Mouth of the Deschutes River return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-1 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 06” N 120 54’ 52” W
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Location: From Deschutes River State Recreational Area (see below), park in the parking lot and walk down to the river's edge. Follow the path toward the river mouth. Cross under both freeway bridges and access the sand spit at the river's mouth.
Habitat and Birds: Riparian vegetation and open river. Ducks, shorebirds, migrant passerines, gulls, and terns can be found here.
Deschutes River State Recreational Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-1 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 02” N 120 54’ 32” W
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Location: From I-84, take the Fulton Canyon Exit (Exit 97) which will become Hwy 206. Cross the Deschutes River and turn right (south) into the park. From Biggs Junction and Hwy 97, turn west on the Biggs Frontage Road. This is pretty much the only road in Biggs. Follow it for about 4.5 miles to the park entrance which is just east of the Deschutes River.
Habitat and Birds: Riparian vegetation and sandy beach. This may be the most productive location in the county. The junction of these two large rivers creates a natural migration route and good, permanent habitat. Bewick's Wrens are common here as are Bushtits and Black-capped Chickadees. Passerine action can be good in migration and Yellow-rumped Warblers can be present year-round. It's a good place for both goldfinch, both goldeneyes, Common Merganser, and gulls. Ash-throated Flycatcher is somewhat common and Dipper sometimes is seen in the shallows. Rarities here include Green Heron, Barred Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Calliope Hummingbird.
Fulton Canyon return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 47” N 120 52’ 48” W
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Location: 1.6 miles east of the Deschutes Recreation Area and just under 3 miles from Biggs on the Biggs Frontage Road. This road is also marked as Hwy 206 and travels SE to Hwy 97 and Wasco before continuing out of the county to Condon.
Habitat and Birds: Mostly farmland and grasslands. Some riparian. Look for raptors and sparrows on the poles and wires. Good finds here have included Long-eared Owl, Gray Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bank Swallow, Western Screech-Owl, and Nashville Warbler.
Welk Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 39’ 58” N 120 50’ 14” W
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Location: From the town of Biggs Junction, go east to the last buildings and turn south. This road is just over 4 miles long and connects with Hwy 206 at its end.
Habitat and Birds: Rolling hills and riparian areas. Stop frequently and check the vegetation for migrants and residents. Good finds here have included Say's Phoebe, Brewer's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, and Hermit Warbler.
Biggs-Rufus Frontage Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 40’ 10” N 120 49’ 59” W
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Location: From Biggs Junction, travel east along this frontage road to Rufus. Continue past Rufus as far as you can go.
Habitat and Birds: There are several ponds here that offer good waterfowl viewing. Herons (especially Black-crowned Night-heron), ducks, and grebes can be found here. Good finds here have included Pacific Loon, Snow Goose, Golden Eagle, and Redhead. Watch for Tufted Duck.
Mud Hollow Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 49” N 120 48’ 30” W
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Location: 2.5 miles south of Biggs Junction on Hwy 97. The road is just over 6 miles long. It dead-ends at Locust Grove Lane. You can take either a right (west) or a left (east) depending on your future plans.
Habitat and Birds: Good riparian areas make this an attractive destination. Birds here have included Yellow-breasted Chat, White-crowned Sparrow, and Dark-eyed Junco.
Rufus Treaty Fishing Access Site return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 B-2 geographic coordinates 45 41’ 45” N 120 44’ 31” W
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Location: From the town of Rufus, take Co-op Road under the freeway to the Columbia River. Turn left on the last road and use the turnouts to view riparian areas and the river.
Habitat and Birds: This area provides good views of the Columbia River and some limited riparian areas. Ring-necked Duck, both scaup, and Bufflehead are common here. Other ducks can be found in the mix including Tufted Duck. Keep an eye out for gulls moving along the river.
Scott Canyon and Scott Canyon Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 41’ 35” N 120 43’ 39” W
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Location: South out of Rufus for 9 miles where it enters the town of Wasco.
Habitat and Birds: Mostly farmland but some canyon-lands and grasslands. Check this area in winter for Horned Lark flocks on the road. Lapland Longspurs can be found mixed in with the larks. Sparrows are good here in early winter. Fox, Lincoln's, and Golden-crowns have all been found here. Ring-necked Pheasant can be seen in the fields and Yellow-breasted Chat are sometimes found in the riparian areas.
