Forest birding habitat

Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area

Oregon · West

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
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

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

6/1/2026Pumpkin Slough & NE 13th Ave.1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/31/2026Buckman neighborhood1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

5/31/2026Powell Butte Nature Park1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

5/31/2026Fernhill Wetlands--Natural Treatment System (ASoP/CWS survey)1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/31/2026Ridgefield NWR--River 'S' Unit4 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/31/2026Ridgefield NWR--River 'S' Unit1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/31/2026756 NE Lombard St, Portland US-OR 45.57716, -122.657331 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Pumpkin Slough & NE 13th Ave.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Red-breasted Sapsucker

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

95/31/2026

Brown Creeper

15/31/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/31/2026

European Starling

15/31/2026

Swainson's Thrush

15/31/2026

American Robin

105/31/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

45/31/2026

Spotted Towhee

25/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/31/2026

American Coot

55/31/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/31/2026

Green Heron

35/31/2026

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.