Deschutes County offers a wide variety of biding opportunities from the high Cascades and high elevation dry forests on the eastern slope; the valley bottoms with agricultural lands, marshes and lakes; to the Juniper and sagebrush country of the high desert. There are many active birders in this area.

This was contributed by Chuck Gates and steve Dougill with many others helping.

Northern Region 

1) Smith Rock State Park - DeLorme Pg 51 A-7 

Location: 6 miles north of Redmond on Hwy 97 is the town of Terrebonne. From Terrebonne, turn east on B Avenue. Follow the signs for Smith Rock State Park. B Avenue becomes NW Smith Rock Way. Turn left on 17th St. and it will take you to Smith Rock State Park. There is a day use fee for parking. 

Habitat and Birds: At this location the Crooked River cuts through an impressive gorge providing habitat for Nesting Golden Eagles, Prairie Falcons, Rock and Canyon Wrens and White Throated Swifts.  The riparian habitat is good for migrants and sparrows in the winter.  In recent years small flocks of Gray Crowned Rosy Finches have been seen close to the canyon walls in winter and the river is a good location to find Barrow’s Goldeneye and Dipper. 

2) Lower Bridge - DeLorme Pg51 B-6 

Location: From Redmond, go north on Hwy 97 to the town of Terrebonne. On the north edge of town (at the bottom of a hill) you will see signs for Crooked River Ranch. Turn west on Lower Bridge Road. Stay on this road until it crosses the Deschutes River. Park in the parking area before the bridge.  There is a trail on both sides of the river. 

Habitat and Birds: The Deschutes River flows through an assessable riparian area surrounded by Juniper woodland.  This is a great migrant spot and often has breeding Yellow Breasted Chats.  Be sure to check out the area of poplars by the car park 

3) Tetherow Crossing - DeLorme Pg 51 B-7 

Location: Tetherow Crossing is located a few miles west of Redmond. From Hwy 97, turn west onto Hwy 126. (follow the signs to Sisters). Go completely out of Redmond and you will dip down into a canyon that holds the Deschutes River. Take the first right after you cross the river (the signs say to Eagle Crest). Make the loop on the off ramp and turn north on 27^th Street. This road will soon turn to dirt and will eventually end up at Tetherow after a few miles. Tetherow Crossing is a bridge over the Deschutes River. 

Habitat and Birds: The Deschutes River flows through an assessable riparian area surrounded by Juniper woodland.  Although Canyon Wrens, Northern Orioles and Black headed Grosbeaks breed, this location is primarily a migrant spot, similar to Lower Bridge 

4) Redmond Sewage lagoons - DeLorme Pg 51 B-7 

Location: At the north end of Redmond, opposite the turn off for the O’Neil Hwy, turn to the west on Coiner Ave until you reach a four-way intersection.  Turn north on Northwest Way and you will see the main gates of the Sewage Treatment plant on the west after about a mile.  The City of Redmond has an agreement with ECBC to allow its members to visit this location after they receive instruction and sign a disclaimer from Chuck Gates (e-mail).  There is a combo lock on the gate. 

Habitat and Birds:  A large lagoon surrounded by agriculture land and Juniper.  This is a key spot for shorebirds and ducks.  During spring and fall migration large numbers of sandpipers and other shorebirds pass through.  This is a regular spot for Solitary and Semi-palmated Sandpiper.  Bald Eagles and Ospreys fish for carp in the lagoons 

5) Cline Falls State Park - DeLorme Pg 51 B-6 

Location: Travel west on Hwy 126 from Redmond (about 2 miles past the last light). Just before you enter the canyon created by the Deschutes River, look for the sign to Cline Falls SP. Turn left into the park.  The west side of the river can be accessed from Eagle Crest Resort off the Cline Falls Hwy. 

Habitat and Birds: The Deschutes River flows through an assessable riparian area surrounded by Juniper woodland.  This is another area good for migrants. 

6) Barr Rd (near Redmond) - DeLorme Pg 51 B-6 

Location: Head south on the Cline Falls Hwy.  About 5 miles south of Hwy 126 turn to the west on Barr rd.  This bends to the right and soon turns into a rough dirt road at the beginning of the BLM land. 

