Important Bird Areas Map

Location:
On the central Oregon coast where the Alsea River meets the Pacific Ocean, adjacent to Waldport, southern Lincoln County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description: Alsea Bay is one of the most pristine estuaries on the Oregon Coast.  The Alsea River watershed drains approximately 475 square miles, and is home to healthy fall Chinook salmon, elk and river otter.  It also contains a number of “haul-outs”, or places where harbor seals can be viewed at low tide digesting food, basking in the sun and resting, giving birth, or nursing young.  The bay offers amazing recreational opportunities such as birding, camping, fishing and boating.  The Alsea Bay IBA includes all tidelands and submerged lands of the Alsea River, downstream from its confluence with Drift Creek. 

Bird Highlights: The numbers of birds observed in season that surpass threshold requirements include (over): 50 Caspian Terns, 100 endangered Brown Pelicans, 1,000 shorebirds, and 5,000 waterfowl.  Other species of interest include, Belted Kingfisher, American Coot, and the Great Blue Heron as well as the listed Bald Eagle and Marbled Murrelet, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Owners/Managers: Oregon Division of State Lands owns submerged lands. Ownership of upper tidal areas and marshes has not yet been determined.

Land Use: Known major land uses include fisheries, tourism/recreation, water management, agriculture, forestry, grazing/pastureland, and urban/industrial. Approximately 1/2 of the basin is managed by the BLM/U.S. Forest Service/Siuslaw National Forest, much of which is designated Late-Successional Reserve under the Northwest Forest Plan.

Management Plan: Alsea Bay was designated a Conservation Estuary under the Oregon Estuary Classification System and the Alsea Bay Estuary Plan was completed in 1987.  This plan addresses significant resources and their management for Alsea Bay.   

Conservation Issues: The highest threats are considered to be the abandonment of and reduction in land management conservation plans, the consequential disturbance to birds, and a filling in of wetlands.

Link:
• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Alsea Bay Designated as 'Important Bird Area' article in Newport News Times
• Article on Oregon coastal IBAs (Newport News Times)
• Alsea Bay, Oregon Coastal Atlas photos, maps, data.
• Alsea Bay interactive GIS (Inforain).
• City of Waldport.

For more information on Alsea Bay contact:
Paul Engelmeyer, Coastal IBA Coordinator, (541) 547-4097

Location

Description:  These BLM managed lands include a mix of shrubland and forest land. The habitats for which this site was identified are the ceanothus-manzanita brushfields and scrub oak habitat.

Conservation Issues     In many areas Ceanothus-manzanita brushfield habitat has been lost to urbanization and/or forest succession (due to fire suppression). Further, it is considered a "fire hazard" and is often eradicated to reduce fire danger.

of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location:  West-central Willamette Valley, about 10 miles west of Salem, in Polk County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description:  This national wildlife refuge was established in 1965 to provide winter habitat for Dusky Canada Geese, a subspecies that winters primarily in the Willamette Valley. Four other subspecies also regularly winter here. Grass fields provide forage for wintering goose flocks, and restored wetlands provide roosting habitat for geese, as well as habitat for other waterfowl and waterbirds. An Oregon white oak woodland, oak savanna, and upland prairie provide habitat for other wildlife and rare native plants. (Contributed by Karen Viste-Sparkman).

Outstanding Features:  Baskett Slough and nearby private lands provide habitat for one of the largest concentrations of the Streaked Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata), currently a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act, and is listed as critical on the Oregon sensitive species list. No formal surveys have been done on the refuge alone, but anecdotal information estimates a population of at least 10 breeding pairs. Together with adjacent private lands the breeding population easily exceeds 25 pairs. The entire population in the Willamette Valley is estimated to be less than 200 pairs. The refuge also supports a rare community of upland prairie and Oregon white oak woodland/oak savanna. Restored wetlands support concentrations of wintering waterfowl, and the mid-winter waterfowl aurvey detected 35,988 ducks, geese, and swans in 2001. The refuge regularly supports more than 100 shorebirds during spring and fall migrations. (Contributed by Karen Viste-Sparkman).

Conservation Issues:  Natural succession has been taking place since early settlers arrived and eliminated fire from the ecosystem. Woody vegetation is invading prairies and conifers are over-topping oak trees, destroying these rare plant communities. The refuge is managing woody vegetation by repeated mowing and a prescribed burning program. These communities would be lost without these actions. Invasion of non-native plant species is an ongoing problem that requires repeated chemical and mechanical treatment of vegetation.

Oak restoration is needed in the form of removing conifers and possibly thinning oaks and returning fire to the oak community. Prairie restoration needs to take place in degraded prairie areas and retired farm fields by controlling invasive plants through mechanical, and chemical control; controlling encroaching woody species through mechanical removal and fire; and reintroducing native prairie plant species. (Contributed by Karen Viste-Sparkman).

Birdlists:  • USFWS Western Oregon Refuge Complex (Willamette Valley)

of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

(Recreation.Gov).

Location:  On the northern Oregon coast, just north of Cannon Beach, near Ecola State Park, southwest Clatsop County. Vicinity maps (rocks are unlabeled offshore of Chapman Point): TopoZone, USGS.

Description:  This site is a small portion of the Oregon Islands NWR. It is comprised of four large rocks including seabird colonies 219-017, 270-018, 270-019 and 270-020. Only 270-020 contains low vegetation, the rest are mostly devoid of vegetation and little soil is present.

Outstanding Features:  Over 200 Brown Pelicans have been observed at this site. These rocks support more than 6% of Oregon's breeding population of Common Murres and 27% of the state's breeding Brandt's Cormorant population. A total of 49,542 seabirds nest here including six species. Bald Eagles routinely forage on seabirds at this location with up to three seen at one time.

Conservation Issues:  Human disturbance is a concern at this site from low flying aircraft, close approach of boats, and humans on the beach and the adjacent mainland. Educational efforts are underway to alleviate these problems. Significant increase in bald eagle predation, particularly from juvenile birds, has been causing widespread nesting failure at these colonies since 1994. Some abandonment of this site is occuring.

Links:  • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Location:  On the southern Oregon coast, a series of rocks surrounding Cape Blanco and extending north to off Blacklock Point, Curry County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description:  This site is a small portion of the Oregon Islands NWR. The habitat varies from low rocks to Castle Rock which is over 150 feet high. Most rocks are devoid of vegetation. This site includes Blacklock Point Rocks (270-022), Unnamed Rock (270-022.1), Tower Rock (270-023), Castle Rock (270-024), Unnamed Rock (270-025), Unnamed Rock (270-026), Gull Rock (270-027), Unnamed Rock (270-027.1), Unnamed Rock (270-027.2), Unnamed Rock (270-027.3), Unnamed Rock (270-027.5), and Needle Rock (270-028). Photo Roy W. Lowe, USFWS.
Outstanding Features:  This site provides habitat for more than 45,494 nesting seabirds comprised of eight species. This site also supports 6% of Oregon's Common Murre breeding population (USFWS census data).

Conservation Issues:  Low flying aircraft, close approaching boats and trespass on rocks is of concern for causing disturbance to nesting seabirds. Educational efforts are underway to prevent these probblems

Links:  • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Location:  Just south of Boardman, Morrow County. No public access. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description:  The Boardman Grasslands IBA consists of two adjacent parcels totalling approximately 69,000 acres: the Boardman Conservation Area and the Boardman Bombing Range (Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility Boardman). These adjacent parcels represent the largest remaining single block of predominantly native shrub steppe and grassland habitats in the Columbia Basin Physiographic Province of Oregon. The Boardman Grasslands have high-quality occurrences of bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) shrub steppe, Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) steppe, basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata) steppe, bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoregneria spicata) grasslands and needle-and-thread (Heterostipa comata) grasslands. In a basin which largely has been converted to dryland and irrigated agriculture, the Boardman Grasslands provide critical habitat for a number of native wildlife species including ten state and/or federally listed threatened, endangered, or sensitive wildlife species.

Outstanding Features:  This site supports what are suspected to be the largest nesting populations in Oregon for Grasshopper Sparrow, Long-billed Curlew, and Burrowing Owl. Significant regional nesting populations of Swainson's Hawk and Ferruginous Hawk use the Juniper Canyon area of the bombing range. Other Partners in Flight focal species for conservation that occur in shrub-steppe habitats in the IBA are Loggerhead Shrike, Sage Sparrow, Sage Thrasher, and Lark Sparrow. This site contains an area of native bunchgrass habitat that has been ungrazed for over 50 years. Ungrazed big sagebrush habitat is also present on the range.

Conservation Issues:  Ongoing efforts at restoration (both in planning and by on-ground activities) include grazing management, exotic plant reduction, noxious weed control, improved management of wildfires, restoration of historically impacted areas, research on the effects of non-natural predator populations on avian communities.

Links:  • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location:  In the northern Oregon Cascades, approximately 9.5 km east-southeast of Government Camp (south side of Mt. Hood), on the east side of the White River drainage within the Mount Hood National Forest, Hood River County (LAT 45o 15' 46.8" N, LONG 121o 35' 31.2" W). Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description:  Bonney Butte is at the southern terminus of Surveyor’s Ridge, which originates near Hood River, Oregon, south of the Columbia River Gorge. The ridge extends southward for approximately 50 km and ends southeast of Mt. Hood. Bonney Butte is a mostly bald knoll with a summit elevation of 1,754 m. The south and west slopes are steep, dropping approximately 725 m to the White River, whereas the east slope drops only 65 m to Bonney Meadows. The area within a 5-km radius of Bonney Butte is forested, except for Bonney Meadows and several clearcut tracts. Hemlock (Tsuga spp.), true firs (Abies spp.), and pines (Pinus spp.) are common in the surrounding forests. Several huckleberry species (Vaccinium spp.) also commonly occur in the area. The observation site is located on the highest point of the butte. The trapping station is located approximately 500 m north on a separate knoll and slightly lower in elevation. The intervening space is largely forested.

Outstanding Features:  Bonney Butte has been a HawkWatch International monitoring location since 1994. The season average for total raptors (1994-2001) is 2817 birds. The most numerous species observed are the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Turkey Vulture, and Golden Eagle, but up to 18 species of raptors have been observed in a single season.

Links: • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Bonney Butte Raptor Migration Project (HawkWatch International)

Location:  Off the southern Oregon coast. This area changes in size and location (due to seasonal and annual changes in wind and current patterns), but is generally located within 25 miles west of Cape Blanco and south up to 50 miles.

