Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Oregon · West

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

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

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

Greater White-fronted x Cackling Goose (hybrid)

Anser albifrons x Branta hutchinsii

3/3/2026Vancouver Lake lowlands1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/2/2026Portland Community College, Portland US-OR 45.50619, -122.581061 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

13/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

83/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

33/5/2026

Bald Eagle

23/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

California Scrub-Jay

13/5/2026

American Crow

83/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/5/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

33/5/2026

Song Sparrow

13/5/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/5/2026

Greater Scaup

13/4/2026

Lesser Scaup

43/4/2026

Common Merganser

53/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

13/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Wood Duck

83/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

23/4/2026

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.