Willamette River Recreation Guide
Bald Peak Scenic Viewpoint Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 A-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 B-1 geographic coordinates 45 23’ 44” N 123 03’ 21” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds; Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Tualatin Loop Guide. Section T-4.
Chehalem Mountains Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 A-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 B-1 geographic coordinates 45 23’ 40” N 123 03’ 18” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: The Chehalem Mountains are located just NW of Newberg. From Newberg, travel north on 219 for about a mile and turn left (west) on Bald Peak Road. This road winds up into the hills and to an elevation of almost 1700 feet. Just beyond the top, the road goes into Washington County. Some side roads to think about here are Ornduff, Finnigan Hill, and Guenther roads. Bald Peak State Park is near the top. Birds to look for include Band-tailed Pigeon, Western Screech-Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Vaux's Swift, Pileated Woodpecker, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Winter Wren, and Varied Thrush. Warblers include Wilson's, Black-throated Gray, Yellow-rumped, and Townsend's. Even a Northern Mockingbird has shown up here.
Chehalem Valley Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 A-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 B-1 geographic coordinates 45 19’ 54” N 122˚ 58’ 09” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From the center of Newberg, take Hwy 219 (Hillsboro Hwy) north to North Valley Road Turn left (west) and follow North Valley Road, which changes its name to Springhill Road where Laughlin and Albertson Roads meet, and continues into Washington County, 11 miles in all. Chehalem Creek runs through this area and provides many seasonal wetlands. North Valley Road unfortunately has fast traffic so take care to pull off the road to view these areas. Waterfowl here can include Hooded Merganser, Ring-necked Duck, and Bufflehead. Watch and listen for Ruffed Grouse in the riparian thickets and don't be surprised to find both Prairie Falcon and Sora within a mile of each other. Anna's Hummingbird, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, and Chestnut-backed Chickadee have been recorded here. Seven species of warbler and Western Tanager can be found in the woodlots of this area. Pine Siskins and Lesser Goldfinch are here, too.
Yamhill Sewage Ponds Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 B-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 C-10 geographic coordinates 45 20’ 06” N 123 11’ 22” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From the center of Newberg, take Hwy 240 (Main Street) north and then west for about 12 miles to Yamhill. Highway 240 becomes Main Street in Yamhill, and ends at Hwy 47 (Maple Street). Turn left (south) here. The sewage ponds are 3 blocks south, the last parking lot before the 45 speed limit sign at the edge of town. Turn right into the visitor's parking lot at City of Yamhill Public Works. A standard brown hiker sign (on a fence) points to a trail along the creek. There is no motorized access. Say’s Phoebe and Barred Owl have been seen here. You can leave the trail at any point to cross the grass to the wastewater ponds, where Wood Ducks and other duck species can be found. Carlton –Carlton Lake State Game Refuge, while still featured on many maps, no longer exists, and the water once impounded at Carlton Lake has long since been released.
McGuire Reservoir Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 B-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 C-8 geographic coordinates 45 18’ 12” N 123 24’ 00” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Though often disappointing as a place for most waterfowl, it may be the best location for loons in the county. The real value of the area is as an easily accessible loop to find a general variety of Coast Range species. Drive 14.3 miles on Meadowlake Road west from Hwy 47 at Carlton, and turn left at a gravel lot past the reservoir to start BLM road 3-6-15.3, which leads away from the reservoir at first but eventually circles it. This rough gravel road should be taken with some caution. Higher elevation species like Gray Jay, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Varied Thrush, and Olive-sided Flycatcher can be found there.
Sheridan Peak Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 B-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 C-7 geographic coordinates 45 16’ 54” N 123 26’ 57” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: This is a fairly high elevation lookout with paved road access (although it may be snowed in during winter months). It’s not too far on up the road from McGuire Reservoir (see above). The clear-cut at the top is really growing in now, but it’s probably the most accessible high elevation in the county. Warblers, flycatchers, woodpeckers, Gray Jays, Northern Pygmy-Owls, Ruffed Grouse, Sooty Grouse, and Red Crossbills are possible. Birders should be prepared to bird by ear.
Mt. Hebo Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 58 C-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 26 D-4 geographic coordinates 45 12’ 53” N 123 45’ 23” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: The little town of Hebo is located where Hwy 22 meets Hwy 101 about 19 miles south of Tillamook. From McMinnville, take Hwy 18 west to Valley Junction. Then take Hwy 22 (also called the Hebo Road) 25 miles (snowy in winter) to an area just south of the junction of 101 and 22. Just 1000 yards south of this junction on Hwy 22 is the Hebo Mountain Road (NFD 14). It's about 8 miles to the top. The grassy tops are divided between Yamhill and Tillamook Counties, so county listers must watch their maps. There are several grassy meadows as well as a radar or radio tower installation and the usual thick Coast Range forest. It’s never been exceptionally birdy, but it has the feel of a migrant trap since it sits much higher than any surrounding peak. The consensus seems to be that it’s not as good as people think it should be, but shrike, Northern Harrier, Western Bluebirds, Townsend's Solitaires, and American Pipits have all been seen there. More stuff would probably turn up if it was birded during the fall migration. There is a paved road up from the town of Hebo, but it can also be snowed in during winter.
George Fox University Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 18’ 13” N 122˚ 58’ 03” W
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George Fox Campus Map
Location, Habitat and Birds: From I-5: From the south, take the Donald/Aurora exit 278 north of Salem. Follow the signs to Newberg. When you reach 99W, turn left. The highway splits near the center of town. Just past that point, turn right on Meridian Street. After one block, you will see the campus on the right. From the north, take the Tigard/Newberg exit 294 shortly after leaving Portland city limits. Stay on 99W until you reach Newberg. At Meridian Street (just past the highway split near the center of town), turn right. Campus is on the right. Northbound 99W (coming from McMinnville and Dundee) From 99W, turn left on Meridian. Follow Meridian Street across southbound 99W (Hancock Street) for one block; campus is on the right. Acorn Woodpeckers are the main draw to this location but other woodpeckers are possible as well. Barn Owl has been reported from here. Hutton's Vireo and Black-capped Chickadee are probably around. Nuthatches and creepers visit the conifers on campus and Cedar Waxwings feed on ornamental fruit trees. Townsend Warbler, Evening Grosbeak, and Lesser Goldfinch have been recorded here.