Giles French State Park and the John Day Dam return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 B-2 geographic coordinates 45 42’ 35” N 120 41’ 40” W
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Location: The park is located on the downstream bank below John Day Dam, on the Oregon side. Exit I-84 at exit 109 to the town of Rufus. Turn north and go under the freeway all the way to the river. Turn right (east) and travel to the end of the road. There are several places to pull out and scan the river here. So, what's the draw to Giles French Park? The John Day Dam. The turbines of this dam chop up fish and bring scavenging gulls to this location in large numbers. There are also a few trees here and migrants sometimes stop over to rest. To view the area above the dam, take I-84 to the John Day River (this means you will have to drive past the dam) and take I-84 exit 114 to LePage Park. Loop around and get back on I-84 westbound. Westbound, you can stop at the bottom of the on-ramp to I-84 to look at the gulls on the Columbia River. Then at the top of the ramp you have to pass a rock wall before you can see the river. You can park safely where the rocks end and the long guardrail begins. Here you can climb down under the fence, cross the railroad tracks, and view the river. A smooth gravel roadway parallels the tracks along the river. Back at your car, you must drive ~2 mi along the guardrail before you reach the rest area at the top of the dam. Pull off at the wire fence before you get into the rest area. There you can again get down to the tracks and walk along the river to view the area above the dam.
Habitat and Birds: This is a park setting with a good view below the dam. Some very good birds have been spotted here. Gulls include Bonaparte's, Mew, Ring-billed, California, Thayer's, Herring, Western, Glaucous-winged, Glaucous, and Sabine's. A Little Gull was seen here in 1989 and a Lesser Black-backed Gull was here in 2009. Terns can be found as well. It's a good place to find loons (even Yellow-billed Loon has been seen here). Scan the grebes for Clark's & Red-necked and the mergansers for Red-breasted. Passerines here have included Hermit Thrush, White-throated Sparrow, Harris's Sparrow, and Red Crossbill.
Van Gilder Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -B1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 35’ 28” N 120 45’ 39” W
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Location: From Wasco, travel west on First Street. This will lead out of town and cross Hwy 97 after about 0.5 miles. West of Hwy 97, the road becomes Fulton Canyon Road. Take Fulton Canyon Road for 2.2 miles and turn left (south) on Van Gilder Road. This road is 8 miles long.
Habitat and Birds: As Van Gilder winds through extensive wheat fields, there are several places that have too much grade to farm. These are left to grow wild and can include some good birds. Look for Great Horned Owl in the trees around the farm houses. Sparrows and migrants can be found along the road. Raptors often feed here and Short-eared Owl is possible in the crepuscular hours.
Wasco and Wasco Sewage Ponds return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -B2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 35’ 30” N 120 41’ 51” W
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Location: Between Rufus to the north, and Hwy 97 to the south, is the community of Wasco. From the Columbia, use Scott Canyon Road to reach Wasco (9 miles). From Hwy 97, go 7.5 miles north of Moro and look for the Old Sherman Hwy and a sign to Wasco. If you miss this road, a mile and a half farther down the road is Hwy 206 which can be used to get there as well (turn right and go one mile) .
Habitat and Birds: This little town can be an oasis in a sea of wheat fields. Check the city streets for urban dwellers that can be hard to find elsewhere (House Sparrow, Western Scrub-Jay and Eurasian Collared-Dove). A Gyrfalcon was found outside of town in 1995. The sewage ponds offer some good shore-birding and will sometimes yield teal and other ducks. To get to the sewer ponds, travel north on Church Street and head out of town on the Old Hwy 97. The ponds will be on your left. View them from the road.
Gordon Ridge Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -B2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 31’ 08” N 120 43’ 44” W
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Location: This is generally a side trip off of Van Gilder Road. In Moro, take 4th Street and travel NW to the edge of town. The road becomes Van Gilder. Take Van Gilder for 2.8 miles to Gordon Ridge Road. This road travels along a ridgeline that is wild and can produce sagebrush species. Stay on Gordon Ridge until the road bends to the north and away from the ridge. Turn around at this point and return to Van Gilder. (You can continue on for a couple of miles and then turn left on Gordon Canyon Road to find a small riparian area before the road hits private land.
