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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/16/2026Ridgefield NWR--River 'S' Unit1 observed

Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4)

Loxia curvirostra

7/15/2026Brown's Ferry Park1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

7/14/2026Tualatin River NWR1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

7/14/2026Broughton Beach1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/13/2026Home

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/12/202614309 NW 8th Ct, Vancouver US-WA (45.7255,-122.6784)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

7/12/2026NE Sundial Rd.--Company Lake2 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

7/10/2026SW Trail Place1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/15/2026

Gadwall

7/15/2026

Mallard

7/15/2026

American Coot

7/15/2026

Least Sandpiper

207/15/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

7/15/2026

Green Heron

17/15/2026

Great Egret

17/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/15/2026

Osprey

17/15/2026

American Crow

57/15/2026

Tree Swallow

7/15/2026

Barn Swallow

7/15/2026

Cliff Swallow

7/15/2026

Swainson's Thrush

27/15/2026

Spotted Towhee

17/15/2026

American White Pelican

307/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/15/2026

Brown Creeper

17/15/2026

Marsh Wren

17/15/2026

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.