Winter's Hill Vinyard Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 B-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 C-10 geographic coordinates 45 15’ 37” N 123 03’ 40” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-8.
LafayetteArea Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 D-1
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Yamhill Locks Park is reached from Locks Loop Road on Hwy 99W on the east side of Lafayette and should be birded if you have time. The sound of water rushing over the abandoned locks can make ear-birding difficult, but this is a good location for riparian species, including Belted Kingfisher. Also near Locks Loop Road on 99W is a dairy farm where Great Egret has been seen. Trappist Abbey of Our Lady of Guadalupe - From 99W turn north onto Bridge St, which becomes Abbey Road. After 2.9 mi., the Abbey is on the east side, well marked with a sign. The buildings of the abbey sit close to a small pond at the base of a wooded hill. There are acres of fields, and a fenced vegetable garden. To walk the many trails on the property, it’s best to stop at the lodge across from the church and ask for permission and a map. Both are generally given. The map, unusual in its layout, is very helpful in navigating the trails. Hooded Merganser, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Common Raven, Western Bluebird, Fox Sparrow and have all been found here.
Dayton Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 D-1 geographic coordinates 45 13’ 12” N 123 04’ 35” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds:Dayton is located five miles east of McMinnville as the crow flies. From southern McMinnville, take Hwy 18 east and turn south on Hwy 221 to reach the center of Dayton. The town itself has plenty of ornamental trees to attract birds and Courthouse Square Park on Main Street provides some good birding. Palmer Creek and the Yamhill River form the eastern and southern boundaries of the town and are worth exploring. From the center of town, take Hwy 221 south and turn onto SE Neck Road. This will give you a drive along the Yamhill River. The sewage ponds in Dayton are located east end of town, just across the Yamhill River. From Courthouse Square (4th & Ferry), drive east on Ferry for three blocks and cross the bridge. Veer left and then take a quick right to view the ponds. Barn Owl has been recorded here as has Acorn and Pileated Woodpecker. Others include Loggerhead Shrike, American Pipit, and Evening Grosbeak. Even a Black-and-White Warbler showed up once. The sewage ponds have produced Wood Duck, Eurasian Wigeon, Western Grebe, Wilson's Snipe, and Lincoln's Sparrow.
McMinnville Rotary Park Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 D-10 geographic coordinates 45 13’ 43” N 123 11’ 48” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-7. Many Yamhill birders consider this location to be their favorite in the county. This park has 33 acres with signed trails, two viewing platforms, two boardwalks and a seasonally fluctuating pond in the center. From the parking lot a small portion of the trail is paved, but rather steep as you go down inside the park. The park is bowl shaped with a great variety of habitat throughout. In the spring the west loop has two species of trilliums and other spring flowers. In recent years ninety-four species of birds have been recorded in the park. In 2002 a Northern Waterthrush was found here. Nesting woodpeckers include Pileated, Northern Flicker, Downy, Hairy, and Red-breasted Sapsucker. Also nesting here are Hutton’s Vireo, Western Wood-Peewee, Bushtit, Black-headed Grosbeak, Virginia Rail (vocal in April/May), Brown Creeper, Rufous Hummingbird and more. In spring, two hours can pass very quickly in this small nature preserve as you enjoy the birds, watch them building their nests, or just listen to their singing.
McMinnville Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 D-10 geographic coordinates 45 12’ 35” N 123 11’ 18” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: McMinnville is within a 25 mile radius of Portland. McMinnville has several city and county parks that can be explored for birds. Wortman City Park is in NE McMinnville. From the center of town (3rd and Johnson Street), take Johnson Street north. Johnson St becomes Lafayette Avenue. Follow Lafayette Avenue north and you will soon reach Wortman City Park on your left. Here in the oak grove is a reliable place to find a colony of Acorn Woodpeckers and also White-breasted Nuthatches. In the winter of 2004-2005 a young Sandhill Crane wintered near the Senior Center on the west side of the park. Joe Dancer Park and Kiwanis Marine Park are found together on the east side of McMinnville. From the center of town (3rd and Johnson Street), take 3rd Street east and it will curve south and become SE Threemile Lane. Go two blocks and look for the sign at Brook Street. Turn left (east) and you will reach a parking lot on the right that serves both Kiwanis Park, primarily a playground, and Joe Dancer. A meander of the South Yamhill River forms the park boundary, and a walking path runs along the riparian woods, starting at that parking lot. The greater part of the park is playing fields, which can conflict with birding in season, but the paths are open all year. City Park is on the west side of town. From the center of town (3rd and Johnson Street), go west on 3rd for 9 blocks and City Park is the next block to the west. Edward Grenfell County Park is on the western edge of McMinnville. From Hwy 99W in McMinnville, turn west onto Baker Creek Road at the Baker Creek Road/Evans Street intersection. Continue westward on Baker Creek Road for 4.6 miles. Ed Grenfell Park is on the left. A wide variety of birds can be seen at these diverse locations.