Habitat and Birds: Juniper forest and open sagebrush scrub.  At the beginning of the BLM land, on the right is a small area that is good for Sage Sparrow and Lark Sparrow.  Continuing on the dirt road there are other open areas good for sage Sparrow and lark Sparrow.  Pinyon Jays, Ash Throated Flycatchers, and Gray Flycatchers are also seen throughout. 

Sisters Region  

7) Camp Polk Meadow - DeLorme Pg B-4 

Location: This location is restricted to people who have taken the orientation course for Camp Polk Meadow. This course describes the boundaries of the property and how to record the bird life at CPM. Casual visitation is not allowed past the parking area.  To gain permission [e-mail] Eva Eagle. Take Camp Polk Rd. north out of Sisters (Camp Polk is called N. Locust St. on the east side of Sisters). Travel several miles and look for the Jct of Wilt Rd. and Camp Polk Rd. (If you continue straight north, the road you’re on will become Wilt Rd., you must turn right to stay on Camp Polk Rd.). Travel a short distance and look for the signs on your left.  Park in the small car park area where there is an information sign. 

Habitat and Birds: This preserve managed by the Deschutes Basin Land Trust [see more info] has an improving meadow habitat with pools and surrounding riparian habitats.  Most of the species seen at Calliope Crossing can be found here in the spring and summer.  Both Virginia Rail and Sora can be seen here.  The springs run all winter which attracts many birds in the winter.  Since a bird list was started by an ECBC project in 2003 there has been an impressive variety of birds seen including local rarities.  

8) Calliope Crossing - DeLorme Pg 50 B-4 

Location: From Sisters, travel south on N. Locust St on the east end of Sisters. This road will become Camp Polk Road as it leaves Sisters. Travel several miles and look for Indian Ford Rd. on your left. Take Indian Ford to Pine St. (this is difficult to see, it’s just beyond milepost 2 from the junction of Camp Polk Rd. and Indian Ford Rd.). Take a left at Pine St. and park before the creek. 

Habitat and Birds: This is one of the most well-known and beloved birding locations in the County.  Dense riparian habitat surrounded by Ponderosa Pine forests supports all three Sapsuckers, “Western” and Gray Flycatchers, Cassin’s Vireo and Calliope Hummingbird.  Unusual birds are found here and there has been American Redstarts seen in early summer for the last few years. 

9) Glaze Meadow -  DeLorme Pg 50 A-3 

Location: Eastern Access:Turn off Hwy 20 just opposite Indian Ford Camp Ground on a Forest ServiceRd. Immediately there is a turn off to the left (302) but ignore this and continue to the right. After .1 mile there is another turn off to the right but ignore this and continue on to the right on the main track. After .2 mile there is a major turn off to the right. Continue by vehicle on the road you came heading NW for another .7 miles and turn to the left on a major track. This will take you very quickly down to the gate (with reflectors on it) at the corner of a small butte and the creek. Park here.

Western Access: Head down Cold Springs road (1012) from Hwy 20 and after .9 miles turn right to Graham Corral. After .5 mile turn off to the right on 335 and this takes you onto the power line road. Keep following the power lines for .7 miles until you come to a major gate. Park here. Cross the gate and continue on the main track NW. 

Habitat and Birds: The surrounding forest is good for White headed Woodpecker (especially) close to the western access point.  The small hill at the eastern access point has breeding Fox Sparrow and Green Tailed Towhee.  The Black Butte Swamp has a variety of birds similar to Calliope Crossing including Swainson’s Thrush and Ruffed Grouse.  To access the swamp from the eastern point of access, continue following the river around the edge of the rocky hill.  Willow, Dusky, Hammond’s, Gray and “Western” Flycatchers can be found in the different habitats. 

10) Cold Springs Camp Ground - DeLorme Pg 50 B-3 

Location: go through Sisters on Hwy 20 heading to the west.  Just outside of town turn to the south on a spur road before turning to the right (away from Sisters) on the McKenzie Hwy (242).  The campground is the right a few miles out of town. 

Habitat and Birds: Ponderosa forest and riparian habitat.  The spring attracts birds.  Sapsuckers and White headed Woodpeckers can be found in the campground with Cassin’s Finch, Red Crossbill, Pygmy Owl and flycatchers. 

