Just a short trip from downtown Portland is the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, a welcome natural refuge for wildlife and humans alike. An essential stop for migratory birds, you can spot dozens of species, including many types water fowl, raptors, and song birds, as well as numerous species of amphibians, mammals, and reptiles.
The Wildlife Center will help experienced birders and newbies to learn more about the species you find, and beautiful trails will guide you through the wetlands.
Thanks to my fabulous pro photographer father-in-law Brent Schauer for sharing these beautiful wildlife images. They were taken in June on a trip to the Refuge in honor of his 75th birthday. In order, they are:
- American goldfinch
- Great blue heron
- Lazalu bunting--are rare find!
- Western tanager
- Cool ducks--pretty sure they're Northern pintails
- Long-toed salamander
The Refuge gates are open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.
The Wildlife Center is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm (closed on Mondays).
Call ahead for holiday hours: (503) 625-5945.
Check the Refuge website for details and to help plan your trip: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Tualatin_River/
Hope to see you there!
Merlin
8 years agoThis sounds like an incredible experience. It's hard to believe that something like this exists so close to the city! Can't wait to give it a try.