Posted by Angela McCain on September 2, 2010 at 12:09 AM
I'm going to be in Oregon (centered in Portland) Oct 8-13. Where can I do birds at that time of year. I think it's generally a little late for optimum birding. Will puffins still be around? Willing to drive 2-3 hours to get there if needed-but more time in the car is less time behind the lens.
Posted by Nate Chappell on September 2, 2010 at 12:17 AM
Hi Angela,
The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge just a few miles across the state border in Washington is the place that I'd recommend for waterfowl, raptors, otters and more. I've gotten a lot of good images there. They have an auto tour route where you can photograph the birds often at fairly close range from your car window. I'll send you an email with directions when I get a chance. You would have to drive down to the coast for puffins and I doubt if they would still be around in October but I'm just guessing on the timing for that.
Another excellent spot just outside of Portland is Sauvie's Island with similar birds but because of the autotour route I would rate Ridgefield higher.
Best,
Nate
Ack!!
SO sorry I've recently moved from the Portland area! Would have loved to meet you and be a tour guide!
In addition to Ridgefield, http://www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/complex/
which should be good in October's migration IF there has been a lot of rain (likely) , consider
the Willam Finley NWR east of Salem. http://www.fws.gov/willamettevalley/finley/
If you're interested in many wonderful, accessible waterfalls, go to Silver Falls State Park east of Salem, about an south of Portland: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_96.php
You have enough time before you go to write or call these places to get their brochures.
Discussion
2 repliesThe Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge just a few miles across the state border in Washington is the place that I'd recommend for waterfowl, raptors, otters and more. I've gotten a lot of good images there. They have an auto tour route where you can photograph the birds often at fairly close range from your car window. I'll send you an email with directions when I get a chance. You would have to drive down to the coast for puffins and I doubt if they would still be around in October but I'm just guessing on the timing for that.
Another excellent spot just outside of Portland is Sauvie's Island with similar birds but because of the autotour route I would rate Ridgefield higher.
Best,
Nate
SO sorry I've recently moved from the Portland area! Would have loved to meet you and be a tour guide!
In addition to Ridgefield, http://www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/complex/
which should be good in October's migration IF there has been a lot of rain (likely) , consider
the Willam Finley NWR east of Salem. http://www.fws.gov/willamettevalley/finley/
If you're interested in many wonderful, accessible waterfalls, go to Silver Falls State Park east of Salem, about an south of Portland: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_96.php
You have enough time before you go to write or call these places to get their brochures.
Have fun!
Sandy r