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

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

7/11/2026Wapato Lake NWR (Yamhill County)1 observed

Prairie Falcon

Falco mexicanus

7/10/20265000 NE Sokol Blosser Ln, Dayton US-OR 45.25160, -123.050291 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

7/10/2026SW Trail Place1 observed

Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4)

Loxia curvirostra

7/10/2026Harbor View Park3 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/10/2026Penstemon Prairie (restoration site)3 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

7/8/2026Wapato Lake NWR (Washington County)2 observed

Mountain Quail

Oreortyx pictus

7/5/2026Vedanta Retreat1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/4/2026Bird Alliance of Oregon Sanctuary (formerly Portland Audubon)1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

6/29/2026Sw Wood Rd--RESTRICTED ACCESS2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

17/12/2026

Canada Goose

7/12/2026

Wood Duck

137/12/2026

Mallard

7/12/2026

Common Merganser

17/12/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

67/12/2026

Mourning Dove

7/12/2026

Vaux's Swift

67/12/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

37/12/2026

American Coot

7/12/2026

Killdeer

37/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

117/12/2026

Green Heron

17/12/2026

Great Egret

47/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

137/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

67/12/2026

Osprey

27/12/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/12/2026

Black Phoebe

27/12/2026

California Scrub-Jay

17/12/2026

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.