Habitat and Birds: Shrubby hillside. Gray Partridge and Chukar are the major draws for this ridge. Sparrows like Lark Sparrow and Brewer's Sparrow are found here too.
DeMoss Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -B2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-2 geographic coordinates 45 30’ 41” N 120 41’ 00” W
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Location: Located 3 miles north of Moro on Hwy 97. Historic DeMoss Springs Memorial Park is on the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway on Highway 97 between Moro and Wasco. The DeMoss pioneer family settled nearby and platted a temperance town with streets named for poets and composers. Visitors enjoy a shady, summer respite with picnic tables, public restrooms, historic structures and interpretive signs.
Habitat and Birds: A collection of low brush and tall cottonwoods attract migrants and a few residents. Passerines include Bullock's Oriole, several warblers, House Wren, vireos, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Hermit Thrush, Western Tanager, and several flycatchers. It's a good place to find Northern Flickers and an occasional Barn or Great Horned Owl. Rarities include Summer Tanager, Cackling Goose, and Northern Saw-whet Owl.
Monkland Lane return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -B2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-3 geographic coordinates 45 29’ 41” N 120 42’ 31” W
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Location: This eight mile road runs east from Hwy 97. Travel north from Moro for 1.2 miles on Hwy 97 and turn east on Monkland Road. Take Monkland Road for 3 miles to the old community of Monkland. Continue on as Monkland Road crosses Fairview. Travel another 1.5 miles and bird the Kenny Spring for migrants and residents.
Habitat and Birds: Like most roads in Sherman County, Monkland winds through extensive wheat fields and provides the birder with opportunities to bird the scattered wild spots. Watch for both shrikes along this road. Check the Horned Lark flocks for longspurs in winter. Hawks and owls can be found along this road and migrant passerines can show up at Kenny Springs.
Moro return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -C2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-2 geographic coordinates 45 28’ 58” N 120 43’ 56” W
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Location: Moro is located 62 miles north of Madras and 18 miles south of the Columbia River on Hwy 97. Don't miss the Moro Sewage Ponds which can be accessed by taking 1st Street east to the edge of town. Look for an unmarked road (it might say Railroad Ave) . Take this road left (north) to the edge of the ponds. You may be able to view the north end of the ponds from Hwy 97 but parking on the edge of the road is extremely hazardous and not recommended.
Habitat and Birds: This is the largest community in Sherman County and the county seat. There are more large trees here than anywhere else which gives it the most potential as a migrant trap. Both Eurasian Collared-Dove and Western Scrub-Jay have been seen here. It is an essential stopover for anyone creating a county list as it is the best opportunity to pick up passerines that are not going to be found out in the wheat country. California Quail are here year round and Rufous Hummingbird can be found in summer. Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers have been seen here. Mountain Chickadees are resident and Vaux's Swift can be seen overhead in season. Migrants include warblers (even a Magnolia Warbler in 1988), vireos (Cassin's and Warbling), flycatchers, Townsend's Solitaire, Harris's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, and Cassin's Finch. Rough-legged Hawk and Northern Shrike can be found very close to town. The sewage ponds have yielded peeps, dowitchers, ducks, Great Blue Heron, and American Coot.
Moore Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -C2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-2 geographic coordinates 45 27’ 12” N 120 45’ 05” W
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Location: From Moro, travel 2.2 miles south on Hwy 97 and turn right on Moore Lane. There is no need to go very far down this road. The big attraction here are the conifers around the house on the corner. This is probably the best chance for getting birds like nuthatches, creepers, or crossbills.
Habitat and Birds: Look here for some species that are particularly hard to find in Sherman County. Possibilities include Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Mountain Chickadee, Cassin's Finch, Evening Grosbeak, Dusky Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher. None of these are likely but if you're going to get them in Sherman County, it might be here.
Grass Valley return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -C2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-2 geographic coordinates 45 21’ 36” N 120 47’ 04” W
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Location: Grass Valley is a small community nine miles south of Moro and fifty-three miles north of Madras on Hwy 97.