Description:  This area has relatively consistent winds and a physical obstruction to ocean currents (Cape Blanco) that combine to create the most dependable and nutrient-rich upwellings away from the immediate coastline on the Oregon coast. When this nutrient-rich water is brought to the ocean surface (upwelling), a diverse community of marine life is supported by its bounty.

Outstanding Features:  This area has some of the highest concentrations of seabirds in the California Current System (CCS). Because of the consistency of the upwelling at this site, the area may be particularly important during segments of climatic cycles when marine food resources are relatively scarce along the West Coast.

From Briggs et al. 1992: "Several sections of the upper continental slope seemed to support substantial numbers of albatrosses more consistently than others: . . . the slope off Cape Blanco."

From Ainley et al. 2005: "The high seabird density in the Heceta Bank and Cape Blanco areas indicates them to be refuges contrasting the low seabird densities currently found in most other parts of the CCS, following decline during the recent warm regime of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation." And, "Given that the Sooty Shearwater, by far the most abundant species in the CCS (and which contributes immensely to overall biomass), declined by 90% in the CCS since 1976..., our results are surprising. We expected to encounter significantly fewer numbers and biomass than was present, as we have noted in central California studies.... It is possible that in addition to their overall decline in the CCS, the shearwaters have become more confined to those regions that still provide high food availability. If so, the areas around Cape Blanco and Heceta Bank have apparently retained their importance to seabirds regardless of the apparent overall decline of zooplankton and presumably micronekton in the CCS...."

Links:  • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Article on Oregon coastal IBAs (Newport News Times)
• Department of Land Conservation and Development Ocean Coastal Management Program: Ocean Program
• GLOBEC Northeast Pacific Program Mapping of Physical and Biological Fields in the Northern California Current July 31 - August 19, 2002
• Pacific Coast page of the Waterbird Conservation for the Americas website. Includes the USFWS Regional Seabird Conservation Plan and the California Current Marine Bird Conservation Plan

Location:  In southwest Oregon at the junction of the southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains, southeast of Ashland in southeast Jackson County. Vicinity maps (site not labeled): TopoZone, USGS. Site maps: BLM.

Description: The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument was established in June 2000 under the Antiquities Act. It was singled out as "an ecological wonder" with "spectacular biological diversity" in recognition of its role as a biological crossroads between the Cascade, Klamath/Siskiyou, and Great Basin ecoregions. It is the nation's first National Monument established specifically to protect biodiversity. The Monument is managed by the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management as part of the National Landscape Conservation System. The BLM is currently developing its management plan for the Monument.

Outstanding Features:  Two hundred and two bird species have been reported from the Monument. In addition to its importance to particular species of concern, including Northern Spotted Owl, Great Gray Owl, Peregrine Falcon, and Willow Flycatcher, the Monument is remarkable for the array of birds that are near their range limit in the area. This list includes northern limits of Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and California Towhee, western limits of Canyon Wren and Black-billed Magpie, eastern limits of Hermit Warbler and Band-tailed Pigeon, and southern limits of Ruffed Grouse and Rufous Hummingbird. The tremendous array of habitats in the Monument provide for great diversity in vertebrate fauna (Pepper Trail, Birds of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument).

Links:  • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (BLM)

Location:  Southwest Oregon, just east of the town of Applegate and north of the Applegate River, Josephine County. Rough map of area. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description:  Roughly 6,600 acres of chaparral with scattered small forest patches in generally south-facing drainages. See aerial image of vicinity.

Outstanding Features: This IBA contains one of the largest remaining patches of chaparral in southwest Oregon, and hosts three bird species unique to this habitat: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Oak Titmouse, and California Towhee. The titmouse and towhee are year-round residents here and the gnatcatcher migrates from points south to breed here in the summer. In addition, the area provides excellent winter cover and food resources for a diversity of birds year-round. During winter, manzanita provides a berry food source for several species, particularly Hermit Thrushes. In early spring, manzanita flowers provide a nectar heavily used by arriving Rufous Hummingbirds (and others). The flowers are also eaten (perhaps for the nectar or other nutritional content?) by songbirds such as Purple Finches and Golden-crowned Sparrows before and during spring migration (Dennis Vroman pers. comm.).

Conservation Issues:    Chaparral, the dominant habitat in this IBA, is a priority habitat in western Oregon lowlands and valleys (Altman 2000b). Chaparral has been reduced in extent in southwest Oregon through clearing for farming or grazing, overgrowth by trees because of fire suppression, clearing for residental expansion, and clearing to reduce fire hazard near developed areas. In a few areas, chaparral has expanded in small degree where fire was suppressed in otherwise grassland areas (Altman et al. 2001). Concerns and potential threats of and to chaparral should be addressed on a case by case basis. Solutions should maintain the health of these habitats and the safety of people (e.g., increasing the grassland to shrub ratio can help both goals).

Scientists with Klamath Bird Observatory have completed a 2-year comparison of bird communities in areas where chaparral shrub density was reduced through mastication and where shrubs remain untreated.

Links:  • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location:  The northern Oregon coast. From the south jetty of the Columbia River south to the north spit of the Necanicum River. Includes the ocean side of Clatsop Spit, Columbia Beach, and Sunset Beach, Clatsop County, Oregon. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description:  Roughly 15 miles of wet and/or dry sand beach.

Outstanding Features:  This stretch of beach has consistently (in season) hosted huge congregations of shorebirds (primarily Sanderlings) and sometimes large flocks of gulls. The following bird records are from Marshall et al. (2003; see for original sources): A flock of 80,000 Sanderlings on Clatsop Beach 23 Jul to 6 Aug 1983 is the largest single assemblage reported in Oregon. Other peak counts include 20,000 on 21 May 1977 on Sunset Beach, 1200/mi near the s. jetty of the Columbia R. 15 May 1978, and an estimated 30,000 in 3 mi (4.8 km) of beach near the s. jetty of the Columbia R. 25 May 1978. Note that these three peak counts come from essentially the same beaches. An estimated 1,200 Heermann's Gulls were observed on Sunset Beach, Clatsop Co., in Oct 1980. On 28 Oct 1980, 1,500 Herring Gulls and 800 Thayer's gulls were among a migrant gull concentration on Clatsop Beach.

Bird Lists:  Mike Patterson has recorded and presented loads of bird data from Clatsop County (bird page, archived pages), including spring shorebird counts from the Clatsop County, which include beaches: 1997, 1998, 1999, and summary.

Links:  • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Many other species occur as well. One to several Bald eagles can be found during winter. Two Great Blue Heron colonies can be found - < 50 nests combined. Hundreds of songbirds stop during migration and/or winter on Cold Springs Refuge. Abundant species (generally several hundred individuals during a migration or winter season) include (in no particular order) Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Oregon Junco, and White-crowned Sparrow. Abundant resident species include Black-capped Chickadee and Song Sparrow.

of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

.

Location:  South-central Oregon Coast, lower Coos River.

Description:  Determining precise boundaries of this IBA will require further work by a cooperative group of partners because of the complexity of the estuary system and the frequent changes in bird use of some areas. Roughly, the Coos River Estuary and some adjacent marshes and lowland roosting and feeding sites comprise the Coos Bay IBA (perhaps better named the Coos River Estuary IBA).

Outstanding Features:  The Coos River estuary hosts tens to hundreds of thousands of waterfowl during winter and migration periods, and tens of thousands of shorebirds of many species during spring and fall migration.

Bird Lists:  • Purchase "Birds of Coos County, Oregon," (special publication #12) from Oregon Field Ornithologists.

Links:  • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Coos Bay, Oregon Coastal Atlas photos, maps, data.
• Coos Bay Interactive GIS (Inforain)
• City of Coos Bay
• City of North Bend
• Oregon's "Bay Area" Chamber of Commerce (Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston)

Location:  On the southern Oregon coast, just southwest of Bandon, Coos County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description:  This site includes all rocks and islands from the south jetty of the Coquille River, south to Crooked Creek. The following seabird colonies are included in the site: Unnamed Rocks (270-013), Table Rock (270-014), Unnamed Rock (270-014.1), North Coquille Point Rock (270-015), Middle Coquille Point Rock (270-016), Unnamed Rock (270-017), Elephant Rock (270-018), Cat and Kittens Rock (270-019), Unnamed Rock (270-019.1), Face Rock (270-020), Grave Point Rock (270-020.1), Unnamed Rock (270-020.2), Haystack Rock (270-021), Unnamed Rock (270-021.1), and Monkey Rock (270-021.2). Habitat varies from barren rocks to rocks with deep soils and vegetation. Photo Roy W. Lowe, USFWS.

Outstanding Features:  This site support 60,153 breeding seabirds comprised of 10 species. The 56,745 common murres found here constitute 8% of the murres breeding in Oregon and a greater number than breed in all of Washington and British Columbia combined (USFWS census data).

Links:  • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex
• Shoreline Education for Awareness (SEA), Inc.

:  Enforcement of existing land use policies on BLM land may be inadequate: too many cattle too long, ORV use is high. Exotic plants are common at this site.

of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location:
South-central coast, at Coquille River estuary, near Bandon, Coos County. Vicinity maps: USFWS, TopoZone, USGS

Site Description:
This IBA consists of the Bandon Marsh Unit of the Bandon Marsh NWR (and doesn't include newly added areas in the Ni-les'tun Unit east of I-101). This site contains the largest remaining tract of salt marsh in the Coquille River Estuary. Other habitats present include mudflats, sloughs, and riparian forest.
 
Outstanding Features:
This may be the premium shorebird site on the Oregon Coast. Thousands of shorebirds of numerous species are routinely found here, and peak counts have reached 60,000! 

Conservation Issues:
Invasive plants including gorse, scotch broom, and english ivy are present on higher grounds. Mechanical removal is ongoing.

Location:  Located about 8 miles east of Willamette Pass in the south-central Oregon Cascades, straddling the Deschutes and Klamath County lines.

Description:  This lake is unique in the Cascades in being relatively large and shallow, having gentle slope of shore and great fluxuation in water levels providing extensive meadows, cattail marsh, and islands of bullrush.

Outstanding Features:  Davis Lake is an important Cascades breeding site for hundreds of Western and Eared Grebes, and hosts thousands of grebes, coots, and waterfowl in migratory and winter seasons (when the lake is not frozen). In addition, the lake, marshes, and adjacent forest (burned and unburned) host a great variety of bird species, especially during migration and breeding seasons. Bald Eagle is a permanent resident. Up to two pairs of Sandhill Cranes typically nest. Dozens of Wilson's Phalaropes nest. Many species of ducks breed, including Ruddy Duck, Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Barrow's Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, and probably Canvasback and Lesser Scaup.

