Wildlife Update

For many who don’t know, I am a wildlife lover, and in particular I love birding. I see so many amazing birds just in my backyard. But overall, Corvallis has many wonderful birding places close by.

Oregon has recorded at least 465 species of the total 800 species of birds in all of North America. 206 of these bird species are found within a 30-mile radius of Corvallis/Salem, Oregon.

Some of the best places to view birds are wildlife refuges.  Ankeny, Baskett Slough, and William Finley are all great places to visit in any season and in they are particularly well known for wintering habitat for Dusky Canada geese, six other subspecies of Canada geese, and the occasional Tundra Swan.

There is an amazing bald eagle roost in Tangent where I saw at least 50-60 bald eagles coming in to roost at sunset.  A must see this time of year!

What makes Oregon a particularly good place for birding is because we lie right in the Pacific Flyway. The Pacific Flyway originates in southern Alaska and follows a path between the Pacific coastline, Willamette Valley, and Eastern Oregon terminating in southern Mexico. Migrating birds follow this route and we get to view them as they stop over on their travels.

Birding around Corvallis and within a 30 mile radius of the city, the following places are great for wildlife viewing:

Finley National Wildlife Refuge

E.E.Wilson National Wildlife Refuge

 Baskett Slough NWR

Ankeny NWR 

Jackson-Frazier Wetlands Preserve

Get the binoculars out and go see some great birds! Don’t miss a chance to see my favorite: The Varied Thrush 🙂