODFW

The American beaver, the largest rodent in North America, commonly weighs in excess of 55 pounds. The beaver is highly modified for aquatic life with a compact body, paddle shaped tail, webbed hind feet, valves that close their ears and nose while diving, and a rich oil gland that waterproofs their fur. Under water, membranes cover the eyes. Claws on the first and second toes are split and function in grooming; the ears and eyes are small; the tail is broad, scaly and nearly without hairs. The thick underfur is overlain with coarse guard hairs; overall, the pelage (coat) is

Some of Oregon's larger mammals, such as deer and elk can easily be seen at places like Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area, Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, and the North Bank Habitat Management Area. Black-tailed deer are frequently seen in western Oregon along roadsides. Commonly seen animals include raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, and skunks. A quiet walk in the forest or desert, a keen eye and a good pair of binoculars will reward you with glimpses of some of our more secretive animals. Some viewing tips include: keep your distance, move as silently as possible or pick a spot and remain still

Features: Cabezon are a dark green to dark brown with mottling along their sides and with smooth, scaleless skin. The largest cabezon caught was over 20 pounds, but on average they weigh approximately 4 pounds. Habitat: Cabezon live around kelp beds and rocky headlands over hard bottoms. Technique: Cabezon are best caught using rubber tailed jigs tipped with bait. Make sure you are fishing within just a foot or two of the bottom as Cabezon like to hold tight to cover. CAUTION: While Cabezon meat can be safely consumed, its roe is poisonous to humans. Photo credit: Brandon Ford

Large and primarily white, the American white pelican has the longest wingspan of any bird in Oregon. It also has an enormous orange bill, and flies with neck withdrawn. During the breeding season the top of the bird's head becomes dusted with black and a horn grows on the upper mandible; this projection serves as a target for aggressive encounters to avoid injury to the essential bill pouch, but is shed after the eggs are laid. This pelican makes unusually long flights for feeding and migration, and at great distances, soaring flocks have been reported as UFOs. In Oregon, it