Masonville and Muddy Valley Roads Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 D-9 geographic coordinates 45 10’ 21” N 123 14’ 39” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Travel SW out of McMinneville on Hwy 18. Two miles out of McMinnville, turn right onto Masonville Road. Follow this road 1.5 miles to its junction with McCabe Chapel Road/South Yamhill Cemetery. A walk through this cemetery and up the hill to the open field can be very birdy. Here you can find Chipping Sparrows near the driveway and you may find Brown Creepers, Pacific Slope flycatchers, Western Wood-Peewees, Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and American Goldfinch. NOTE: If you continue on McCabe Chapel Road and then onto Oldsville Road you will come to the Erratic Rock State Natural Site. A walk up this short paved steep path may produce Lazuli Buntings. There is a good view of the valley from the top of the hill. Check out the interesting glacial erratic rock – have a picnic here or just sit on the rock and enjoy the view. After following Masonville Road for four miles you will reach the junction with Muddy Valley Road. Make a left turn here. In the winter watch for raptors such as Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, and an occasional White-tailed Kite. A herd of over fifty elk in live in this area. As you drive along Muddy Valley Road a quarter mile or so, stop, listen, and watch for Yellow-breasted Chat, Common Yellowthroat, or Lazuli Buntings along the way. In February and March, Muddy Valley Road can have flocks of Western Bluebirds and later in the spring Bullock’s Oriole, Western Kingbird, Western Wood-Peewee, Brown Creeper and other species. Wild Turkeys are found on the hillsides around Maysara Winery. Down the road Northern Shrike have been seen, also wintering Rough-legged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Cooper Hawk, and Northern Harrier. At the end of Muddy Valley Road you will arrive at Bellevue and Highway 18 again.
Valley View Retirement Village Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 D-9 geographic coordinates 45 11’ 29” N 123 16’ 23” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Travel south from central McMinnville on Hwy 99W. Look for SW Old Sheridan Road on your right. Turn right (west) onto Old Sheridan Road. After a few blocks, bear left to stay on Old Sheridan Road. Travel 0.5 mile to Peavine Road and turn right. Travel 2 miles and turn left on Youngberg Hill Road. Go another 0.5 mile and turn right on Rock of Ages Road. This will lead you to the Retirement Village. There is a measured 1 mile paved loop around the large field in front of the village, with a small parking area. The path is accessible for any kind of limited mobility. Uphill from there, some of the residents maintain feeders around the village, so feeder birds are usually in the neighborhood. This location is as a place where a visiting birder might expect to take a walk and find a variety of common species, and less common birds in migration. Birds seen here include Great-horned Owl, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Say's Phoebe, Horned Lark, Violet-green Swallow, Bushtit, and Golden-crowned Sparrow.
Deer Creek County Park Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-8 geographic coordinates 45 09’ 42” N 123 22’ 59” W
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County Park Brochure
Location: Travel SW from McMinnville on Hwy 18 for about 10 miles to Gopher Valley Road on the north side. Look for the Deer Creek Park sign at the intersection of Hwy 18 and Gopher Valley Road. Take Gopher Valley north for 5.5 miles and look for a small green sign that marks the entrance to the park. Turn left on a gravel road and drive 0.25 miles to a bridge. The parking area is on the right. Birds that have been recorded here include Green Heron, White-tailed Kite, Great Horned Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Hutton's Vireo, both Red & White-breasted Nuthatches, Marsh Wren, Cedar Waxwing, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, and Evening Grosbeak.
Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-6.
Grand Island Greenway Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 E-1 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 25” N 123 01’ 40” W
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State Parks Website
Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-9. Turn east from Hwy 221 and follow Grand Island Road onto Grand Island. A walk back across the bridge can be productive in finding birds. Look and listen for Red-eyed Vireo (June), or Warbling Vireo at the west end of the bridge. Continue on to a four-way junction on the island. NOTE: In winter going east along Grand Island Road look for flocks of geese or the large flock of Tundra Swans that can often be found here. Wintering gulls are on this island – check for Mew Gulls or Glaucous Gull. At the first junction take the Upper Island Road to your right. In a little over a mile you will see a gate sign (this road is closed during high water), and then a gate, park here and climb over a dirt mound onto a primitive trail which leads into a dense undisturbed forest. Walk this track and listen and look for Red Eyed Vireos high in the canopy of trees. Driving on, continue until you come to Grand Island State Park (Willamette Greenway) on the right (very easy to miss – look for the park sign set well back from the road). In this park Bullock’s Orioles nest in the cottonwood trees, and Common Nighthawk can be found at times. Wilson’s and Yellow Warblers, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Wood-Pewee, Cedar Waxwing, and Bushtit are found here. Follow a road/trail to your left through some good habitat toward the river.
Maud Williamson State Recreation Site Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 E-1 geographic coordinates 45 05’ 42” N 123 04’ 01” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-10.
Amity Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-10 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 55” N 123 12’ 13” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Located six miles south of McMinnville on Hwy 99W. At the town of Amity, turn right (east) on Rice Lane and follow this road watching for Bullock’s Orioles, Western Tanagers, Lazuli Buntings, Lesser Goldfinches, Chipping Sparrows, and even Yellow Breasted Chat. Traveling up the hill into the forest can produce birds such as warblers, flycatchers, Northern Pygmy-Owl, and more. This road ends in less than a mile, but is well worth the time to check it out. The Amity Sewage Ponds are on the NE corner of town. From Hwy 99W, turn east on 3rd Avenue and go four blocks to the ponds.
Briedwell Road Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 48” N 123 14’ 18” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Open farmland and marshy areas are the main draws on this road. Geese and ducks are joined by pheasants and quail as they partake of waste seed left by the farmers. To reach this area, travel south from McMinnville on Hwy 99 to Amity. Turn west on 5th Street which will become the Bellevue Hwy (Hwy 153). Travel west for 1.7 miles and turn right (north) on Briedwell Road. This road is about three miles long. Birds seen here include Cackling Goose, Ring-necked Duck, American Bittern, Northern Harrier, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Acorn Woodpecker, Horned Lark, Western Bluebird, Common Yellowthroat, and Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Sheldon Farm Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 08’ 00” N 123 14’ 52” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Continuing along the Amity Highway just prior to the railroad tracks is an oak grove with a colony of Acorn Woodpeckers. As you cross the railroad tracks turn left onto Briedwell Road. Go 1.7 miles to reach Sheldon’s Farm, (white house/red barn) just past the barn and below the road, on your left, is a marsh that fills with water in the fall/winter time. Here ducks and geese can be found (Emperor Goose in 2003). In late April – early May a small flock of Yellow-headed Blackbirds return to their nesting site in the marsh. American Bittern, Sora and Virginia Rail are seen or heard in this marsh.