Links:  • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Deschutes National Forest wildlife viewing information

:

Deschutes National Forest

1001 SW Emkay Drive

Bend, OR 97702

Location:  In southwest Oregon, approximately 5 miles north of Medford, just south of White City, Jackson County.

Description:  Denman is a 1,780-acre wildlife area managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. It consists of both native and cultivated/planted grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands.

Outstanding Features:  This area preserves remnants of the wetlands that were once more extensive in the Rogue Valley, but are now quite rare, as well as other habitats of concern, the grasslands and oak woodlands. Notable wetland and/or riparian species include nesting Sora and Virginia Rails, Marsh Wrens, Yellow-breasted Chats, Cinnamon Teal, as well as many migrant and wintering waterfowl and wading birds. Black-necked Stilt have bred at least once. Yellow-headed Blackbirds have bred, and are regular in the spring. Grassland birds include Northern Harriers, White-tailed Kites (oak savannah), and Grasshopper Sparrows (up to 7 singing males, Stewart Janes pers. comm.)

of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Denman Wildlife Area

1495 E. Gregory Road

Central Point, OR 97502

(541) 826-8774

Location:  Near Adair Village, 10 miles north of Corvallis on Highway 99W, west-central Willamette Valley.

Description:  This is a 1,700-acre wildlife area managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. It is predominantly grass-shrub habitat--some native, mostly patches of cultivated grass-forb or food crop surrounded by an abundance of himalayan blackberry--with scattered small wetlands, ponds, and riparian and upland woodlands.

Outstanding Features:  A compilation of known Willamette Valley sites with Yellow-breasted Chat revealed that about 20% of (roughly) 120 individuals known were located in the E. E. Wilson Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The site also provides significant habitat for Western Bluebirds and Willow Flycatchers. Trumpeter Swans and Dusky Canada Geese use the ponds for roosting. Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, Red-Shouldered Hawk have been observed. About 195 species of birds have been seen on the WMA.
Conservation Issues     While Yellow-breasted Chats once occurred more commonly in the Willamette Valley in native habitats, the high density of chats at E. E. Wilson are found mainly in some patches of Himalaya blackberry. We are concerned that at some point the need to eliminate or reduce the invasive blackberry plant may be detrimental to the chat population. However, a transition from blackberry to another suitable nesting substrate for the chat (e.g., possibly spirea), might be successful in maintaining chats.

Links:  • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• E. E. Wilson Home Page
• ODFW E. E. Wilson Visitor's Guide

Contact: 

E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area
29555 Camp Adair Road
Monmouth, OR 97361
Phone (541) 745-5334

Location:  About 5 miles upstream from the mouth of the Columbia River, closer to Washington than Oregon mainland. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description:  East Sand Island is a natural island, capped with dredge spoil at the eastern end by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is composed entirely of coarse sand with a thin topsoil layer. It has slightly rolling topography with a stone jetty at the west end. The shoreline consists of a steep sandy berm and an extensive, gently sloping sand intertidal flat. There is no standing water and the soil is well drained. The island is mostly vegetated, with the interior covered with Scots broom, gorse, Hooker's willow, red alder and young Douglas-fir. The shoreline is dominated by European beachgrass and American dunegrass. It is surrounded by extensive sand and mud flats at low tide. (Contributed by Herbert Curl, Jr.)

Outstanding Features:  East Sand Island is the nesting site of the largest Caspian Tern colony in the world (ca. 9,900 breeding pairs). The colony represents about 67% of the Pacific coast population, about 25% of the North American population and 10% of the worldwide population. It also is a breeding area for about 8,700 pairs of Double-crested Cormorants, the largest known colony on the Pacific coast of North America. The colony represents more than 50% of the entire breeding population of the east coast subspecies P. a. albociliatus. Brandt's Cormorants constituted about 40-80 pairs, the only colony of this species in the Columbia River estuary. Up to 10,852 Brown Pelicans occupied the site and some may have attempted nesting in 2002. It is the largest night-time roost for this endangered species in the Pacific Northwest. A few Pelagic Cormorants also occupy the site, but do not nest there. Small numbers of Pigeon Guillemots nest at the west end of the island.

Three species of loons occur as spring and fall migrants and have been observed in the estuary near the island during the winter. Grebes occur in the estuary particularly in bays, during migration and in winter. Brown pelicans typically occur from late spring to mid-fall along the coast, with concentrations of up to 10,000 birds at the mouth of the Columbia at South Jetty and East Sand Island-Baker Bay (Briggs et al. 1992 IN Corps 1998).

Nine gull species commonly occur along the Oregon / Washington coast, and three others are known to occur. The Glaucous-winged/Western Gull colony on East Sand Island included 5,000- 10,000 pairs, one of the largest colonies of these two species and their hybrids on the Pacific Coast. Approximately 500 - 1,00 pairs of Ring-billed Gulls also nested on East Sand Island in 2002., the largest colony of this species in the Columbia River estuary.

Caspian terns are present from April to September and once occupied a large breeding colony on 8 acres of the western end of Rice Island. This tern colony was extirpated in 2001 and the birds moved to East Sand Island. That Caspian tern nesting population has grown from about 1,000 pairs in 1984 to about 10,000 pairs in 2002. Much of this increase appears to have occurred from colonies at other locations shifting to the Columbia River estuary, apparently due to habitat loss elsewhere. This colony currently represents the largest known Caspian tern colony in the world.

Waterfowl are seasonally abundant. Agricultural lands along the river and intertidal marshes in the estuary provide substantial habitat along the lower river. Mallards, Northern Pintails, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Canada Geese, Scaup and Scoters are the most abundant wintering species. Mallards and Canada geese are the principal nesting species. Islands, particularly dredged material islands, are important nesting sites for the resident populations of Canada geese and Mallards. Substantial numbers of wintering Canada geese use these islands.

Raptors (hawks, owls) occur both as residents, migrants and/or wintering birds. Bald Eagles are relatively abundant. Peregrine Falcons are also present

Many other nongame bird species occur throughout the estuary. Shorebirds are abundant during spring and fall migration with substantial numbers overwintering in the estuary. Large concentrations of shorebirds use high tide roosts at the downstream tips of Rice Island and Miller Sands Spit. Savannah and White-crowned Sparrows and Horned Larks inhabit dredged disposal sites where the open, sparsely vegetated terrain provides preferred nesting and foraging habitat. (Contributed by Herbert Curl, Jr.)

Links:  • Lower Columbia Estuary, Oregon Coastal Atlas photos, maps, data.
• Columbia River Estuary interactive GIS (Inforain).

In the southern Willamette Valley, about 7 miles west of Eugene, Lane County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Fern Ridge Reservoir is a U. S. Corps of Engineers flood control project encompassing more than 12,000 acres. The lake and surrounding marshlands provide unique habitats attracting a variety of bird species.

Fern Ridge is important to the following species listed as sensitive by ODWF: Purple Martin (critical), Yellow-breasted Chat (critical), Western Meadowlark (critical), Willow Flycatcher (vulnerable), Western Bluebird (vulnerable), and Grasshopper Sparrow (vulnerable, naturally rare). The "wet prairie" habitat along the east side of Fern Ridge supports important natural communities. During winter, the populations of Dusky Canada Goose, Northern Pintail, Great Egret, Ring-billed Gull, Black-bellied Plover, and certainly Dunlin using Fern Ridge more than meet this criterion. During the breeding season (and spring migration) numbers of Cinnamon Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Virginia Rail, Sora, American Bittern, Black Tern, Marsh Wren (winter, too), Willow Flycatcher, and Yellow-headed Blackbird probably all meet this criterion as well. Waterfowl counts have been conducted regularly at Fern Ridge during the winter since 1989. Peak counts each winter reach 15,000 to 27,000 birds. This number excludes 8,000 to 20,000 Canada Geese and 100 to 1,500 Tundra Swans that roost on the lake during the night and fly out to the surrounding fields at daybreak. Though Fern Ridge is not on the ocean, it supports a breeding colony of 20-30 pairs of Black Terns, which meets the "50 terns" criterion. Fern Ridge is a significant stopping place for some shorebirds, especially in the fall, and regularly (during migration) holds more than 100 individual shorebirds at one time. (Contributed by Noah Strycker)

Location  In the northwest Willamette Valley, just south of the town of Forest Grove, Washington County.

Description  This site is 243 acres, composed largely of wetland and moist soil habitats.

Outstanding Features  Waterfowl populations are daily in the thousands from November through March. Shorebirds occur (at least 17 species recorded thus far) in numbers frequently exceeding 100 birds in spring, fall, and sometimes in winter. A wide variety of wetland and grassland species occur.

Links  • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Contact 
Friends of Fernhill Wetlands
Eric Brattain
1813 Redwood Court
Forest Grove, OR 97116
Phone: (503) 357-5890
Email: brattae@pdx.edu

Location 
The southernmost coastal IBA in Oregon, about 2 miles northwest of Brookings, just offshore of Harris Beach State Park, Curry County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description
At 21 acres, Goat Island is the largest island along the Oregon coast. It was the first unit comprising the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1936. The island contains deep soils and a variety of native vegetation condusive to burrow-nesting seabird species. Photo Roy W. Lowe, USFWS.

Outstanding Features
Goat Island hosts 24% of the statewide nesting Leach's Storm-Petrels and more than 109,000 nesting seabirds comprising 11 species. The island serves as a night roost for thousands of Aleutian Canada geese in the spring and a wintering area for a small group (40) of Dusky Canada geese.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Contacts

Oregon Coast NWR Complex
2127 SE Marine Science Drive
Newport OR 97365
541-867-4550 office
541-867-4551 fax

Location:  On the Columbia River just west of I-205, near the Portland Airport. Aerial photo.

Description  This large 1,760-acre island provides a variety of wildlife habitats with stands of willow, ash, and cottonwood interspersed among grasslands, ponds, and lakes. Photo by Port of Portland

Outstanding Features  This site has regularly hosted a large colony of Great Blue Herons (>50 nests) for at least 10 years. In addition it has a wide variety of habitats used by a diverse array of birds. The Great Blue Heron colony has been on a small sliver of an island on the north end of Government Island.

Links: • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Government Island State Recreation Area

Contact:
John Cowan
Park Ranger
Oregon State Parks
(503) 280-6844
john.cowan@state.or.us

Location 

About 12 miles east of the Cascades crest in central Oregon, north of Black Butte, southwest Jefferson County.