11) Trout Creek Swamp – DeLorme Pg 50 B-3 

Location: go through Sisters on Hwy 20 heading to the west.  Just outside of town turn to the south on a spur road before turning to the right (away from Sisters) on the McKenzie Hwy (242).  A few miles ot of town (past Cold Springs) turn to the left on Forest Rd 1018 (marked to Whispering Pines).  After a few hundred yards fork to the left and continue up a gravel road for several miles.  The meadow will be seen on the left

Habitat and Birds: Manzaneta scrub and burn forest is passed through on the way to the swamp.  This is a good place to see Fox Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, Green Tailed Towhee, Blue Grouse and Mountain Quail.  This area recently burned (2006) and should be checked for woodpeckers.  At the northern end of the swamp there is a culvert where the river leaves the swamp and this is a good area for Hammond’s Flycatcher, Hermit Warbler, Lincoln Sparrow, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher and Ruffed Grouse. 

Bend Region  

12) Tumalo State Park - DeLorme Pg 51 C-6 

Location: Travel west out of Bend on Hwy 20 toward Sisters. Near the town of Tumalo, take a left on OB Riley Rd. Go 1 mile to the River Crossing and the entrance to the park.  There is a day use fee for parking.  

Habitat and Birds: The Deschutes River flows through an assessable riparian area surrounded by Juniper woodland.   This area is a great migrant spot for song birds. 

13) Tumalo Reservoir - DeLorme Pg 51 C-5 

Location: From Bend, travel east on Hwy 20 heading toward Sisters. After a few miles, you will go down a hill and go near the tiny town of Tumalo. On your left (south) look for Bailey Rd.  Take a left on Bailey. This road will wind around as it climbs out of the canyon. When it straightens out, it becomes Tumalo Reservoir Rd. Take this road until it ends. Cross the bridge at the end and enter a dirt road area. Soon you will see places to park and access the reservoir.  There is no access off the main road. 

Habitat and Birds:  This is a small reservoir surrounded by juniper, sagebrush and ponderosa forest.  Often the Reservoir dries up revealing extensive mud banks good for migrating shorebirds.  The surrounding area is good for Mountain Bluebirds and Sparrows. 

14) Shevlin Park (Bend) - DeLorme Pg 51 D-6 

Location: From 3rd St. in Bend, go west on Greenwood. Greenwood changes to Newport Blvd and then Shevlin Rd. Go down into the canyon and turn left into the parking area. About 5 miles from 3rd St. 

Habitat and Birds: This mixed forest holds a good variety of the common species including Sapsuckers, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Pygmy Owl and Calliope Hummingbird. 

15) First St River Trail (Bend) - DeLorme Pg 51 D-6 

Location: In Bend, Head north on Portland Ave, cross the Deschutes River next to Pioneer Park and turn to the right (west) on First St.  Park at the end of the road and walk along the river trail. 

Habitat and Birds:  Riparian woodland along the banks of the Deschutes River.  Rufous Hummingbirds are common in the spring and the area is good for migrants.  The river often had feral Trumpeter and Mute Swans and Dipper. 

16) Robert W. Sawyer State Park (Bend) - DeLorme Pg 51 D-6 

Location: In Bend, the park is located off O. B. Riely Rd.  There is a small car park next to the river.  Cross the footbridge and follow the many trails. 

Habitat and Birds:  Riparian woodland along the banks of the Deschutes River.  Anna’s Hummingbird, Wood Duck, Pinyon Jay, Canyon Wren and Dipper can be found in this interesting park.  It is also an excellent place for migrants. 

17) Entrada Lodge Burn - DeLorme Pg 51 D-6 

Location: From Hwy 97 in Bend, take the Colorado St. Exit. Go 1.6 miles on Colorado to a Circle and take Century Dr. out of the Circle. Travel a few miles until you begin to see burned trees on both sides of the road. This is the Entrada Burn. It’s very close to the Entrada Lodge so that’s why it’s called the Entrada Burn. Go past the lodge and look for side roads off to your left to access the burn. 