South Yamhill River Bridge Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 31” N 123 15’ 43” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go southwest from McMinnville on Highway 18 for eight miles to Bellevue. Turn east on the Bellevue Hwy for four miles and you will reach the South Yamhill River Bridge (concrete). Here look for Rough-winged Swallows. They can be found sitting on the wires over the bridge or swooping over the river. Down the road the fields have Horned Larks and Northern Harriers. In the winter this area can have large flocks of geese, including Snow Geese.
Broadmead Road Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 25” N 123 14’ 33” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: NOTE: At the next junction Broadmead Road goes to the right and takes you towards the Brigittine Monastery which is located along Walker Lane. The low lands around the area have a variety of wintering raptors such as Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Harriers, American Kestrel, and Red-tailed Hawk. A Bald Eagle pair has nested along the river for years. Note: the pond beyond the monastery is not accessible to the public.
Deer Creek Flats Road Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-8 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 55” N 123 18’ 54” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: This short road between Amity and Sheridan has a disproportionately large species list associated with it. To reach Deer Creek Flats Road from McMinnville, travel SW on the Hwy 18 for 7.5 miles to the Bellevue area. Turn left on the Bellevue Hwy (153) and travel a short distance to Deer Creek Flats Road. Watch for waterfowl and shorebirds in the flooded farm fields here in winter. The trees and riparian areas have produces species such as Cooper's Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Acorn Woodpecker, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, MacGillivray's Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Bullock's Oriole. Watch for Savannah Sparrow in the grassy areas.
Sheridan Wetlands Park Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-8 geographic coordinates 45 05’ 17” N 123 23’ 44” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-5. Sheridan Wetlands is a very productive area, one of the best places in the county for waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds. The fishing pond is home to Green Heron. Walk past the smaller fishing pond for a closer look at the large sewage ponds. You will need a scope to check out the birds. Many kinds of ducks and geese winter here, including Ruddy Duck. Over the years many species of birds on the Yamhill County list have been seen at these ponds.
Willamina Fishing Pond (AKA Pacific Plywood Log Pond or Willamina Huddleston Park and Fishing Pond) Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 F-7 geographic coordinates 45 04’ 46” N 123 28’ 44” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-4. Take Bus. 18 bypass from Sheridan to Willamina. Turn left at E Street, cross the railroad tracks, then turn left again on Yamhill Street which will lead you into the park. This former log pond has been turned into a fishing pond and the area is now called Huddleston Park. There are Green Heron and Belted Kingfisher here and ducks in wintertime. In the past a Black-crowned Night-Heron was located here, both Common and Barrow's Goldeneye wintered together here one winter. Black Phoebe has been seen at the edges of the pond or at the S. Yamhill River/Willamina Creek area below the park. There is a walking trail around the pond, and a boat ramp, restroom, and picnic shelter. Birds that have been seen here in the past include Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Eurasian Wigeon, Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Pacific Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Great Egret, Osprey, White-tailed Kite, Merlin, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher, Bonaparte's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Band-tailed Pigeon, Black Swift, Vaux's Swift, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Willow Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Purple Martin, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Lesser Goldfinch, and Evening Grosbeak.
Willamina Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 F-7 geographic coordinates 45 04’ 47” N 123 28’ 54” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Don't miss the Willamina Sewage Ponds. From Main Street in Willamina, travel south on Hwy 18 for about five blocks and turn left (east) on Adams Street. Take Adams to the facility. It should be noted that there are two ponds at this facility. County listers note that the south pond is in Polk County. For birders willing to climb the berm and look through the fence or walk around to the back and look through the fence, there are often Wood Ducks and other waterfowl to be seen. Since it is along the river, a walk around the fence can also be good for passerines.
Grand Ronde Agency and Agency Creek Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 58 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-6 geographic coordinates 45 05’ 53” N 123 37’ 03” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: The Grand Ronde Agency area is located west of Willamina on Hwy 22. From McMinnville, take Hwy 18 SW to Valley Junction. Then take Hwy 22 (also called the Hebo Road) north and then west for a total of three miles to the Agency area. To access the creek, turn right (north) at the intersection of 22 and Grand Ronde Road at Grand Ronde Agency. Travel 1.5 miles to Agency Creek Road. Take this road into the forest. It’s a paved road for about 6 miles along the creek; adventurous birders could drive lots of gravel roads that run up into the higher hills. The creek comes down from the northwest into the Grand Ronde Agency area. The paved road does not gain much elevation in the six miles, but rainforest birds can be found along the creek. Usual birds are wrens, thrushes, warblers, and the most reliable place in the county for American Dipper.
Fink Family Farm Return to the top
No map information or GPS coordinates are given to protect the privacy of this private property. To get permission to bird, contact Linda at the email address below.
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Location, Habitat and Birds: To get directions and permission to bird this private residence in SW Yamhill County, email Linda Fink. Many of the following species have only been seen once or a few times on the farm but this list will give you an idea of the bird diversity at Fink Farm: fifteen species of waterfowl, Ruffed Grouse, American Bittern, White-tailed Kite, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Solitary Sandpiper, 3 phalarope species, Western-Screech and Northern Saw-whet Owls, Red-naped Sapsucker, Say's Phoebe, Willow Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Gray Jay, both kinglets, Wrentit, 10 species of warbler, Sage Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, and Red Crossbill. The species total so far stands at 138 for this location.
