Hartebeespoort Dam/Lake North West of Johannesburg, surrounded by the Magaliesberg Mountain range.

Fernhill Wetlands

Oregon · West

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

March-May, September-November

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Fernhill Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 249 species recorded on eBird. This forest and coastal habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler among many others. The diverse terrain supports both resident specialties and Pacific Flyway migrants throughout the year.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Long-tailed Tit

Aegithalos caudatus

5/24/202616125 SW Chehalem Way, Hillsboro US-OR 45.40273, -123.072584 observed

Mountain Quail

Oreortyx pictus

5/24/202697056, Scappoose US-OR 45.71953, -122.924011 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

5/23/2026SW Scoggins Valley Rd, Gaston US-OR 45.51015, -123.255721 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/23/2026McKenna Park1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/21/20269950 SW Spring Crest Dr, West Haven-Sylvan US-OR 45.51434, -122.779311 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

5/20/2026SW Trail Place1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/18/2026Northgate Park, Portland US-OR (45.5897,-122.7259)1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/17/2026Willamette Greenway--Wapato Access2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

235/24/2026

Gadwall

605/24/2026

Mallard

245/24/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/24/2026

Virginia Rail

15/24/2026

American Coot

55/24/2026

Killdeer

35/24/2026

American Bittern

15/24/2026

Great Egret

15/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/24/2026

Northern Flicker

15/24/2026

American Crow

35/24/2026

Barn Swallow

65/24/2026

European Starling

35/24/2026

Swainson's Thrush

15/24/2026

American Robin

165/24/2026

House Finch

65/24/2026

Song Sparrow

85/24/2026

Spotted Towhee

45/24/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

305/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Early mornings provide the best light and bird activity along the coast.

  4. 4

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

  5. 5

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fernhill Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Fernhill Wetlands for birding are March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fernhill Wetlands?
Notable species at Fernhill Wetlands include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, American Wigeon, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Great Blue Heron, Northern Flicker, American Kestrel, American Crow. The area supports forest, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fernhill Wetlands?
Birding at Fernhill Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Fernhill Wetlands?
There is no entrance fee at Fernhill Wetlands. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Fernhill Wetlands?
Fernhill Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.