Habitat and Birds: Scrub interspersed with Ponderosa Pines.  This is a prime area for lewis’s Woodpeckers and a site for an ECBC project looking at their nesting preferences.  This is also a fine area to find Gray Flycatcher, Cassin’s Finch, Fox Sparrow and Green Tailed Towhee. 

18) Hatfield Lake - DeLorme Pg 51 D-7 

Location: Hatfield Lake is the sewage treatment facility for the city of Bend. Access is limited to walking into the ponds. The first pond is only ¼ mile from the front gate but the back ponds are more than a ½ mile hike in. There are some local people that have keys to the gate and can lead you in. Contact Judy Meredith or Dean Hale for driving access (Judy is 389-4039 or jmeredit@bendnet.com. Dean is 388-1770 or  dhale@bendnet.com). The easiest way to access the ponds if you don’t know Bend very well is to head east out of Bend on Hwy 20. A few miles past the urban sprawl, you will see the signs for Prineville. This is the Powell Butte Hwy. Take the Powell Butte Hwy north for several miles until you pass the Bend Airport.  Continue past the airport on the Powell Butte Hwy and take it as it turns first east and then back north. Just after the north turn, look for McGrath Rd. Take McGrath west until it ends. Park here and enter at the gate. The first pond can be seen from the gate. The other ponds are farther to the north and cannot be seen from the gate.  For those that know Bend well, take Butler Market Rd. from Bend and travel east. Stay on Butler Market as it winds its way east. It will dead-end at the Powell Butte Hwy (Bend Airport). Turn north on the Powell Butte Hwy and take it as it turns first east and then back north. Just after the north turn, look for McGrath Rd. Take McGrath west until it ends.  Park here and enter at the gate. The first pond can be seen from the gate. The other ponds are farther to the north and cannot be seen from the gate. 

Habitat and Birds: Sewage lagoons surrounded by sagebrush / scrub and Juniper.  This is a prime birding spot at all seasons.  Good numbers of ducks can be found a wide variety shorebirds during the migration times.  Rails can be heard in the Cattails and a variety of raptors use this area as a hunting area.  Eared Grebes are normally present (they breed here) and sparrows and Loggerhead Shrikes use the sagebrush / scrub areas.  Pinyon Jays flocks often pass through the area. 

Eastern Region  

19) Pine Mountain - DeLorme Pg 76 A-1 

Location: From Bend, travel east on Hwy 20 toward Burns. Just after the town of Millican (near milepost 26), look for Pine Mnt Rd off to the South. This road takes you to the summit of Pine Mnt. Side roads can access the backside of the mountain. If you have time, explore these back roads. You can even access the summit from the south side. 

Habitat and Birds:  Sagebrush and Juniper Forest in the Millican valley rising up to Pine and Fur forests on the Mountain.  Be sure to check out the water trough on the right side of the road at the base of the Mtn, which is a magnet for birds and other wildlife.  The Pine Mountain itself is good for Raptors, Ruffed Grouse, flycatchers and Green Tailed Towhee.  The many roads that run throughout the Millican Valley are excellent for Sage, Brewer’s and Vesper Sparrow as well as Sage Thrasher and Loggerhead Shrike.  In good years Ferruginous Hawks nest here. 

20) Alfalfa – DeLorme Pg 51 D-8 

Location: From Bend, take Hwy 20 East to the Powell Butte Hwy (Prineville Cutoff), take the Powell Butte Hwy ½ mile to Alfalfa Market Rd.. Turn east and follow Alfalfa Market Rd. to Alfalfa. 

Habitat and Birds:  Agricultural lands.  This is a prime area for wintering raptors such as Prairie Falcons, Red tailed and Rough Legged Hawks.  In summer search for Swainson’s and Ferruginous Hawks. 

High Lakes Region  

21) Virginia Meissner Snow Park - DeLorme Pg 45 A-4 

Location: From Hwy 97 in Bend, take the Colorado St. Exit. Go 1.6 miles on Colorado to a Circle and take Century Dr. out of the Circle. Travel 12 miles on Century Drive and look for the signs to Virginia Meissner Snow Park. 