Willamette River Recreation Guide
Bald Peak Scenic Viewpoint Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 A-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 B-1 geographic coordinates 45 23’ 44” N 123 03’ 21” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds; Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Tualatin Loop Guide. Section T-4.
Chehalem Mountains Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 A-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 B-1 geographic coordinates 45 23’ 40” N 123 03’ 18” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: The Chehalem Mountains are located just NW of Newberg. From Newberg, travel north on 219 for about a mile and turn left (west) on Bald Peak Road. This road winds up into the hills and to an elevation of almost 1700 feet. Just beyond the top, the road goes into Washington County. Some side roads to think about here are Ornduff, Finnigan Hill, and Guenther roads. Bald Peak State Park is near the top. Birds to look for include Band-tailed Pigeon, Western Screech-Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Vaux's Swift, Pileated Woodpecker, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Winter Wren, and Varied Thrush. Warblers include Wilson's, Black-throated Gray, Yellow-rumped, and Townsend's. Even a Northern Mockingbird has shown up here.
Chehalem Valley Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 A-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 B-1 geographic coordinates 45 19’ 54” N 122˚ 58’ 09” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From the center of Newberg, take Hwy 219 (Hillsboro Hwy) north to North Valley Road Turn left (west) and follow North Valley Road, which changes its name to Springhill Road where Laughlin and Albertson Roads meet, and continues into Washington County, 11 miles in all. Chehalem Creek runs through this area and provides many seasonal wetlands. North Valley Road unfortunately has fast traffic so take care to pull off the road to view these areas. Waterfowl here can include Hooded Merganser, Ring-necked Duck, and Bufflehead. Watch and listen for Ruffed Grouse in the riparian thickets and don't be surprised to find both Prairie Falcon and Sora within a mile of each other. Anna's Hummingbird, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, and Chestnut-backed Chickadee have been recorded here. Seven species of warbler and Western Tanager can be found in the woodlots of this area. Pine Siskins and Lesser Goldfinch are here, too.
Yamhill Sewage Ponds Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 B-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 C-10 geographic coordinates 45 20’ 06” N 123 11’ 22” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From the center of Newberg, take Hwy 240 (Main Street) north and then west for about 12 miles to Yamhill. Highway 240 becomes Main Street in Yamhill, and ends at Hwy 47 (Maple Street). Turn left (south) here. The sewage ponds are 3 blocks south, the last parking lot before the 45 speed limit sign at the edge of town. Turn right into the visitor's parking lot at City of Yamhill Public Works. A standard brown hiker sign (on a fence) points to a trail along the creek. There is no motorized access. Say’s Phoebe and Barred Owl have been seen here. You can leave the trail at any point to cross the grass to the wastewater ponds, where Wood Ducks and other duck species can be found. Carlton –Carlton Lake State Game Refuge, while still featured on many maps, no longer exists, and the water once impounded at Carlton Lake has long since been released.
McGuire Reservoir Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 B-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 C-8 geographic coordinates 45 18’ 12” N 123 24’ 00” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Though often disappointing as a place for most waterfowl, it may be the best location for loons in the county. The real value of the area is as an easily accessible loop to find a general variety of Coast Range species. Drive 14.3 miles on Meadowlake Road west from Hwy 47 at Carlton, and turn left at a gravel lot past the reservoir to start BLM road 3-6-15.3, which leads away from the reservoir at first but eventually circles it. This rough gravel road should be taken with some caution. Higher elevation species like Gray Jay, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Varied Thrush, and Olive-sided Flycatcher can be found there.
Sheridan Peak Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 B-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 C-7 geographic coordinates 45 16’ 54” N 123 26’ 57” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: This is a fairly high elevation lookout with paved road access (although it may be snowed in during winter months). It’s not too far on up the road from McGuire Reservoir (see above). The clear-cut at the top is really growing in now, but it’s probably the most accessible high elevation in the county. Warblers, flycatchers, woodpeckers, Gray Jays, Northern Pygmy-Owls, Ruffed Grouse, Sooty Grouse, and Red Crossbills are possible. Birders should be prepared to bird by ear.
Mt. Hebo Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 58 C-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 26 D-4 geographic coordinates 45 12’ 53” N 123 45’ 23” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: The little town of Hebo is located where Hwy 22 meets Hwy 101 about 19 miles south of Tillamook. From McMinnville, take Hwy 18 west to Valley Junction. Then take Hwy 22 (also called the Hebo Road) 25 miles (snowy in winter) to an area just south of the junction of 101 and 22. Just 1000 yards south of this junction on Hwy 22 is the Hebo Mountain Road (NFD 14). It's about 8 miles to the top. The grassy tops are divided between Yamhill and Tillamook Counties, so county listers must watch their maps. There are several grassy meadows as well as a radar or radio tower installation and the usual thick Coast Range forest. It’s never been exceptionally birdy, but it has the feel of a migrant trap since it sits much higher than any surrounding peak. The consensus seems to be that it’s not as good as people think it should be, but shrike, Northern Harrier, Western Bluebirds, Townsend's Solitaires, and American Pipits have all been seen there. More stuff would probably turn up if it was birded during the fall migration. There is a paved road up from the town of Hebo, but it can also be snowed in during winter.
George Fox University Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 C-2 geographic coordinates 45 18’ 13” N 122˚ 58’ 03” W
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George Fox Campus Map
Location, Habitat and Birds: From I-5: From the south, take the Donald/Aurora exit 278 north of Salem. Follow the signs to Newberg. When you reach 99W, turn left. The highway splits near the center of town. Just past that point, turn right on Meridian Street. After one block, you will see the campus on the right. From the north, take the Tigard/Newberg exit 294 shortly after leaving Portland city limits. Stay on 99W until you reach Newberg. At Meridian Street (just past the highway split near the center of town), turn right. Campus is on the right. Northbound 99W (coming from McMinnville and Dundee) From 99W, turn left on Meridian. Follow Meridian Street across southbound 99W (Hancock Street) for one block; campus is on the right. Acorn Woodpeckers are the main draw to this location but other woodpeckers are possible as well. Barn Owl has been reported from here. Hutton's Vireo and Black-capped Chickadee are probably around. Nuthatches and creepers visit the conifers on campus and Cedar Waxwings feed on ornamental fruit trees. Townsend Warbler, Evening Grosbeak, and Lesser Goldfinch have been recorded here.