Habitat and Birds: The birding here is the same as Moro. Look for migrants in the spring and fall and as well as several resident birds. Birds of interest include Violet-green Swallow, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Hermit Thrush, Nashville Warbler, and Lark Sparrow. A Black-headed Gull was spotted here in 1996.
Twin Lakes Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -C1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 18’ 56” N 120 48’ 34” W
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Location: From Grass Valley, take Hwy 216 for 3.6 miles and turn south on Twin Lakes Road. There are several large ponds that can be scoped from the road.
Habitat and Birds: Riparian, marsh, and pond habitats exist here. You can see Ruddy Duck, Virginia Rail, Blue-winged Teal, and Yellow-headed Blackbird here.
Kent-Grass Valley Road (Finnegan Road) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -C1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-2 geographic coordinates 45 18’ 56” N 120 47’ 20” W
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Location: From Grass Valley, take Hwy 216 for 2.8 miles to a right angle turn in the road. Go straight on Finnegan Road which will become the Kent-Grass Valley Road. It is alternately called Finnegan Road and the Kent-Grass Valley Road. This road has some undeveloped regions with wild vegetation but the highlight is the Finnegan Canyon which can produce some water birds. Finnegan Road eventually returns to Hwy 97 at Kent. If you take it all the way to Kent, make sure you stop at Kopke and Wilson Roads (see below).
Habitat and Birds: Water birds like Cinnamon Teal, Northern Pintail, Barrow's Goldeneye, Virginia Rail, Solitary Sandpiper and Wilson's Snipe can be found.
Sherar's Bridge Hwy (Hwy 216)return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -C1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-2 geographic coordinates 45 21’ 10” N 120 47’ 09” W
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Location: On the southern edge of Grass Valley, take Hwy 216 for 19 miles to Sherar's Bridge. (Don't miss a side trip to Twin Lakes Road)
Habitat and Birds: The road to the bridge travels through some diverse habitats and the bridge area itself provides good riparian birding. Check for migrants on the river and wrens on the cliffs. Chukar are present and there are several good areas of sagebrush to search. Watch for Prairie Falcon.
Hwy 97 Ponds Between Kent and Grass Valley return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -D2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 11’ 43” N 120 41’ 45” W
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Location: There are several small ponds along Hwy 97 between Kent and Grass Valley that have had the best shore-birding in Sherman County. They are not very reliable in terms of having water, spring or fall but should be checked anyway as most of the good shorebirds reported from this county have come from these ponds. The first one is 2.5 miles north of Kent at Stark Road. There are several more small dry ponds as you go north that, when they have water, can be interesting. Most of the shorebird species that one can hope to find in Sherman County can be found around these ponds, including Solitary Sandpiper. Between Barnett Lane and Rutledge Lane (all between 1 and 2 miles south of Grass Valley) there is a string of 3-4 ponds that have been more reliable. They are often full of water. They are good for a variety of ducks, Yellow-headed Blackbird, shorebirds and, one year, produced 4 Forster's Terns at the northern most pond by Rutledge Lane. There isn't much highway shoulder so you have to be careful as you can 'just' barely get off the highway for some of these ponds and truck traffic on Hwy 97 is heavy.
Habitat and Birds: Good birds found here in the past include Swainson's Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Black-billed Magpie, and Horned Lark. Shorebirds might include both yellowlegs, Western Sandpiper, Dunlin, Least Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper, and Pectoral Sandpiper. In the fall, watch for both Wilson's and Red-necked Phalarope.
Kopke Lane return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -D1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 12’ 34” N 120 47’ 20” W
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Location: From just north of Kent, take Finnegan Road for 4.8 miles to Kopke Road. This short road leads to private property so make sure you respect property boundaries. On the way, at about four miles on Finnegan Road is a quick stop on Wilson Road and the riparian area there.
Habitat and Birds: Good birds here include Blue-winged Teal, peeps, dowitchers, phalaropes, and other water birds.
Kent return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -D2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 11’ 43” N 120 41’ 45” W
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Location: Kent is located on Hwy 97 twelve miles south of Grass Valley, 20 miles south of Moro, and 38 miles south of the Columbia River. It is just over 50 miles north of Madras. Drive the streets of this tiny area looking for resident birds and migrants.
Habitat and Birds: Good birds found here in the past include Swainson's Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Black-billed Magpie, and Horned Lark.
