Fernhill Wetlands

Oregon · West

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/5/2026Yellow headed blackbird stakeout1 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

3/3/20269009 N Oswego Ave, Portland US-OR 45.59231, -122.748165 observed

Spotted Towhee (maculatus Group)

Pipilo maculatus

3/1/2026SW Trail Place1 observed

Barn Swallow (American)

Hirundo rustica

3/1/2026Harbor View Park2 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

2/28/2026Sauvie Island--Raccoon Point1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

2/26/2026Fernhill Wetlands (general)1 observed

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

2/25/2026stakeout Blue Jay, Hillsboro (2026)1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

2/24/2026Commonwealth Lake Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

93/5/2026

Canada Goose

163/5/2026

Wood Duck

23/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

23/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

303/5/2026

Gadwall

83/5/2026

American Wigeon

23/5/2026

Mallard

403/5/2026

Northern Pintail

23/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

503/5/2026

Canvasback

33/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

143/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

33/5/2026

Bufflehead

123/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

163/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

53/5/2026

American Coot

503/5/2026

Killdeer

23/5/2026

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.