Winter's Hill Vinyard Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 B-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 C-10 geographic coordinates 45 15’ 37” N 123 03’ 40” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-8.
LafayetteArea Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 D-1
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Yamhill Locks Park is reached from Locks Loop Road on Hwy 99W on the east side of Lafayette and should be birded if you have time. The sound of water rushing over the abandoned locks can make ear-birding difficult, but this is a good location for riparian species, including Belted Kingfisher. Also near Locks Loop Road on 99W is a dairy farm where Great Egret has been seen. Trappist Abbey of Our Lady of Guadalupe - From 99W turn north onto Bridge St, which becomes Abbey Road. After 2.9 mi., the Abbey is on the east side, well marked with a sign. The buildings of the abbey sit close to a small pond at the base of a wooded hill. There are acres of fields, and a fenced vegetable garden. To walk the many trails on the property, it’s best to stop at the lodge across from the church and ask for permission and a map. Both are generally given. The map, unusual in its layout, is very helpful in navigating the trails. Hooded Merganser, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Common Raven, Western Bluebird, Fox Sparrow and have all been found here.
Dayton Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 D-1 geographic coordinates 45 13’ 12” N 123 04’ 35” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds:Dayton is located five miles east of McMinnville as the crow flies. From southern McMinnville, take Hwy 18 east and turn south on Hwy 221 to reach the center of Dayton. The town itself has plenty of ornamental trees to attract birds and Courthouse Square Park on Main Street provides some good birding. Palmer Creek and the Yamhill River form the eastern and southern boundaries of the town and are worth exploring. From the center of town, take Hwy 221 south and turn onto SE Neck Road. This will give you a drive along the Yamhill River. The sewage ponds in Dayton are located east end of town, just across the Yamhill River. From Courthouse Square (4th & Ferry), drive east on Ferry for three blocks and cross the bridge. Veer left and then take a quick right to view the ponds. Barn Owl has been recorded here as has Acorn and Pileated Woodpecker. Others include Loggerhead Shrike, American Pipit, and Evening Grosbeak. Even a Black-and-White Warbler showed up once. The sewage ponds have produced Wood Duck, Eurasian Wigeon, Western Grebe, Wilson's Snipe, and Lincoln's Sparrow.
McMinnville Rotary Park Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 D-10 geographic coordinates 45 13’ 43” N 123 11’ 48” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-7. Many Yamhill birders consider this location to be their favorite in the county. This park has 33 acres with signed trails, two viewing platforms, two boardwalks and a seasonally fluctuating pond in the center. From the parking lot a small portion of the trail is paved, but rather steep as you go down inside the park. The park is bowl shaped with a great variety of habitat throughout. In the spring the west loop has two species of trilliums and other spring flowers. In recent years ninety-four species of birds have been recorded in the park. In 2002 a Northern Waterthrush was found here. Nesting woodpeckers include Pileated, Northern Flicker, Downy, Hairy, and Red-breasted Sapsucker. Also nesting here are Hutton’s Vireo, Western Wood-Peewee, Bushtit, Black-headed Grosbeak, Virginia Rail (vocal in April/May), Brown Creeper, Rufous Hummingbird and more. In spring, two hours can pass very quickly in this small nature preserve as you enjoy the birds, watch them building their nests, or just listen to their singing.
McMinnville Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 D-10 geographic coordinates 45 12’ 35” N 123 11’ 18” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: McMinnville is within a 25 mile radius of Portland. McMinnville has several city and county parks that can be explored for birds. Wortman City Park is in NE McMinnville. From the center of town (3rd and Johnson Street), take Johnson Street north. Johnson St becomes Lafayette Avenue. Follow Lafayette Avenue north and you will soon reach Wortman City Park on your left. Here in the oak grove is a reliable place to find a colony of Acorn Woodpeckers and also White-breasted Nuthatches. In the winter of 2004-2005 a young Sandhill Crane wintered near the Senior Center on the west side of the park. Joe Dancer Park and Kiwanis Marine Park are found together on the east side of McMinnville. From the center of town (3rd and Johnson Street), take 3rd Street east and it will curve south and become SE Threemile Lane. Go two blocks and look for the sign at Brook Street. Turn left (east) and you will reach a parking lot on the right that serves both Kiwanis Park, primarily a playground, and Joe Dancer. A meander of the South Yamhill River forms the park boundary, and a walking path runs along the riparian woods, starting at that parking lot. The greater part of the park is playing fields, which can conflict with birding in season, but the paths are open all year. City Park is on the west side of town. From the center of town (3rd and Johnson Street), go west on 3rd for 9 blocks and City Park is the next block to the west. Edward Grenfell County Park is on the western edge of McMinnville. From Hwy 99W in McMinnville, turn west onto Baker Creek Road at the Baker Creek Road/Evans Street intersection. Continue westward on Baker Creek Road for 4.6 miles. Ed Grenfell Park is on the left. A wide variety of birds can be seen at these diverse locations.