Description 

This 15-mile long ridge runs north-south, with a very gradual slope to the east and a very steep slope to the west, which descends roughly 1,500 ft to the Metolius River. The ridge is mostly forested, but has some recent harvest units as well as a few small meadows and rock outcroppings. The primary raptor monitoring location is at the lookout located just below the ridge on the central west slope of the ridge.

Outstanding Features    

Trial counts conducted by HawkWatch International in fall 1994 tallied 1451 migrating raptors of 14 species in 267 hours of observation. This is 5.4 bird per hour, compared to 6.9 birds per hour observed the same season at Bonney Butte, but still a substantial number. Interestingly, the three highest daily totals at Green Ridge (207, 206, and 130) exceeded all three daily high totals at Bonney Butte (125, 123, 90). During the trial counts, numbers at Green Ridge were relatively low until the second week of October and then were relatively high (thus the higher peaks) for the next couple weeks before tapering off. Green Ridge appears to be visited by a higher percentage of adults of most raptors than at Bonney Butte (Schuetze and O'Conner 1994). The ridge is also host to a great variety of landbirds during breeding and migration seasons.
Conservation Issues    

We hope to establish a permanent fall raptor monitoring station, banding site, and educational outreach effort on Green Ridge in cooperation with the Deschutes National Forest, HawkWatch International, and other partners.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Deschutes National Forest Wildlife Viewing Guide for Green Ridge Lookout

Contacts

Deschutes National Forest
1001 SW Emkay Drive
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 383-5300

East Cascades Bird Conservancy
69320 Sisters View Drive
Sisters, OR 97759
541-419-2647

Location
South-central Oregon, about 30 miles northeast of Lakeview, southeast Lake County.

Description    
This 278,000-acre refuge, established in 1936 by Franklin D. Roosevelt, consists of extensive sage-steppe and grassland bordered on the west by the Hart Mountain's steep, rocky west face and sparsely laced here and there with deciduous riparian habitat.

Outstanding Features    
Hart Mountain NAR comprises one of the most extensive and high-quality sage steppe habitats in Oregon, with a full compliment of wildlife species, including Greater Sage Grouse.
Conservation Issues     Livestock grazing was discontinued on the refuge in the 1990s and habitat restoration efforts predominantly consist of prescribed burns.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Hart Mtn National Antelope Refuge

Contacts

Sheldon-Hart Mtn National Wildlife Refuge Complex
P.O. Box 111, 18 South G
Lakeview, OR 97630
Phone: (541) 947-3315
Fax: (541) 947-4414

Location
Approximately 15-30 miles off the central Oregon coast, in Lincoln and Lane counties. Site map:The Bird Guide, Inc.

Description    
This IBA includes Heceta Bank, Perpetua Bank, Stonewall Bank, and surrounding waters. Heceta Bank is an underwater seamount approximately 10 miles wide (east-west) and 15 miles long (north-south) at a depth of about 30-60 fathoms. Perpetua Bank and Stonewall Bank are less dramatic features of the same large ridge extending southwest from Newport. Upwelling caused by the interaction of sea currents and seafloor topography, as well as the activity of fishing boats, are suspected to be responsible for bringing food to the surface and drawing the diversity of seabirds found here.

Outstanding Features    
Large numbers of many seabirds can be found in this area. Highlights and peak numbers (primarily from chartered pelagic trips) include three records of Short-tailed Albatross (12/1961, 10/21/2000, 3/24/2001); 400 Black-footed Albatross (8/25/2001); 456 Black-footed Albatross (10/7/2000); 999 and 3450 Pink-footed Shearwater (9/12/1998, 9/2/2000); 2500 and 3610 Northern Fulmar (10/26/2002, 10/7/2000); 10,000 Cassin's Auklet (10/19/2002).

From Briggs et al. 1992: "Several sections of the upper continental slope seemed to support substantial numbers of albatrosses more consistently than others: . . . Heceta Bank."

From Ainley et al. 2005: "The high seabird density in the Heceta Bank and Cape Blanco areas indicates them to be refuges contrasting the low seabird densities currently found in most other parts of the CCS, following decline during the recent warm regime of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation." And, "Given that the Sooty Shearwater, by far the most abundant species in the CCS (and which contributes immensely to overall biomass), declined by 90% in the CCS since 1976..., our results are surprising. We expected to encounter significantly fewer numbers and biomass than was present, as we have noted in central California studies.... It is possible that in addition to their overall decline in the CCS, the shearwaters have become more confined to those regions that still provide high food availability. If so, the areas around Cape Blanco and Heceta Bank have apparently retained their importance to seabirds regardless of the apparent overall decline of zooplankton and presumably micronekton in the CCS...."

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Article on Oregon coastal IBAs (Newport News Times)
• Department of Land Conservation and Development Ocean Coastal Management Program: Ocean Program
• GLOBEC Northeast Pacific Program Mapping of Physical and Biological Fields in the Northern California Current July 31 - August 19, 2002
• Research, habitats, images (The Heceta Bank Project).
• Perpetua Bank: Oregon Albatross Hotspot (Greg Gillson)
• Pelagic trips (The Bird Guide, Inc.)
• More images of bathymetry and sealife (Dr. Brian N. Tissot)
• Another image (MBARI)
• Historical perspective (NOAA Ocean Explorer Project)
• Poster on primary productivity research (Jennifer Bosch)
• Pacific Coast page of the Waterbird Conservation for the Americas website. Includes the USFWS Regional Seabird Conservation Plan and the California Current Marine Bird Conservation Plan

Location
Roughly 18 miles west of Grants Pass, on the Siskiyou National Forest, central Josephine County. Aerial photo of meadow area.

Description    
The featured meadow is about 80 acres in size, but this IBA includes most of the roughly 2500-acre Horse Creek watershed. The meadow consists of open grass, forb, and sedge areas, as well as patches of willow and other deciduous shrubs. The remainder of the basin is predominantly forested in various stages of succession.

Outstanding Features    
This IBA is one of very few in Oregon identified specifically for the high numbers and diversity of songbirds (data on such concentrations are hard to come by). This site is part of the Institute for Bird Population’s (IBP) Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program and has been operated from 1987 to the present (excepting 1988). During 1993-1996 (years for which statewide comparisons were published), Horse Creek Meadows Wildlife Area ranked either 1st or 2nd in total captures and capture rates for MAPS stations in the state of Oregon. A total of 105 species have been observed in the area, including 70 species banded (Dennis Vroman pers. comm.). The birds banded included local breeding birds, as well as those believed to be dispersants and migrants from the Horse Creek watershed and beyond, visiting these productive meadows to fuel up before migration.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

333 W. 8th St. / P.O. Box 520

Medford, Oregon 97501-0209

Voice: (541) 858-2200

FAX: (541) 858-2220

TTY: 1-866-296-3823

In the northwest Willamette Valley, at Hillsboro, Washington County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS

Description 

Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve is a 650 acre complex of wetlands and uplands located in the middle of the Tualatin River Watershed. It includes a riparian forest zone along the Tualatin River, forested wetlands, oak groves, a mixed Douglas fir/big-leaf maple woodland, ponds, marshes, slough and meadow areas of predominantly reed canary grass.

Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve provides habitat for a wide variety of birds, both in the nesting season and during migration. There is a pair of Bald Eagles that have nested at the north end of the Preserve for three years, successfully raising youngsters in two of those years. There is a nesting site for Great Blue Herons that had approximately 22 active nests in the 2002 nesting season. During migration the Preserve supports thousands of waterfowl, including Dusky Canada Geese, Tundra Swans, Northern Pintails, Canvasbacks, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal and Buffleheads. For the past three years a Black-crowned Night Heron has spent the winter on one of the beaver ponds. Birds on the Audubon Watch List have also been spotted on the Preserve, specifically Short-eared Owl, Olive-sided Flycatcher and Rufous Hummingbird. In the spring the riparian zone acts as a wildlife corridor for birds such as Western Tanager, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Townsend's Warbler. (Contributed by Sarah L. Pinnock)

of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location
Three miles west of Banks, central Washington County.

Description    
Killin Wetland, roughly 373 acres, is located in the bottomland of Park Farms Creek. Wetland habitats include reed canarygrass, cattails, willows, sedges, and rushes. Edge habitat is comprised of mature 2nd-growth Douglas-fir, Western redcedar, Oregon white oak, bigleaf maple, alder species & other deciduous trees and shrubs.

Outstanding Features    
Killin Wetland has one of the highest densities of American Bittern in the state. In spring/summer, John Lundsten (pers. comm.) has seen as many as 16 adult birds simultaneously and alternately displaying and feeding. They're quite visible from late Jan thru mid-May (before the vegetation grows taller). Shorebird numbers (numerous species) exceeding 100 individuals are frequent here in spring and fall. A count of 200 Greater Yellowlegs here on 30 Mar 1997 is one of Oregon's top counts (Marshall et al. 2003).

Links
-• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Tualatin Riverkeepers

Location
On the Klamath River just above the California state line, southwest Klamath County.

Description    
This area consists of the last [2 miles] of the Klamath River Canyon before it enters California, including the river, riparian area, and upslope oak-pine woodlands in the canyon.

Outstanding Features    
Lewis's Woodpeckers and Willow Flycatchers are common breeding birds here, and the riparian willow and upslope oak-pine woodlands are in good condition. Lewis's Woodpeckers are listed as "Critical" on Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's (ODFW)Sensitive Species list, they are on American Bird Conservancy's (ABC) Green List, they are a Partners-In-Flight (PIF) Priority Species and Watchlist Species, a National Audubon Society (NAS) Watchlist species, and a USFWS Species of Conservation Concern. Willow Flycatchers are listed as "Vulnerable" on ODFW's Sensitive Species list, they are on ABC's Green List, they are a PIF Watchlist species, and a NAS Watchlist Species.

Links

of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location
Roughly 5 miles southeast of La Grande, central Union County.

Description    
Ladd Marsh is a group of wetlands, marshes, and prairies totalling over 4,000 acres in the southwest Grande Ronde Valley.

Outstanding Features    
Ladd Marsh is one of the largest remaining wetlands in northeast Oregon. During spring migration 15,000 to 20,000 ducks and geese are typically present. During June and July about 40 Black-necked Stilts and 40-50 American Avocets have been present and may be nesting (thus one of--or the--only site(s) in northeast Oregon where these shorebirds nest. Formerly hosted nesting Black-crowned Night-Herons, and may again in the future. Ladd Marsh is one of the few places to have nesting Canvasback in northeast Oregon. Up to 4,000 Greater White-fronted Geese stage annually in spring at Conley Lake (Marshall et al. 2003), recently acquired in the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area Visitor's Guide
• Website by Friends of Ladd Marsh

Location
Fifteen miles east of Crater Lake, central Klamath County.