Mouth of the Deschutes River return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-1 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 06” N 120 54’ 52” W
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Location: From Deschutes River State Recreational Area (see below), park in the parking lot and walk down to the river's edge. Follow the path toward the river mouth. Cross under both freeway bridges and access the sand spit at the river's mouth.
Habitat and Birds: Riparian vegetation and open river. Ducks, shorebirds, migrant passerines, gulls, and terns can be found here.
Deschutes River State Recreational Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-1 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 02” N 120 54’ 32” W
State Park Map
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Location: From I-84, take the Fulton Canyon Exit (Exit 97) which will become Hwy 206. Cross the Deschutes River and turn right (south) into the park. From Biggs Junction and Hwy 97, turn west on the Biggs Frontage Road. This is pretty much the only road in Biggs. Follow it for about 4.5 miles to the park entrance which is just east of the Deschutes River.
Habitat and Birds: Riparian vegetation and sandy beach. This may be the most productive location in the county. The junction of these two large rivers creates a natural migration route and good, permanent habitat. Bewick's Wrens are common here as are Bushtits and Black-capped Chickadees. Passerine action can be good in migration and Yellow-rumped Warblers can be present year-round. It's a good place for both goldfinch, both goldeneyes, Common Merganser, and gulls. Ash-throated Flycatcher is somewhat common and Dipper sometimes is seen in the shallows. Rarities here include Green Heron, Barred Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Calliope Hummingbird.
Fulton Canyon return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 47” N 120 52’ 48” W
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Location: 1.6 miles east of the Deschutes Recreation Area and just under 3 miles from Biggs on the Biggs Frontage Road. This road is also marked as Hwy 206 and travels SE to Hwy 97 and Wasco before continuing out of the county to Condon.
Habitat and Birds: Mostly farmland and grasslands. Some riparian. Look for raptors and sparrows on the poles and wires. Good finds here have included Long-eared Owl, Gray Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bank Swallow, Western Screech-Owl, and Nashville Warbler.
Welk Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 39’ 58” N 120 50’ 14” W
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Location: From the town of Biggs Junction, go east to the last buildings and turn south. This road is just over 4 miles long and connects with Hwy 206 at its end.
Habitat and Birds: Rolling hills and riparian areas. Stop frequently and check the vegetation for migrants and residents. Good finds here have included Say's Phoebe, Brewer's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, and Hermit Warbler.
Biggs-Rufus Frontage Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 40’ 10” N 120 49’ 59” W
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Location: From Biggs Junction, travel east along this frontage road to Rufus. Continue past Rufus as far as you can go.
Habitat and Birds: There are several ponds here that offer good waterfowl viewing. Herons (especially Black-crowned Night-heron), ducks, and grebes can be found here. Good finds here have included Pacific Loon, Snow Goose, Golden Eagle, and Redhead. Watch for Tufted Duck.
Mud Hollow Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 49” N 120 48’ 30” W
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Location: 2.5 miles south of Biggs Junction on Hwy 97. The road is just over 6 miles long. It dead-ends at Locust Grove Lane. You can take either a right (west) or a left (east) depending on your future plans.
Habitat and Birds: Good riparian areas make this an attractive destination. Birds here have included Yellow-breasted Chat, White-crowned Sparrow, and Dark-eyed Junco.
Rufus Treaty Fishing Access Site return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 B-2 geographic coordinates 45 41’ 45” N 120 44’ 31” W
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Location: From the town of Rufus, take Co-op Road under the freeway to the Columbia River. Turn left on the last road and use the turnouts to view riparian areas and the river.
Habitat and Birds: This area provides good views of the Columbia River and some limited riparian areas. Ring-necked Duck, both scaup, and Bufflehead are common here. Other ducks can be found in the mix including Tufted Duck. Keep an eye out for gulls moving along the river.
Scott Canyon and Scott Canyon Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 41’ 35” N 120 43’ 39” W
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Location: South out of Rufus for 9 miles where it enters the town of Wasco.
Habitat and Birds: Mostly farmland but some canyon-lands and grasslands. Check this area in winter for Horned Lark flocks on the road. Lapland Longspurs can be found mixed in with the larks. Sparrows are good here in early winter. Fox, Lincoln's, and Golden-crowns have all been found here. Ring-necked Pheasant can be seen in the fields and Yellow-breasted Chat are sometimes found in the riparian areas.