Masonville and Muddy Valley Roads Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 D-9 geographic coordinates 45 10’ 21” N 123 14’ 39” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Travel SW out of McMinneville on Hwy 18. Two miles out of McMinnville, turn right onto Masonville Road. Follow this road 1.5 miles to its junction with McCabe Chapel Road/South Yamhill Cemetery. A walk through this cemetery and up the hill to the open field can be very birdy. Here you can find Chipping Sparrows near the driveway and you may find Brown Creepers, Pacific Slope flycatchers, Western Wood-Peewees, Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and American Goldfinch. NOTE: If you continue on McCabe Chapel Road and then onto Oldsville Road you will come to the Erratic Rock State Natural Site. A walk up this short paved steep path may produce Lazuli Buntings. There is a good view of the valley from the top of the hill. Check out the interesting glacial erratic rock – have a picnic here or just sit on the rock and enjoy the view. After following Masonville Road for four miles you will reach the junction with Muddy Valley Road. Make a left turn here. In the winter watch for raptors such as Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, and an occasional White-tailed Kite. A herd of over fifty elk in live in this area. As you drive along Muddy Valley Road a quarter mile or so, stop, listen, and watch for Yellow-breasted Chat, Common Yellowthroat, or Lazuli Buntings along the way. In February and March, Muddy Valley Road can have flocks of Western Bluebirds and later in the spring Bullock’s Oriole, Western Kingbird, Western Wood-Peewee, Brown Creeper and other species. Wild Turkeys are found on the hillsides around Maysara Winery. Down the road Northern Shrike have been seen, also wintering Rough-legged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Cooper Hawk, and Northern Harrier. At the end of Muddy Valley Road you will arrive at Bellevue and Highway 18 again.
Valley View Retirement Village Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 D-9 geographic coordinates 45 11’ 29” N 123 16’ 23” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Travel south from central McMinnville on Hwy 99W. Look for SW Old Sheridan Road on your right. Turn right (west) onto Old Sheridan Road. After a few blocks, bear left to stay on Old Sheridan Road. Travel 0.5 mile to Peavine Road and turn right. Travel 2 miles and turn left on Youngberg Hill Road. Go another 0.5 mile and turn right on Rock of Ages Road. This will lead you to the Retirement Village. There is a measured 1 mile paved loop around the large field in front of the village, with a small parking area. The path is accessible for any kind of limited mobility. Uphill from there, some of the residents maintain feeders around the village, so feeder birds are usually in the neighborhood. This location is as a place where a visiting birder might expect to take a walk and find a variety of common species, and less common birds in migration. Birds seen here include Great-horned Owl, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Say's Phoebe, Horned Lark, Violet-green Swallow, Bushtit, and Golden-crowned Sparrow.
Deer Creek County Park Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-8 geographic coordinates 45 09’ 42” N 123 22’ 59” W
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County Park Brochure
Location: Travel SW from McMinnville on Hwy 18 for about 10 miles to Gopher Valley Road on the north side. Look for the Deer Creek Park sign at the intersection of Hwy 18 and Gopher Valley Road. Take Gopher Valley north for 5.5 miles and look for a small green sign that marks the entrance to the park. Turn left on a gravel road and drive 0.25 miles to a bridge. The parking area is on the right. Birds that have been recorded here include Green Heron, White-tailed Kite, Great Horned Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Hutton's Vireo, both Red & White-breasted Nuthatches, Marsh Wren, Cedar Waxwing, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, and Evening Grosbeak.
Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-6.
Grand Island Greenway Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 E-1 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 25” N 123 01’ 40” W
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State Parks Website
Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-9. Turn east from Hwy 221 and follow Grand Island Road onto Grand Island. A walk back across the bridge can be productive in finding birds. Look and listen for Red-eyed Vireo (June), or Warbling Vireo at the west end of the bridge. Continue on to a four-way junction on the island. NOTE: In winter going east along Grand Island Road look for flocks of geese or the large flock of Tundra Swans that can often be found here. Wintering gulls are on this island – check for Mew Gulls or Glaucous Gull. At the first junction take the Upper Island Road to your right. In a little over a mile you will see a gate sign (this road is closed during high water), and then a gate, park here and climb over a dirt mound onto a primitive trail which leads into a dense undisturbed forest. Walk this track and listen and look for Red Eyed Vireos high in the canopy of trees. Driving on, continue until you come to Grand Island State Park (Willamette Greenway) on the right (very easy to miss – look for the park sign set well back from the road). In this park Bullock’s Orioles nest in the cottonwood trees, and Common Nighthawk can be found at times. Wilson’s and Yellow Warblers, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Wood-Pewee, Cedar Waxwing, and Bushtit are found here. Follow a road/trail to your left through some good habitat toward the river.
Maud Williamson State Recreation Site Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 E-1 geographic coordinates 45 05’ 42” N 123 04’ 01” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-10.
Amity Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-10 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 55” N 123 12’ 13” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Located six miles south of McMinnville on Hwy 99W. At the town of Amity, turn right (east) on Rice Lane and follow this road watching for Bullock’s Orioles, Western Tanagers, Lazuli Buntings, Lesser Goldfinches, Chipping Sparrows, and even Yellow Breasted Chat. Traveling up the hill into the forest can produce birds such as warblers, flycatchers, Northern Pygmy-Owl, and more. This road ends in less than a mile, but is well worth the time to check it out. The Amity Sewage Ponds are on the NE corner of town. From Hwy 99W, turn east on 3rd Avenue and go four blocks to the ponds.
Briedwell Road Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 48” N 123 14’ 18” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Open farmland and marshy areas are the main draws on this road. Geese and ducks are joined by pheasants and quail as they partake of waste seed left by the farmers. To reach this area, travel south from McMinnville on Hwy 99 to Amity. Turn west on 5th Street which will become the Bellevue Hwy (Hwy 153). Travel west for 1.7 miles and turn right (north) on Briedwell Road. This road is about three miles long. Birds seen here include Cackling Goose, Ring-necked Duck, American Bittern, Northern Harrier, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Acorn Woodpecker, Horned Lark, Western Bluebird, Common Yellowthroat, and Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Sheldon Farm Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 08’ 00” N 123 14’ 52” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Continuing along the Amity Highway just prior to the railroad tracks is an oak grove with a colony of Acorn Woodpeckers. As you cross the railroad tracks turn left onto Briedwell Road. Go 1.7 miles to reach Sheldon’s Farm, (white house/red barn) just past the barn and below the road, on your left, is a marsh that fills with water in the fall/winter time. Here ducks and geese can be found (Emperor Goose in 2003). In late April – early May a small flock of Yellow-headed Blackbirds return to their nesting site in the marsh. American Bittern, Sora and Virginia Rail are seen or heard in this marsh.