Description    
This refuge, currently at over 40,000 acres in size, is composed of roughly 95% grassy meadows and marsh and 5% forest.

Outstanding Features    
Klamath Marsh hosts approximately 50% of the western U.S. Yellow Rail breeding population (Lundsten and Popper 2002). Many thousands of waterfowl are commonly present during migration; up to 37,000 waterfowl were recorded in March 2001 (Walt Ford pers. comm. to Ken Popper). There are several records of Least Bittern here (Marshall et al. 2003), a naturally rare species in Oregon. Klamath Marsh NWR has a large concentration of nesting Greater Sandhill Cranes, roughly 6% of Oregon's breeding population (Ivey and Herziger 2000). Shorebirds are present in spring, and a count of 61 on 12 April 1993 is one of the highest in Oregon (Marshall et al. 2003). Forster's Tern and Black Tern are known to breed.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

Contacts

Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges
4009 Hill Road
Tulelake, CA 96134
Phone: (530)-667-2231
Fax: (530)-667-3299

Birdlists

Wildlife Checklist: Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuges and Environs

Location
On the Columbia River between Portland and Astoria.

Description    
This 38,000-acre refuge encompasses more than 40% of the Columbia River estuary and includes numerous islands and bars and extensive mudflats, tidal marshes, and tidal swamps. The refuge encloses part of the largest marsh in western Oregon and is an important rearing area for anadromous fish (taken from OWJV 1994).

Outstanding Features    
The Lewis & Clark NWR contains more than 10,000 acres of intertidal freshwater marsh and swamp. Most of this habitat type that originally existed in western Oregon has been lost to diking and development. There were 8 bald eagle nest sites in 2003, and at least that many more eagle pairs nest nearby and forage in the refuge. From 10,000 to 20,000 scaup (predominantly Greater) winter in or near the refuge. This is a significant part of the Oregon wintering population. The wintering waterfowl population typically includes 40,000 ducks, 2,000 Canada geese, and 1,000 tundra swans. Many thousands of gulls forage during February/March when smelt are running. Thousands of Caspian terns from the E. Sand Island colony forage in the lower part of the refuge. More than 10,000 shorebirds may be present at any given time during spring migration. There is a Great Blue Heron nesting colony at Karlson Island that typically consists of 75-100 nests. At J.B. Hansen NWR the 250 acres of spruce/cottonwood tidal swamp is a habitat that has mostly been lost to development in the estuary. There are two bald eagle nest sites on the island. The island regularly winters 2,000-5,000 Canada geese and 5,000-10,000 ducks, principally Mallard, Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, and Northern Pintail.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Lewis & Clark NWR
• J.B. Hansen NWR

Location
South-central Oregon, south-central Lake County, about 30 miles north of Lakeview, on the west side of Highway 395. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
At 57 mi2 surface area, Lake Abert is one of Oregon's largest lakes. It is the lowest part of a 860 mi2 closed basin (Johnson et al. 1985).

Outstanding Features    
One of only a handful of inland nest sites for Snowy Plovers in Oregon. Hosts tens of thousands of Eared Grebes, Wilson's Phalaropes, and Red-necked Phalaropes during fall migration. Hosts >1% of the Pacific Flyway population of migrant American Avocets. Over 12,000 gulls and 20,000 ducks have been recorded here.

Conservation Issues     OHV use along mudflats is a problem in areas used by nesting snowy plover, and causes distrubance to other bird species. Harvesting of brine shirimp has been taking place for over 10 years with no investigation into the potential impact. Grazing along adjacent lands may alter the local hydrology and increase sedimentation. These and other potential impacts to this amazing place should be investigated.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location
Little Deschutes River and Crescent Creek, north-central/north-eastern Klamath County.

Description    
Tentatively from the confluence of Little Deschutes River and Crescent Creek, upstream along both streams to where they cross Hwy 58, and including adjacent riparian habitats.

Outstanding Features    
These stretches of streams and associated riparian habitat comprise the bulk of the known Oregon population of Northern Waterthrush.

Conservation Issues    
Riparian habitat conditions would be of greatest concern.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• USFS Central Oregon Wildlife Viewing Guide, species account for Northern Waterthrush.

Location
On the southern Oregon coast, just south of Pistol River State Park and Crook Point, Curry County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS

Description    
This site is comprised of more than 25 rocks, islands, and sea stacks. Seabird breeding colonies 270-075 to 270-087 are included in this site. Habitat varies from small barren rocks to large rocks covered with deep soils and vegetation (Saddle Rock). Photo Roy W. Lowe, USFWS.

Outstanding Features    
This site provides habitat for more than 211,706 nesting seabirds comprising 10 species. Approximately 43% of the Oregon breeding population of Leach's Storm-Petrels are found here (USFWS census data).

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Location:  In the center of the southeast quarter of the state, central Harney County.

Description:  This area is one of the premiere sites for birds and birding in the U.S. The refuge consists of over 187,000 acres of habitat which includes wetlands, riparian areas, meadows, and uplands. Refuge lands are configured in roughly a "T" shape, 39 miles wide and 40 miles long.

Outstanding Features:  The avian resources at Malheur NWR are staggering and will briefly be itemized here. Malheur is important to the watch-listed Western Snowy Plover, Long-billed Curlew, Franklin's Gull, Short-eared Owl, Greater Sage-Grouse, Bobolink, and Trumpeter Swan, all of which breed here. The Refuge has one of the highest Breeding Bird Survey counts for the watch-listed Brewer's Sparrow.

The refuge's riparian habitat supports the highest known densities of Willow Flycatcher. Malheur Refuge supports up to 20% of the world's population of White-faced Ibis and significant breeding populations of American White Pelican, Cinnamon Teal, Redhead and Greater Sandhill Crane (the latter being 20% of Oregon's breeding population). Up to half of the entire population of Ross' Geese use the Refuge and surrounding private lands during migration.

A significant proportion of the total populations of Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, and Ruddy Duck use the area as an important migratory stopover. During migration, the Refuge regularly supports hundreds of thousands of waterfowl. This includes estimates of up to 100,000 Snow Geese, 15,000 Green-winged Teal, 15,000 Mallards, 250,000 Northern Pintail, 250,000 Northern Shovelers, 4,000 Canvasbacks, 2,000 Ring-necked Ducks, 5,000 Lesser Scaup, and 50,000 Ruddy Ducks. Breeding populations on the Refuge include up to 150 pairs of Green-winged Teal, 400 pairs of Northern Pintail, 200 pairs of Blue-winged Teal, 700 pairs of Northern Shoveler, 2,000 pairs of Gadwall, 400 pairs of American Wigeon, 800 pairs of Canvasback, 3,000 pairs of Redhead, 80 pairs of Lesser Scaup, and 2,500 pairs of Ruddy Ducks. Malheur Refuge supports an intermittent breeding population of California and Ring-billed Gulls, but the largest concentrations of these species don't occur until August.

Up to 25,000 Ring-billed Gulls have been recorded on the Refuge during that time. Up to 1,300 pairs of Franklin's Gulls have nested at Malheur. Forster's Terns breed on the Refuge, and up to 350 pairs of Caspian Terns have nested in Malheur Lake when water levels are ideal. Up to 6,000 Black Terns regularly nest at Malheur Lake. Harney and Malheur Lakes support the majority of the shorebird population at the Refuge, especially during migration in spring and fall.

In migration, concentrations have been recorded of up to 25,000 Western Sandpipers, 350 Pectoral Sandpipers, 35,000 Long-billed Dowitchers, 15,000 Wilson's Phalaropes, 15,000 American Avocets, and 200 Black-necked Stilts. The Western Snowy Plover is the most common breeding shorebird at Harney and Stinking Lakes, and up to 400 individuals have been seen there during the nesting season. From 100 to 600 pairs of Great Blue Herons nest on the Refuge every year in scattered colonies, though mostly around Malheur Lake. Similar numbers of Great Egrets breed on the Refuge. Over 200 pairs of Snowy Egrets have nested around Malheur Lake.

The first Oregon breeding record of Cattle Egret also came from Malheur Lake in the mid-1980s, when 1-2 pairs nested for about 3 years. Numbers of Black-crowned Night-Herons vary widely year to year, but generally a few hundred pairs nest on the refuge. American White Pelicans are sporadic breeders depending on water levels in Malheur Lake, and up to 1,500 pairs have nested there. Malheur Refuge is a concentration point in winter for raptors of many species.

Over 100 Rough-legged Hawks, 40 Red-tailed Hawks, 60 Northern Harriers, 10 American Kestrels, and 15 Bald Eagles have been recorded on Christmas Bird Counts. About 20 pairs of Golden Eagles are resident and a few pairs of Prairie Falcons are also on the refuge year-round. Malheur doesn't particularly funnel raptors during migration, but the rim of nearby Steens Mountain serves as a regular migration corridor. Malheur is clearly an outstanding migration "trap" with amazingly diverse concentrations of birds. Thousands of birders come to the refuge annually to take part in the spectacle, whether they come for the waterfowl, songbirds, or both. Due to the high birder coverage and concentrated bird habitat Malheur Headquarters may have the highest all-time bird list of any single location in Oregon.

Links:  • Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Malheur NWR Home Page
• Malheur Wildlife Associates (Friends Group)

:  Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

36391 Sodhouse Lane

Princeton, Oregon, 97721

(541) 493-2612

Location
Southern Willamette Valley, southeast of Eugene/Springfield, between the Middle and Coast Forks of the Willamette River, central Lane County.

Description    
Mount Pisgah (Howard Buford Recreation Area), is over 2,300 acres in size, consisting of grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, and a small amount of stream and streamside habitat.

Outstanding Features    
The grass/shrub open areas of the site comprise what may be the largest single concentration of the "Oregon" Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus affinis) in the Willamette Valley (perhaps two dozen pairs). This subspecies of Vesper Sparrow is listed as "Critical" on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Sensitive Species list, and is considered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a Bird of Conservation Consern in Bird Conservation Region 5.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Lane County Parks
• Friends of Buford Park

Contacts

Lane County Parks
90064 Coburg Rd.
Eugene, OR 97408
(541) 682-2000
recorded info: (541)682-4414 Friends of Buford Park and Mt. Pisgah
P.O. Box 5266
Eugene, OR 97405
(541) 344-8350

Location
On the northern Oregon coast where the Necanicum River enters the Pacific Ocean, at Seaside, Clatsop County. Vicinity maps (site not labeled): TopoZone, USGS.