Giles French State Park and the John Day Dam return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 B-2 geographic coordinates 45 42’ 35” N 120 41’ 40” W
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Location: The park is located on the downstream bank below John Day Dam, on the Oregon side. Exit I-84 at exit 109 to the town of Rufus. Turn north and go under the freeway all the way to the river. Turn right (east) and travel to the end of the road. There are several places to pull out and scan the river here. So, what's the draw to Giles French Park? The John Day Dam. The turbines of this dam chop up fish and bring scavenging gulls to this location in large numbers. There are also a few trees here and migrants sometimes stop over to rest. To view the area above the dam, take I-84 to the John Day River (this means you will have to drive past the dam) and take I-84 exit 114 to LePage Park. Loop around and get back on I-84 westbound. Westbound, you can stop at the bottom of the on-ramp to I-84 to look at the gulls on the Columbia River. Then at the top of the ramp you have to pass a rock wall before you can see the river. You can park safely where the rocks end and the long guardrail begins. Here you can climb down under the fence, cross the railroad tracks, and view the river. A smooth gravel roadway parallels the tracks along the river. Back at your car, you must drive ~2 mi along the guardrail before you reach the rest area at the top of the dam. Pull off at the wire fence before you get into the rest area. There you can again get down to the tracks and walk along the river to view the area above the dam.
Habitat and Birds: This is a park setting with a good view below the dam. Some very good birds have been spotted here. Gulls include Bonaparte's, Mew, Ring-billed, California, Thayer's, Herring, Western, Glaucous-winged, Glaucous, and Sabine's. A Little Gull was seen here in 1989 and a Lesser Black-backed Gull was here in 2009. Terns can be found as well. It's a good place to find loons (even Yellow-billed Loon has been seen here). Scan the grebes for Clark's & Red-necked and the mergansers for Red-breasted. Passerines here have included Hermit Thrush, White-throated Sparrow, Harris's Sparrow, and Red Crossbill.
Van Gilder Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -B1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 35’ 28” N 120 45’ 39” W
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Location: From Wasco, travel west on First Street. This will lead out of town and cross Hwy 97 after about 0.5 miles. West of Hwy 97, the road becomes Fulton Canyon Road. Take Fulton Canyon Road for 2.2 miles and turn left (south) on Van Gilder Road. This road is 8 miles long.
Habitat and Birds: As Van Gilder winds through extensive wheat fields, there are several places that have too much grade to farm. These are left to grow wild and can include some good birds. Look for Great Horned Owl in the trees around the farm houses. Sparrows and migrants can be found along the road. Raptors often feed here and Short-eared Owl is possible in the crepuscular hours.
Wasco and Wasco Sewage Ponds return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -B2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 35’ 30” N 120 41’ 51” W
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Location: Between Rufus to the north, and Hwy 97 to the south, is the community of Wasco. From the Columbia, use Scott Canyon Road to reach Wasco (9 miles). From Hwy 97, go 7.5 miles north of Moro and look for the Old Sherman Hwy and a sign to Wasco. If you miss this road, a mile and a half farther down the road is Hwy 206 which can be used to get there as well (turn right and go one mile) .
Habitat and Birds: This little town can be an oasis in a sea of wheat fields. Check the city streets for urban dwellers that can be hard to find elsewhere (House Sparrow, Western Scrub-Jay and Eurasian Collared-Dove). A Gyrfalcon was found outside of town in 1995. The sewage ponds offer some good shore-birding and will sometimes yield teal and other ducks. To get to the sewer ponds, travel north on Church Street and head out of town on the Old Hwy 97. The ponds will be on your left. View them from the road.
Gordon Ridge Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -B2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 31’ 08” N 120 43’ 44” W
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Location: This is generally a side trip off of Van Gilder Road. In Moro, take 4th Street and travel NW to the edge of town. The road becomes Van Gilder. Take Van Gilder for 2.8 miles to Gordon Ridge Road. This road travels along a ridgeline that is wild and can produce sagebrush species. Stay on Gordon Ridge until the road bends to the north and away from the ridge. Turn around at this point and return to Van Gilder. (You can continue on for a couple of miles and then turn left on Gordon Canyon Road to find a small riparian area before the road hits private land.
