Tualatin Valley is along the Pacific Flyway, a major flyway for migratory birds that extends from Alaska to the north and Patagonia to the south. During the annual bird migration seasons, usually in April and October, flocks of birds make Tualatin Valley their temporary homes.
Each year, songbirds brighten up the valley’s rainy season with song and colorful feathers. Species such as common yellowthroat, Wilson’s warblers and dark-eyed junco have been spotted at the region’s wetlands, refuges and nature parks.
The following is some of our favorite spots for spring birdwatching:
Killin Wetlands Nature Park
Stroll along the walking trails at the 25-acre Killin Wetlands Nature Park. It is a recognized Important Bird Area by the Bird Alliance of Oregon, and the park provides some of the best bird watching opportunities in the region. Dedicated birders have been known to venture to Killin Wetlands in search of American bittern, sora and Virginia rail birds, as well as bald eagles, great egrets, marsh wrens and more.
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
Situated on the floodplain of the Tualatin River, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge has a diverse and rich collection of habitats and supports some of the most abundant and varied wildlife in the Tualatin River watershed. The refuge also serves as a key stopover on the Pacific Flyway.
Jackson Bottom Wetlands
Jackson Bottom Wetlands is an expansive wildlife preserve and is home to indigenous and migratory birds, such as bald eagles, egrets and red-tailed hawks. Birders flock to this nature park to view the natural activity from the wildlife viewing blinds.
Cooper Mountain Nature Park
Cooper Mountain Nature Park features 3.5 miles of nature trails that wind through several distinct native habitats, from conifer forest to prairie to oak woodlands, which attract myriad birds. The park is a birding hotspot with birders spotting species such as Steller’s Jay, black-capped chikadees, woodpeckers and more.
These are just some of the spots we recommend for spring birdwatching. Read more for information about additional nature parks in Tualatin Valley.