Habitat and Birds:  High elevation forest.  This is an excellent area for owls.  In late May it is possible to hear Western Screech, Flamulated and Saw Whet Owls 

22) Cultus Lake - DeLorme Pg 44 B-2 

Location: Travel south from Bend on US 97 for approximately 14 miles. Turn right (west) on South Century Drive toward Sunriver. Follow this main road as it curves through Sunriver and becomes Spring River Road, then Forest Service Road 40. In about 20 miles, FS 40 intersects Cascade Lakes Highway/FS 46. Turn left onto FS 46 and drive 1.2 miles to FS 4635 on the right. Turn onto FS 4635 (toward Cultus Lake Resort/Cultus Lakes). You will pass the entrance road to Cultus Lake Resort after 1.7 miles on FS 4635. Continue straight past the resort (the road designation changes to FS 100). In another 0.1 mile, park in a pullout on the right (across from a day-use picnic area and beach). For a map of Cultus Lake [click].

23) Hosmer Lake - DeLorme Pg 44 A-2 

Location: From Hwy 97 in Bend, take the Colorado St. Exit. Go 1.6 miles on Colorado to a Circle and take Century Dr. out of the Circle. Go 33 miles on Century Dr., past Elk Lake, and turn on Forest Rd. 4625. Turn left and go a little over a mile to Hosmer.  This is an excellent lake to see by boat or canoe. 

Habitat and Birds:  Cattails and lake with surrounding high elevation forest.  The cattails hold rails and Bittern in the summer.  Olive sided Flycatchers are common and it is possible to see Gray Jay, Varied Thrush, Chestnut Backed Chickadee and woodpeckers such as Three Toed Woodpecker. 

24) Crane Prairie Reservoir - DeLorme Pg 44 B-2 

Location: From Hwy 97 head west Century Dr and cross the Deschutes river close to Sunriver (check for migrants here).  Continue for a number of miles (this becomes Rd 40).  Just north of the Reservoir the road crosses a small creek and just to the est of here turn south on a gravel rd (790) posted to Cow Camp.  At the camp ground walk south along the river and look in the grassy area to the east for Cranes 

Habitat and Birds:  Lake and high elevation forest.  Cow camp is an excellent access point where you can view the lake for ducks, shorebirds and Ospreys.  The wet grasslands hold breeding Sandhill Cranes.  The surrounding forest has Winter Wrens, Gray Jays and Ruffed Grouse.

25) Wickiup Reservoir - DeLorme Pg 44 C-3 

Location: From LaPine, turn west on Forest Rd. 42. Just north of the Reservoir turn to the left to Twin lakes.  Check the North twin Lake.  Opposite this turn off, to the west, is an access road that leads to an arm of the reservoir (Sheep Bridge) that is a good area for shore birds and Bald eagles.  Opposite the turn off for South Twin lake is another access point for the Reservoir.  Continuing on, there is a turn off to a boat ramp on the right (Gull point).  A road continues all around the reservoir with sidetracks giving views of the water. 

Habitat and Birds: This is a very large area of open water, open bare ground, marsh and high elevation forest.  Common Loons, grebes, gulls and ducks are present in good numbers during the migration periods.  If mud is exposed, look for shorebirds.  A wide variety of songbirds are present in the surrounding forests.  The open bare ground around the reservoir holds large flocks of American Pipits and Mountain Bluebirds in the fall and supports many Kestrels hunting grasshoppers in July.  This is an excellent area and one that has hosted many rare and exciting birds. 

26) South Sister - DeLorme Pg 50 D-2 

Location:  The Trail Head for this stiff 12-mile hike is at Devil’s Lake off the Cascade Lake Hwy. 

Habitat and Birds:  High elevation forest and alpine expanses.  The high elevation areas close to the summit are excellent for Gray crowned Rosy Finch.  The glacier and lake on the summit attract migrating shorebirds such as Baird’s and Western Sandpipers. 

27) Broken Top - DeLorme Pg 50 D-3 

Location:  Take the Todd Lake turn off from the cascade lakes Hwy.  Go about 4 miles down the 370 Rd past the trailhead.  The entire road is excellent and continues to Three Creeks Lake.  A high clearance vehicle is required and 4-Wheel drive if the entire road is attempted.