Lower Bridge
Seasons
Checklists
Location
From Redmond, go north on Highway 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 (left) west on Lower Bridge Road. Stay on this road until you come to the Deschutes River. There is a small parking area on the east side of the bridge. Park in the parking area before the bridge. This is the Borden Beck Wildlife Preserve. There is a trail that leads east from the parking lot. A better trail can be accessed by crossing the bridge. (Be careful. Traffic can be heavy at times.) and looking for a road that heads north along the west side of the river. There is some parking at this second trail if that’s your main destination.
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
The Deschutes River flows through an accessible riparian area surrounded by juniper woodland. This is a great migrant spot and often has breeding Yellow-breasted Chat. Be sure to check out the area of poplars by the car park. This area is the most reliable place in Deschutes County for Black-capped Chickadees (fall and winter). Other unusual species that have been seen here include Red-shouldered Hawk and Bewick’s Wren. More common species include California Quail, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Golden Eagle, Vaux’s Swift, White-throated Swift, swallows, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Lincoln Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock’s Oriole, and Lesser Goldfinch. The main draw here is migrating passerines. Vireos, flycatchers, thrushes, and warblers top the bill during migration.
Discussion