Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area

Oregon · West

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

March-May, September-November

About This Location

Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This forest and coastal habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Ring-necked Duck, and Hooded 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

Redhead

Aythya americana

3/5/2026Shillapoo Lake1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/5/2026Yellow headed blackbird stakeout1 observed

Brandt's Cormorant

Urile penicillatus

3/5/2026Columbia Point Hayden Island1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

3/5/2026Shillapoo Lake1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

3/5/2026stakeout Orchard Oriole, Portland (2026)1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/4/2026Woodland Bottoms -- Austin Point, Lewis River Dike, & Kuhnis Rd54 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

3/4/2026Ridgefield NWR--River 'S' Unit1 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/3/2026stakeout Summer Tanager (2025), SE Salmon St., Portland1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

43/3/2026

Ring-necked Duck

43/3/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/3/2026

American Coot

113/3/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/3/2026

Bald Eagle

13/3/2026

Great Horned Owl

13/3/2026

American Crow

353/3/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/3/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

23/3/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/3/2026

American Robin

33/3/2026

Gadwall

402/21/2026

American Wigeon

562/21/2026

Mallard

112/21/2026

Green-winged Teal

42/21/2026

Bufflehead

132/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

12/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

22/21/2026

Cooper's Hawk

12/21/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area for birding are March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area?
Notable species at Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area include Northern Shoveler, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe. The area supports forest, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area?
Birding at Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area?
Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.