Description
The Necanicum and Neawanna Rivers flow into this estuary. The Necanicum Estuary includes submerged lands and a large tidal flat surrounded by dunes, sitka spruce forest and residential areas.

Outstanding Features    
Snowy Plovers nested on the north spit in 2000 and 2002; Bald Eagles nest in the Sahali spruce forest on the east edge; 10-20,000 Calidris sandpipers (mostly Western Sandpipers), 500+ Semipalmated Plovers, small numbers of Whimbrel, and occasionally Long-billed Curlew use the flats during migrations. (Contributed by Mike Patterson)

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Necanicum River Estuary, Oregon Coastal Atlas photos, maps, data.
• Necanicum River Estuary interactive GIS (Inforain).
• Necanicum Watershed Council
• Neawanna Watershed Atlas (Seaside High School)

Birdlists

Checklist (pdf file) compiled from Birdnotes.net by Mike Patterson.

.

This area includes the Bay and the adjacent lowlands. It contains a multitude of habitats including pastures, grasslands, woodlands, tidal marsh and mudflats, freshwater bogs, and forested lagg.

During winter months the pastures around Nestucca Bay harbor the entire Semidi Islands population (about 130 birds) of Aleutian Canada Geese (Federal Register 2001:Table 1), and about 5-10% of the entire Dusky Canada Goose population. This is one of the few coastal wintering populations of Dusky Canada Geese. Six subspecies of Canada Geese winter here (Roy Lowe [USFWS] pers. comm.).

of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

information, maps, directions (USFWS)

, Oregon Coastal Atlas photos, maps, data.

(Inforain)

Location
On the northern Oregon coast at Netarts, Tillamook County, and adjacent to Cape Lookout State Park. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This estuary comprises over 2,300 acres of water at high tide, and over 1,500 acres of exposed tideland at low tide.

Outstanding Features    
Netarts Bay hosted 18-70% (average 43%) of Oregon's wintering population of Black Brant during January counts 1996-2002 (USFWS census data). During two counts of shorebirds during 1988-1991, the peak count at Netarts Bay was 4,818 shorebirds in fall (Page et al. 1992).

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Netarts Bay Estuary, Oregon Coastal Atlas photos, maps, data.
• Netarts Bay interactive GIS (Inforain)

Location
On the southern Oregon coast, west and north of Langlois, crossing the Curry-Coos county line. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This area includes roughly 10 miles of New River between Floras Lake and the Pacific Ocean. Approximately 60% of this area is owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the remainder being private, state, and county land. The river runs parallel to the ocean just behind the foredune.

Outstanding Features    
Snowy Plover is present year round. During spring, up to 20,000 Aleutian Canada Geese and tens of thousands of shorebirds (peaks up to 100,000) can be observed. Numbers are usually smaller in fall.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• New River information, directions, maps, bird photos (BLM

Location
These mountain ranges are located in far southeast Oregon in Harney and Malheur counties. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
Includes aspen woodlands; mountain mahogany woodlands, shrublands, and savannah; and adjacent diverse shrublands and wet meadows.

Outstanding Features    
These woodlands are the primary location in Oregon for probable or confirmed nesting of Gray-headed Junco, Virginia's Warbler. One of a very few locations in southeastern Oregon for breeding Northern Goshawk, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Pine Siskin, Mountain Chickadee, Red Crossbill, Bushtit, Hermit Thrush, and MacGillivray's Warbler.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location
In southwest Oregon, on the Siskiyou National Forest at T40S, R6W, S15 (and surrounding lands). About 15 miles ESE of Cave Junction, Josephine County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This area of about 1000 acres is comprised of high mountain lakes surrounded by mature conifer forest, wet meadow/alder brushfield, and some rock outcrops.

Outstanding Features    
Spotted Owls, Long-eared Owls, and Flammulated Owls have all been detected in the area. Lincoln's Sparrow, Varied Thrush, Gray Jay, and White-headed Woodpecker, all rare species in southwest Oregon, have also been found here during the breeding season. During late summer dispersal and fall migration, large numbers of passerines make a stop in this area to forage and "tank up" for further travels southward (Dennis P. Vroman pers. comm.).

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Oregon Caves National Monument

Location
On the southern Oregon coast, offshore and south of Cape Blanco, Curry County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This site includes eight major rocks on the Orford Reef including Best Rock (270-029), Long Brown Rock (270-030), Unnamed Rock (270-031), Square White Rock (270-032), Seal Rock (270-033), Conical White Rock (270-034), West Conical Rock (270-035), and Arch Rock (270-036). These rocks are devoid of soil and vegetation except for Best Rock, which contains scattered patches of soil and low vegetation.

Outstanding Features    
This site support more than 39,000 nesting seabirds and 5% of the Common Murre nesting population in Oregon (USFWS census data).

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Location
In the western Cascades Quartzville Creek flows into Green Peter Reservoir, northeast of Sweet Home, northeast Linn County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
Quartzville Creek was recognized as a National Wild and Scenic River because of its outstanding scenery, white water boating, and recreational mining opportunities. The creek flows over a bedrock and cobble bed, and has a very high level of autotrophic productivity (the forest canopy does not extend over the bed). Though much of the adjacent land has been managed for industrial forestry, significant low-elevation old-growth conifer forest remains along some parts of the creek. Much Bureau of Land Management and Willamette National Forest lands within the Quartzville Creek basin are managed as Late Seral Reserve (LSR) under the Northwest Forest Plan. Recreational use is heavy in the summer months. Recreational mining (small suction dredge) and camping are the major uses. Other activities include swimming and fishing. Almost no boating actually occurs within the Wild and Scenic River corridor. The Quartzville Access Road also provides access to the Middle Santiam Wilderness, a large non-wilderness trail system, and a staffed fire lookout (Coffin Mountain). The route becomes Forest Service Route 11 beyond the Wild and Scenic section, and continues to Highway 22 south of Marion Forks. (Contributed by Stephen Dowlan) Photo by Stephen Dowlan

Outstanding Features    
The Harlequin Duck is a federal Species of Concern, an ODFW Sensitive Animal Species, and an Oregon Naturtal Heritage Program "List 2" species. A significant portion (20-25%) of Oregon's breeding population of Harlequin Ducks are thought to occur in the Quartzville Creek basin, representing the heart of the Oregon Cascades breeding range (Steve Dowlan pers. comm.). In addition, there are two resident pairs of Bald Eagles, 6-8 pairs of Osprey, and 10+ pairs of American Dipper (BLM surveys).

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• The Breeding Status and Distribution of Harlequin Ducks in Oregon by Stephen Dowlan.
• National Park Service website for Quartz Creek.

Location
On the southern Oregon coast about 4 miles south of Port Orford and about a mile west of Humbug Mountain State Park, Curry County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
Five rocks are included, hosting seabird colony numbers 270-043, 270-044, 270-044, 270-046 and 270-047.

Outstanding Features    
These rocks have a breeding population of Common Murres exceeding 20,000 birds. Other species that breed or have bred there include Western Gull, Pelagic Cormorant, Brandt's Cormorant, Tufted Puffin, Pigeon Guillemot, and Black Oystercatcher.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• The Breeding Status and Distribution of Harlequin Ducks in Oregon by Stephen Dowlan.
• National Park Service website for Quartz Creek.

Location
This island is located in Portland between the Ross Island and Sellwood Bridges in the Willamette River, alongside the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Area, and visible from within Oaks Bottom and along the bike/hike path at its edge.

Description    
Ross Island is actually one of a group of 3 forested islands. On East Island, a rookery of Great Blue Herons has been present for decades.

Outstanding Features    
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife counted nests at the rookery in 1982, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1993, and 1994, and found 42, 43, 66, 56, 58, and 50 nests respectively.

Conservation Issues    
Volunteers to annually monitor and count nests are needed.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• A local study of chemical residues in Great Blue Heron eggs.

Location
On the northern Oregon coast where the Salmon River meets the Pacific Ocean, near the borders of Tillamook and Lincoln counties. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This IBA encompasses the roughly 200-acre riverine estuary up to mean high water.

Outstanding Features    
Totals of >1000 shorebirds (mostly Western Sandpipers) are regular here in spring.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Salmon River Estuary, Oregon Coastal Atlas photos, maps, data.
• Salmon River Estuary interactive GIS (Inforain)

Location
Near where the Willamette River meets the Columbia River, in Multnomah and Columbia counties about 10 miles northwest of Portland. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
The Wildlife Area, at the north end of Sauvie Island, consists of riparian areas, wetlands, pasture, and farmed grounds.

Outstanding Features    
Waterfowl number reach 200,000 and shorebird numbers reach 30,000. Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons occurr on the Wildlife Area. These wetlands also play an important role in the endangered salmonid life cycles.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Sauvie Island: What to see and do
• ODFW's Visitor's Guide

Location
On the north-central Oregon coast, about 4 miles south of Lincoln City, northern Lincoln County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS, USFWS.

Description    
Includes Siletz Bay as well as the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge (well-represented in total by the authorized refuge boundary). Habitats include submerged areas (water), mudflats, sandflats, and lower salt marshes.

Outstanding Features    
Bird numbers at this site regularly surpass, in season, our criteria of >100 Brown Pelicans, >5,000 waterfowl (in marine estuarine habitats), >1,000 shorebirds, and >50 Caspian Terns. Occasionally--usually due to large schools of anchovy entering the bay--huge pulses of gulls, pelicans, and other species swarm into the bay to make use of the bountiful resources.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Audubon Chapters name Siletz Bay an Important Bird Area (Newport News Times)
• Article on Oregon coastal IBAs (Newport News Times)
• Siletz Bay NWR (USFWS)
• Siletz Bay Estuary, Oregon Coastal Atlas photos, maps, data.
• Siletz River Estuary interactive GIS (Inforain)
• City of Lincoln City
• Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce
• Lincoln City Visitor and Convention Bureau
• WWWelcome to Oregon™Lincoln City

Birdlist

Bayer, R., and P. Pickering. 1994. Bird Records for Some Sites in the Lincoln City (Oregon) Area. (Part A, Part B)

Location
On the central Oregon coast, at the outlet of the Siltcoos River to the Pacific Ocean, about 8 miles south of Florence, in southern Lane County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This small estuary is located at the mouth of Siltcoos River, the outflow of Siltcoos Lake, southern Lane County coast.

Outstanding Features    
Wintering location for Snowy Plover.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Western Snowy Plover Conservation Program (OAR 635 105).