Habitat and Birds: Shrubby hillside. Gray Partridge and Chukar are the major draws for this ridge. Sparrows like Lark Sparrow and Brewer's Sparrow are found here too.
DeMoss Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -B2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-2 geographic coordinates 45 30’ 41” N 120 41’ 00” W
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Location: Located 3 miles north of Moro on Hwy 97. Historic DeMoss Springs Memorial Park is on the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway on Highway 97 between Moro and Wasco. The DeMoss pioneer family settled nearby and platted a temperance town with streets named for poets and composers. Visitors enjoy a shady, summer respite with picnic tables, public restrooms, historic structures and interpretive signs.
Habitat and Birds: A collection of low brush and tall cottonwoods attract migrants and a few residents. Passerines include Bullock's Oriole, several warblers, House Wren, vireos, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Hermit Thrush, Western Tanager, and several flycatchers. It's a good place to find Northern Flickers and an occasional Barn or Great Horned Owl. Rarities include Summer Tanager, Cackling Goose, and Northern Saw-whet Owl.
Monkland Lane return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -B2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-3 geographic coordinates 45 29’ 41” N 120 42’ 31” W
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Location: This eight mile road runs east from Hwy 97. Travel north from Moro for 1.2 miles on Hwy 97 and turn east on Monkland Road. Take Monkland Road for 3 miles to the old community of Monkland. Continue on as Monkland Road crosses Fairview. Travel another 1.5 miles and bird the Kenny Spring for migrants and residents.
Habitat and Birds: Like most roads in Sherman County, Monkland winds through extensive wheat fields and provides the birder with opportunities to bird the scattered wild spots. Watch for both shrikes along this road. Check the Horned Lark flocks for longspurs in winter. Hawks and owls can be found along this road and migrant passerines can show up at Kenny Springs.
Moro return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -C2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-2 geographic coordinates 45 28’ 58” N 120 43’ 56” W
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Location: Moro is located 62 miles north of Madras and 18 miles south of the Columbia River on Hwy 97. Don't miss the Moro Sewage Ponds which can be accessed by taking 1st Street east to the edge of town. Look for an unmarked road (it might say Railroad Ave) . Take this road left (north) to the edge of the ponds. You may be able to view the north end of the ponds from Hwy 97 but parking on the edge of the road is extremely hazardous and not recommended.
Habitat and Birds: This is the largest community in Sherman County and the county seat. There are more large trees here than anywhere else which gives it the most potential as a migrant trap. Both Eurasian Collared-Dove and Western Scrub-Jay have been seen here. It is an essential stopover for anyone creating a county list as it is the best opportunity to pick up passerines that are not going to be found out in the wheat country. California Quail are here year round and Rufous Hummingbird can be found in summer. Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers have been seen here. Mountain Chickadees are resident and Vaux's Swift can be seen overhead in season. Migrants include warblers (even a Magnolia Warbler in 1988), vireos (Cassin's and Warbling), flycatchers, Townsend's Solitaire, Harris's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, and Cassin's Finch. Rough-legged Hawk and Northern Shrike can be found very close to town. The sewage ponds have yielded peeps, dowitchers, ducks, Great Blue Heron, and American Coot.
Moore Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -C2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-2 geographic coordinates 45 27’ 12” N 120 45’ 05” W
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Location: From Moro, travel 2.2 miles south on Hwy 97 and turn right on Moore Lane. There is no need to go very far down this road. The big attraction here are the conifers around the house on the corner. This is probably the best chance for getting birds like nuthatches, creepers, or crossbills.
Habitat and Birds: Look here for some species that are particularly hard to find in Sherman County. Possibilities include Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Mountain Chickadee, Cassin's Finch, Evening Grosbeak, Dusky Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher. None of these are likely but if you're going to get them in Sherman County, it might be here.
Grass Valley return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -C2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-2 geographic coordinates 45 21’ 36” N 120 47’ 04” W
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Location: Grass Valley is a small community nine miles south of Moro and fifty-three miles north of Madras on Hwy 97.
