a forest filled with lots of tall trees

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Oregon · West

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

March-May, September-November

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 5:00 AM - midnight

About This Location

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest and coastal habitat attracts Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, and Common Merganser 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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

5/24/20261627 NE Siskiyou St, Portland US-OR 45.54539, -122.648433 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/24/2026Sandy River Delta Park1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/24/2026Shillapoo Lake2 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/24/2026Whitaker Ponds Nature Park1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/23/2026Arbor Lodge Park1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/23/2026McKenna Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/24/2026

Wood Duck

15/24/2026

Gadwall

25/24/2026

Mallard

15/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/24/2026

Barred Owl

25/24/2026

Northern Flicker

15/24/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/24/2026

American Crow

15/24/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/24/2026

Tree Swallow

15/24/2026

Barn Swallow

15/24/2026

Bushtit

15/24/2026

Brown Creeper

15/24/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/24/2026

European Starling

25/24/2026

American Robin

15/24/2026

House Finch

15/24/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

15/24/2026

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 Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge for birding are March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge include Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Common Merganser, Rock Pigeon, Pied-billed Grebe, Anna's Hummingbird, American Crow, Bushtit, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Golden-crowned Sparrow. The area supports forest, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Open daily, 5:00 AM - midnight.
What amenities are available at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge?
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.