Location
About 3 miles inland on the central Oregon coast, 7 miles south of Florence, southern Lane County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
At 3,164 acres, Siltcoos Lake is the largest freshwater lake on the Oregon coast. Over 80% of the lake is less than 15 feet deep and supports abundant growth of aquatic plants and animals.

Outstanding Features    
Hosted 40-89% of Oregon's coastal winter population of American Coots during 1986-2002 January censuses (USFWS census data). Regularly used by >2,000 waterfowl during winter and migration months (USFWS census data).

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location
In the Siskiyou Mountains, southwest Oregon near the California border, roughly from Mt. Ashland west-southwest to Maple Dell Gap, and including Wagner Butte, Grouse Gap, MacDonald Peak, Red Mountain, Wrangle Gap, Silver Fork Gap, Dutchman’s Peak, and Yellowjacket Ridge.

Description    
The area includes roughly 10-15 miles of the Siskiyou Mountains crest area in Oregon--continuation of the IBA into California is being considered. Dominant habitats are meadows and conifer forest. The diverse array of meadows are composed of grass, sedge, deciduous and/or evergreen shrubs, and small trees, and many have a small stream or other water source. Photo by Dennis Vroman

Outstanding Features    
The mountain meadows are important post-breeding habitat for many species: Rufous Hummingbirds, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Dark-eyed Juncos in particular form impressive congregations. A small population of White-headed Woodpeckers is present in the conifer forests here, the only population known west of the Cascades in Oregon. Other species of interest include breeding Fox Sparrows, Green-tailed Towhees, Lincoln's Sparrows, and possibly Calliope Hummingbirds. The Dutchman Peak area is the best known site for fall hawk migration in the Siskiyous.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

PO Box 520

333 West 8th Street

Medford, OR 97501

(541) 858-2200

TTY: 1-866-296-3823

Location
The Siuslaw River enters the Pacific Ocean near Florence, on the central Oregon coast, Lane County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This IBA includes submerged lands, tidelands, and lower salt marshes of the Siuslaw River from Duncan Inlet downstream to the mouth of the river.

Outstanding Features    
Greater than 1000 shorebirds, mostly peeps (Calidris spp., e.g., Western Sandpiper), have been found here during spring and fall migrations (Page et al. 1992, Bayer and Lowe 1988), and there has been at least one winter count of >1,000 shorebirds (Page et al. 1992).

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Siuslaw River Estuary, Oregon Coastal Atlas photos, maps, data.
• Siuslaw Estuary interactive GIS (Inforain)
• Oregon Estuary Plan Book (Online version by Inforain, original is Cortright et al. 1987).
• City of Florence
• Florence Chamber of Commerce

Location
Adjacent to the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, in north Portland, Multnomah County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
The dominant features of the site are the two lakes (Smith and Bybee), which dry seasonally to provide emergent wetland and mudflat habitats. The closed St. Johns Landfill provides 250 acres of grassland habitat. The perimeter of the lakes is riparian forest, which includes approximately 15 acres of ash forest including specimens of extreme age. Reed canarygrass has encroached on the site, but 92 acres have been planted into riparian forest to reduce habitat fragmentation. Several Columbia sedge (Carex aperta) meadows persist in the reed canarygrass; the Oregon Natural Heritage Program has listed these meadows as "critically imperiled" in Oregon.

Outstanding Features    
Tens of thousands of waterfowl winter at the wildlife area. Species typically seen include Canada Goose (thousands), Green-winged Teal (thousands), Northern Pintail (hundreds), Northern Shoveler (hundreds), Mallard (hundreds), Common Merganser (hundreds), Bufflehead (less than 25 but regular winter residents), Lesser Scaup (hundreds), Ringneck Duck (hundreds), American Wigeon (hundreds to thousands), Gadwall (up to 100), Ruddy Duck (up to 100), Wood Ducks (up to 100). Occasional visitors include Canvasback, Redheads, Blue-winged Teal, and Tundra Swan. Pied-billed Grebes (up to 100), Double-crested Cormorants (hundreds) and Great Egrets (up to 100) also winter there. Western Meadowlarks use the landfill's grassland habitat regularly during non-breeding seasons (August through March). Small flocks of Western Meadowlarks have been regularly seen feeding on the St. Johns Landfill in the past 3 years (no breeding activity has been documented on the landfill yet). Willow Flycatchers nest in the riparian zones. At least 15 Willow Flycatcher territories were observed in the last two breeding seasons at the wildlife area; no nest searches were performed to determine how many of these involved nesting pairs. The Columbia sedge meadows are listed by Oregon Natural Heritage Program as "critically imperiled" in Oregon. In addition, the Great Blue Heron rookery had 44 nests in spring 2002. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons routinely hunt and feed at the wildlife area.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area (Metro)
• Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area (Portland Parks and Recreation)
• Friends of Smith & Bybee Lakes
• Map (pdf format; Avenza)

Contacts

Elaine Stewart
Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area Manager
Metro
600 NE Grand Avenue
Portland, OR 97232-2736
Tel 503.797.1515
Fax 503.797.1849
stewarte@metro.dst.or.us

Location
About 60 miles southeast of Burns, in southeast Harney County, southeast Oregon.

Description    
This is a large fault-block mountain in southeast Oregon, running over 40 miles roughly north-northeast to south-southwest, the long slope to the west and the steep slopes and cliffs to the east. The sloping area to the west is incised by several large U-shaped valleys, the headwater basins for several rivers. Mountain is draped with grass/forb/shrub meadows, aspen woodlands, rock outcrops, sage steppe, and snow (much of the year).

Outstanding Features
This is the only known breeding site for Black Rosy-Finch in Oregon. Steens Mountain area is one of the most extensive areas of good habitat for Greater Sage-Grouse in Oregon.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location
In south-central Oregon along Highway 31, west-central Lake County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
Summer Lake is a classic closed-basin playa; however, it is unusually supplied by the spring-fed Ana River. The north end of the lake includes extensive impounded wetlands, while the southern playa offers extensive mudflats (when water is present) in late summer for migrating shorebirds.

Outstanding Features    
Summer Lake is an important area for Snowy Plover, hosting a significant percentage of Oregon's inland population. During fall migration, in years when water is present on the playa, incredible numbers of American Avocet, ranging from 30,000-50,000 (D. Tracy pers. comm., Paulson 1993) gather on Summer Lake's mudflats. One of the few regional locations where Black-Crowned Night-Herons breed and roost. Summer Lake WMA, managed by ODFW, hosts thousands of wintering and migrating waterfowl.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location
Where Sutton Creek enters the Pacific Ocean, about 5 miles north of Florence, central coast of Lane County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
The area of beach and open low dunes within [2 miles] of the mouth of Sutton Creek.

Outstanding Features    
Winter location for Snowy Plover.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location
In south-central Oregon south of Silver Lake (town) and Thompson Reservoir and west of Summer Lake, primarily in Lake County, but also partly in Klamath County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This area is comprised of over 30,000 acres of wetlands and forest owned by The Nature Conservancy.

Outstanding Features    
Tens of thousands of waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds of totalling dozens of species utilize the marsh, particularly in spring and summer.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• The Nature Conservancy site description for Sycan Marsh

Location
In southwest Oregon, Upper and Lower Table Rocks are located about 10 miles west-northwest of Medford, west-central Jackson County.

Description    
Includes Upper and Lower Table Rocks, as well as Kelly Slough below Lower Table Rock. The flat-topped rock formations are flanked by oak-woodland chaparral, a threatened habitat in Oregon.

Outstanding Features    
The oak-woodland chaparral habitat surrounding the rocks are home to a unique bird community that includes Oak Titmouse, Blue-gray Gnatchatcher, and California Towhee, as well as more widespread species.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• The Nature Conservancy preserve at Lower Table Rock

Location
On the south-central Oregon coast where Tahkenitch Creek enters the Pacific Ocean, about 8 miles NNW of Reedsport, Douglas County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This is a small beach area and small estuary at the mouth of Tahkenitch Creek.

Outstanding Features    
Snowy Plovers are present in summer. Over 1000 shorebirds (mostly Sanderlings) have been observed during migration (Dave Lauten pers. comm.).

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location
On the northern Oregon coast about 2 miles south of Cape Meares and 1 mile west of Oceanside, Tillamook County. Vicinity maps: Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS, USFWS.

Description    
This site includes three large rocks and six small rocks totalling 15 acres. The four largest rocks serve as seabird breeding colonies, including Finley Rock (219-054), Middle Rock (219-055), Shag Rock (219-056), and Seal Rock (219-057). Shag Rock contains low vegetation on the north slope and Finley Rock contains vegetation on the north and east slopes and is the tallest rock at over 300 feet above sea level. Photo Roy W. Lowe, USFWS.

Outstanding Features    
Twelve species of seabirds breed here totalling 226,093 birds. This includes 30% of the Common Murres breeding in Oregon and 21% of all Common Murres breeding in the eastern Pacific south of Alaska. This site also harbors 60% of the Tufted Puffin breeding population in Oregon. Over 800 Brown Pelicans (Endangered) have been seen here roosting and up to 13 Bald Eagles (Threatened) have been observed preying on seabirds.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Three Arch Rocks NWR USFWS

Location
On the northern Oregon coast, adjacent to the town of Tillamook, Tillamook County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
Tillamook Bay is a small, shallow estuary about 60 miles west of Portland on the Oregon Coast. It is approximately 6.2 miles long and 2.1 miles wide. The bay averages only 6.6 feet in depth over a total area of 13 square miles, or 8,400 acres. At low tide, about 50% of the estuary bottom is exposed as intertidal mud flats. The Bay receives fresh water input from five rivers and exchanges ocean water through a single channel in the northwest corner. The estuary provides habitat for numerous fish, shellfish, crabs, birds, seals, and sea grasses.

Outstanding Features    
Tillamook Bay supports almost 25% of the northern- and central-coast wintering waterfowl population in Oregon (USFWS 1999). According to the 102nd Christmas Bird Count (12/15/01) there were approximately 7,500 waterfowl of 34 species in and around Tillamook Bay. American Wigeon numbers were approximately 4,000, Northern Pintail (200-600), Surf Scoters (200-500), Buffleheads (300-800) according to the Christmas Bird Counts of 2001, 2000 and 1999. Brown Pelicans use the Bay from May-December and peak in September with numbers in the low 100s (C. Roberts. Western Sandpiper numbers range 1,000-3,000 in September. Least Sanpiper numbers in the low 100s. Black-bellied Plovers, Semipalmated Plovers, Whimbrels, Sanderlings, Dunlins, and Short-billed Dowitchers are also seen (C.Roberts, CBC data). There are 2 rookeries around the Bay, which host Great Blue Herons numbering in the low 100s. One in Garibaldi which is quite large (up to 50 nests) and one near Kilchis Point in Bay City. The herons are year-round residents. (ODFW - Dave Nuzum). The Bay provides an important habitat for many birds migrating on the Pacific flyway. In addition, Bald Eagles and Brown Pelicans are both listed as threatened and both occur in and around the Bay.