Habitat and Birds: The birding here is the same as Moro. Look for migrants in the spring and fall and as well as several resident birds. Birds of interest include Violet-green Swallow, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Hermit Thrush, Nashville Warbler, and Lark Sparrow. A Black-headed Gull was spotted here in 1996.
Twin Lakes Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -C1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 18’ 56” N 120 48’ 34” W
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Location: From Grass Valley, take Hwy 216 for 3.6 miles and turn south on Twin Lakes Road. There are several large ponds that can be scoped from the road.
Habitat and Birds: Riparian, marsh, and pond habitats exist here. You can see Ruddy Duck, Virginia Rail, Blue-winged Teal, and Yellow-headed Blackbird here.
Kent-Grass Valley Road (Finnegan Road) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -C1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-2 geographic coordinates 45 18’ 56” N 120 47’ 20” W
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Location: From Grass Valley, take Hwy 216 for 2.8 miles to a right angle turn in the road. Go straight on Finnegan Road which will become the Kent-Grass Valley Road. It is alternately called Finnegan Road and the Kent-Grass Valley Road. This road has some undeveloped regions with wild vegetation but the highlight is the Finnegan Canyon which can produce some water birds. Finnegan Road eventually returns to Hwy 97 at Kent. If you take it all the way to Kent, make sure you stop at Kopke and Wilson Roads (see below).
Habitat and Birds: Water birds like Cinnamon Teal, Northern Pintail, Barrow's Goldeneye, Virginia Rail, Solitary Sandpiper and Wilson's Snipe can be found.
Sherar's Bridge Hwy (Hwy 216)return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -C1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-2 geographic coordinates 45 21’ 10” N 120 47’ 09” W
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Location: On the southern edge of Grass Valley, take Hwy 216 for 19 miles to Sherar's Bridge. (Don't miss a side trip to Twin Lakes Road)
Habitat and Birds: The road to the bridge travels through some diverse habitats and the bridge area itself provides good riparian birding. Check for migrants on the river and wrens on the cliffs. Chukar are present and there are several good areas of sagebrush to search. Watch for Prairie Falcon.
Hwy 97 Ponds Between Kent and Grass Valley return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -D2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 11’ 43” N 120 41’ 45” W
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Location: There are several small ponds along Hwy 97 between Kent and Grass Valley that have had the best shore-birding in Sherman County. They are not very reliable in terms of having water, spring or fall but should be checked anyway as most of the good shorebirds reported from this county have come from these ponds. The first one is 2.5 miles north of Kent at Stark Road. There are several more small dry ponds as you go north that, when they have water, can be interesting. Most of the shorebird species that one can hope to find in Sherman County can be found around these ponds, including Solitary Sandpiper. Between Barnett Lane and Rutledge Lane (all between 1 and 2 miles south of Grass Valley) there is a string of 3-4 ponds that have been more reliable. They are often full of water. They are good for a variety of ducks, Yellow-headed Blackbird, shorebirds and, one year, produced 4 Forster's Terns at the northern most pond by Rutledge Lane. There isn't much highway shoulder so you have to be careful as you can 'just' barely get off the highway for some of these ponds and truck traffic on Hwy 97 is heavy.
Habitat and Birds: Good birds found here in the past include Swainson's Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Black-billed Magpie, and Horned Lark. Shorebirds might include both yellowlegs, Western Sandpiper, Dunlin, Least Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper, and Pectoral Sandpiper. In the fall, watch for both Wilson's and Red-necked Phalarope.
Kopke Lane return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -D1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 12’ 34” N 120 47’ 20” W
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Location: From just north of Kent, take Finnegan Road for 4.8 miles to Kopke Road. This short road leads to private property so make sure you respect property boundaries. On the way, at about four miles on Finnegan Road is a quick stop on Wilson Road and the riparian area there.
Habitat and Birds: Good birds here include Blue-winged Teal, peeps, dowitchers, phalaropes, and other water birds.
Kent return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 -D2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 11’ 43” N 120 41’ 45” W
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Location: Kent is located on Hwy 97 twelve miles south of Grass Valley, 20 miles south of Moro, and 38 miles south of the Columbia River. It is just over 50 miles north of Madras. Drive the streets of this tiny area looking for resident birds and migrants.
Habitat and Birds: Good birds found here in the past include Swainson's Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Black-billed Magpie, and Horned Lark.