South Yamhill River Bridge Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 31” N 123 15’ 43” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go southwest from McMinnville on Highway 18 for eight miles to Bellevue. Turn east on the Bellevue Hwy for four miles and you will reach the South Yamhill River Bridge (concrete). Here look for Rough-winged Swallows. They can be found sitting on the wires over the bridge or swooping over the river. Down the road the fields have Horned Larks and Northern Harriers. In the winter this area can have large flocks of geese, including Snow Geese.
Broadmead Road Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 25” N 123 14’ 33” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: NOTE: At the next junction Broadmead Road goes to the right and takes you towards the Brigittine Monastery which is located along Walker Lane. The low lands around the area have a variety of wintering raptors such as Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Harriers, American Kestrel, and Red-tailed Hawk. A Bald Eagle pair has nested along the river for years. Note: the pond beyond the monastery is not accessible to the public.
Deer Creek Flats Road Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-8 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 55” N 123 18’ 54” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: This short road between Amity and Sheridan has a disproportionately large species list associated with it. To reach Deer Creek Flats Road from McMinnville, travel SW on the Hwy 18 for 7.5 miles to the Bellevue area. Turn left on the Bellevue Hwy (153) and travel a short distance to Deer Creek Flats Road. Watch for waterfowl and shorebirds in the flooded farm fields here in winter. The trees and riparian areas have produces species such as Cooper's Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Acorn Woodpecker, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, MacGillivray's Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Bullock's Oriole. Watch for Savannah Sparrow in the grassy areas.
Sheridan Wetlands Park Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-8 geographic coordinates 45 05’ 17” N 123 23’ 44” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-5. Sheridan Wetlands is a very productive area, one of the best places in the county for waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds. The fishing pond is home to Green Heron. Walk past the smaller fishing pond for a closer look at the large sewage ponds. You will need a scope to check out the birds. Many kinds of ducks and geese winter here, including Ruddy Duck. Over the years many species of birds on the Yamhill County list have been seen at these ponds.
Willamina Fishing Pond (AKA Pacific Plywood Log Pond or Willamina Huddleston Park and Fishing Pond) Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 F-7 geographic coordinates 45 04’ 46” N 123 28’ 44” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Yamhill Loop Guide. Section Y-4. Take Bus. 18 bypass from Sheridan to Willamina. Turn left at E Street, cross the railroad tracks, then turn left again on Yamhill Street which will lead you into the park. This former log pond has been turned into a fishing pond and the area is now called Huddleston Park. There are Green Heron and Belted Kingfisher here and ducks in wintertime. In the past a Black-crowned Night-Heron was located here, both Common and Barrow's Goldeneye wintered together here one winter. Black Phoebe has been seen at the edges of the pond or at the S. Yamhill River/Willamina Creek area below the park. There is a walking trail around the pond, and a boat ramp, restroom, and picnic shelter. Birds that have been seen here in the past include Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Eurasian Wigeon, Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Pacific Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Great Egret, Osprey, White-tailed Kite, Merlin, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher, Bonaparte's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Band-tailed Pigeon, Black Swift, Vaux's Swift, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Willow Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Purple Martin, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Lesser Goldfinch, and Evening Grosbeak.
Willamina Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 59 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 F-7 geographic coordinates 45 04’ 47” N 123 28’ 54” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Don't miss the Willamina Sewage Ponds. From Main Street in Willamina, travel south on Hwy 18 for about five blocks and turn left (east) on Adams Street. Take Adams to the facility. It should be noted that there are two ponds at this facility. County listers note that the south pond is in Polk County. For birders willing to climb the berm and look through the fence or walk around to the back and look through the fence, there are often Wood Ducks and other waterfowl to be seen. Since it is along the river, a walk around the fence can also be good for passerines.
Grand Ronde Agency and Agency Creek Return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 58 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 27 E-6 geographic coordinates 45 05’ 53” N 123 37’ 03” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: The Grand Ronde Agency area is located west of Willamina on Hwy 22. From McMinnville, take Hwy 18 SW to Valley Junction. Then take Hwy 22 (also called the Hebo Road) north and then west for a total of three miles to the Agency area. To access the creek, turn right (north) at the intersection of 22 and Grand Ronde Road at Grand Ronde Agency. Travel 1.5 miles to Agency Creek Road. Take this road into the forest. It’s a paved road for about 6 miles along the creek; adventurous birders could drive lots of gravel roads that run up into the higher hills. The creek comes down from the northwest into the Grand Ronde Agency area. The paved road does not gain much elevation in the six miles, but rainforest birds can be found along the creek. Usual birds are wrens, thrushes, warblers, and the most reliable place in the county for American Dipper.
Fink Family Farm Return to the top
No map information or GPS coordinates are given to protect the privacy of this private property. To get permission to bird, contact Linda at the email address below.
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Location, Habitat and Birds: To get directions and permission to bird this private residence in SW Yamhill County, email Linda Fink. Many of the following species have only been seen once or a few times on the farm but this list will give you an idea of the bird diversity at Fink Farm: fifteen species of waterfowl, Ruffed Grouse, American Bittern, White-tailed Kite, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Solitary Sandpiper, 3 phalarope species, Western-Screech and Northern Saw-whet Owls, Red-naped Sapsucker, Say's Phoebe, Willow Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Gray Jay, both kinglets, Wrentit, 10 species of warbler, Sage Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, and Red Crossbill. The species total so far stands at 138 for this location.