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

• Tillamook Bay National Estuary Project
• Tillamook Bay Estuary, Oregon Coastal Atlas photos, maps, data.
• Tillamook Bay interactive GIS (Inforain)

Location
On the outskirts of southwest Portland, where small farm fields begin to appear, southeast Washington County.

Description     
One of few refuges in the U.S. near large urban areas, this site is currently several thousand acres and may increase to 6,000 acres in the near future. Habitats include restored wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands.

Outstanding Features     
In winter there are typically 15,000 to 30,000 waterfowl present on the refuge, with Northern Pintail exceeding 18,000 and Cackling Canada Geese exceeding 8,000 birds. In addition, shorebirds of many species are found on the refuge during spring and fall migration periods, in numbers exceeding 100 birds.

Links
• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Tualatin River NWR Home Page
Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Contact

Tualatin River NWR
19255 SW Pacific Hwy
Sherwood OR 97140
(503) 590-5811

Friends of the Refuge
P.O. Box 1306
Sherwood, OR 97140
(503) 972-7714

Location
On the north-central Oregon coast, just off Cape Kiwanda, southern Tillamook County. Vicinity maps (site not labeled): TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This IBA includes the namesake rock (left in photo) as well as adjacent rocks and a small area of headland. Photo Roy W. Lowe, USFWS.

Outstanding Features    
This site supports more than 42,400 nesting seabirds including 6% of the Oregon Common Murre breeding population. In addition, two bald eagle nests occur in close proximity to this site and eagles commonly prey on nesting seabirds here with 3 eagles seen at one time (Roy Lowe pers. comm.).

Links
• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Location
In north-central Oregon along the Columbia River, north and northeast of Boardman, northern Morrow County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
Habitats consist of wetlands and sloughs influenced by John Day pool; riparian areas consisting of cottonwood, willow and non-native woody species; and shrub-steppe uplands containing some sagebrush, bitterbrush, rabbitbrush, and native bunchgrasses, but now largely dominated by annual grasses due to recent fire history.

Outstanding Features    
Wetland and riparian habitats on the Umatilla NWR host many thousands of migrating and wintering waterfowl and passerines. A significant number of bald eagles (30) spend the winter at the refuge. A large Great Blue Heron nesting colony, as well as a smaller Black-crowned Night-Heron colony exists on refuge islands.

Links
• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location
On the central Oregon coast, where the Umpqua River meets the Pacific Ocean, near Reedsport and Winchester Bay, western Douglas County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description     
Includes submerged lands, mudflats, sandflats, and lower salt marshes up to mean high tide.

Outstanding Features     
Counts of >5,000 waterfowl (swans, geese, and ducks) have been made (USFWS census data), as well as >1,000 shorebirds (Page et al. 1992).

Links
• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Umpqua River Estuary, Oregon Coastal Atlas photos, maps, data.
• Umpqua Estuary interactive GIS (Inforain).

Location
In south-central Oregon, near Klamath Falls, Klamath County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
Oregon's largest lake. The lake includes tens of thousands of acres of open water and a variety of marsh habitats.

Outstanding Features    
This area annually hosts many American White Pelicans, nesting Great Egrets and Black-crowned Night-Herons. During migration and winter, thousands of Tundra Swans, tens of thousands of geese, and hundreds of thousands of ducks are present (USFWS census data).

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges Complex

Location
In far northeast Oregon, ESE of LaGrande and NE of Baker, and entering Union, Wallowa, and Baker counties. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This mountain range has many characteristics similar to the Rocky Mountains. Higher elevations are within the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area and much of the range is administered by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Lower elevations are a mix of ownerships.

Outstanding Features    
The Wallowa Mountains comprise the entire range of Spruce Grouse in Oregon, are the only area with regular confirmed breeding of Pine Grosbeak in Oregon, and comprise the entire breeding range of an Oregon endemic taxon, the Wallowa Rosy Finch (subspecies of Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch).

Links

• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location
On the southern Oregon coast off the mouth of Whalehead Creek, less then a mile south of Samuel H. Boardmand State Park, southern Curry County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This site includes four rocks that serve as major seabird breeding colonies including Whalehead Island (270-108), Unnamed Rock (270-109), Unnamed Rock (270-110) and Unnamed Rock (270-106). Most of these rocks are heavily vegetated and provide habitat for burrow-nesting seabirds except for 270-110, which contains significant rocky exposed areas where common murres nest. Photo Roy W. Lowe, USFWS.

Outstanding Features    
This site contains more than 167,000 breeding seabirds, including 29% of the Oregon Leach's Storm-Petrel nesting population and 5% of the Common Murre population (USFWS census data).

Links
• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Location
North of Medford, central Jackson County.

Description    
This 150-acre preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy consists of native dry and wet prairie habitats as well as shrubs and oak savanna.

Outstanding Features    
This site typically winters 4-15 Lewis's Woodpeckers.

Links
• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database

Location
Southwest Oregon, along the Rogue River about 5 miles west of Grants Pass.

Description    
Roughly 150 acres along the Rogue River, from the confluence with the Applegate River to the lower end of the county park. Includes multiple ownerships, but mostly county. Includes the river itself, with gravel bars, large-size cottonwood gallery forest, willow and blackberry thickets, some small grassland areas, and backwater locations, sloughs and ponds.

Outstanding Features    
The strength of this site is the high species richness, due to the diversity of habitats in this small area. Of 20 sites surveyed monthly (April 1999 to February 2002) in the Rogue Valley--and chosen for in part for their diversity--the greatest number of species (144) were recorded at Whitehorse County Park. Over 170 species have been recorded here in the past 30 years (Massey and Vroman 2003). This site contains what may be the largest cottonwood gallery forest in the Rogue Valley.

Links
• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Whitehorse County Park

Location
In the central Cascades, southwest Deschutes County, about 10 miles west of LaPine. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This is a very large reservoir in the high/eastern Cascades.

Outstanding Features    
Hosts the largest inland concentrations of migrant Common Loon in the state. Reports in some years have exceeded 400 birds. Greatest numbers usually occur in April.

Location
In the west-central Willamette Valley, about 12 miles south of Corvallis, Benton County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
This national wildlife refuge was established in 1964 to provide winter habitat for Dusky Canada Geese, a subspecies that winters primarily in the Willamette Valley. Four other subspecies also regularly winter here. Grass fields provide forage for wintering goose flocks, and restored wetlands provide roosting habitat for geese, as well as habitat for other waterfowl. A riparian ash forest, oak-conifer woodland, oak savanna, wet prairie, and upland prairie provide habitat for other wildlife and rare native plants.

Outstanding Features    
Riparian habitat on the refuge supports Partners in Flight focal species Yellow Warbler and Swainson's Thrush that are believed to exceed 25 pairs, although no formal surveys have been done. Oak woodlands support Partners in Flight focal species Bushtit, Bewick's Wren, and Western Wood-Pewee populations that probably exceed 25 pairs, although no formal surveys have been done. The refuge contains several rare natural communities, including three Research Natural Areas. The Willamette Floodplain RNA contains 475 acres of undisturbed wet prairie, the largest remnant of this type of habitat in the Willamette Valley. Approximately 1,000 acres of Oregon white oak woodland and savanna are found on the refuge, including 70 acres of oak woodland in the Pigeon Butte RNA. Maple Knoll RNA consists of 100 acres of old-growth bigleaf maple. The refuge also contains 12 acres of upland prairie and 500 acres of Oregon ash riparian forest. The refuge supports large concentrations of wintering waterfowl. There are regularly well over 2,000 waterfowl present on the refuge during the winter. The 2001 mid-winter waterfowl count totaled 55,950 ducks and geese on the refuge on one day. (Contributed by Karen Viste-Sparkman)

Links
• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Description and directions (USFWS)
• Directions and description (GORP)
• Biography of William L. Finley (USFWS)
• Rick Cameron's photos and notes.

Bird List
• USFWS Western Oregon Refuge Complex (Willamette Valley)

Location
On the central Oregon Coast at Newport, Lincoln County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
Yaquina Estuary is a drowned river valley. It consists of three general areas: a narrow mouth, embayments, and a narrow upstream channel. Tidal influence extends to about river mile 26 (Percy et al. 1974). It is one of the three Oregon estuaries classed for deep water development because of maintained jetties and a main channel dredged to deeper than 22 feet (Cortright et al. 1987:11); nevertheless, the Yaquina and the other two deep water estuaries (Columbia River and Coos Bay) are still important for birds. Newport (1986 population of 7,850) is near the estuary mouth, and Toledo (population 3,215) is at river mile 13. Tourism is important, and Yaquina Estuary is used recreationally for boating, fishing, crabbing, clamming, wildlife watching, and hunting. The Oregon State University (OSU) Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) is a research and educational institution near the IBA. The Newport Airport is about a mile southwest of King Slough, and the Toledo Airport is at about river mile 11.3. Most of the marinas and shipping are downstream of the embayments, and most of the area along the south sides of Idaho Flats and South Bay and most of King Slough is relatively undeveloped. Many papers about Yaquina Estuary are in a bibliography by Webster and Hiveley (2000) of Guin Library at the HMSC.

Outstanding Features    
Yaquina Bay regularly hosts thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds.

Links
• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Article on Oregon coastal IBAs (Newport News Times)
• Yaquina Bay bibliography (Webster and Hiveley 2000).
• Yaquina Bay Estuary, Oregon Coastal Atlas photos, maps, data.
• Yaquina Estuary interactive GIS (Inforain).

Location
On the central Oregon coast about 3 miles north of Newport, Lincoln County. Vicinity maps: TopoZone, USGS.

Description    
The rocks and islands of this site are generally small and lack soil and vegtetation. The headland includes steep sea cliffs and heavily vegetated upland terraces and hills.

Outstanding Features    
This site supports more than 52,000 nesting seabirds comprised of eight species. Approximately 16% of the Oregon Brandt's Cormorant breeding population and 7% of the breeding common murre population is found within this site. Bald Eagles use this site for preying on Common Murres.

Links
• Summary Page of Audubon Society of Portland data in National Audubon Society database
• Article on Oregon coastal IBAs (Newport News Times)
• Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex
• Rick Cameron's photos and notes.