Willamette Park and Natural Area

Habitat and Birds

Willamette Park and Natural Area, managed by the City of Corvallis, is the City’s largest park, at 287 acres. The park is mixed use, with large tracts of riparian forests, open fields, and over a mile of beach access along the east bank of the Willamette River. The park includes a multi-modal asphalt path that runs the length of the park and connects to a number of hiking and jogging trails. It also offers soccer fields, a disc golf course, playgrounds, picnic shelters, a community garden, and allows dogs off leash in most open areas.

With its location along the Willamette River and its size and diversity of habitats, the park is a favorite for birdwatching, particularly during the spring migration. A walk along the river in any season may encounter Cackling and Canada Goose, Mallard, Common and Hooded Merganser, and Wood Duck, and in the colder months, a number of other ducks and water birds. Anna’s Hummingbird can be found throughout the year, and Rufous Hummingbird through the summer. Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, and occasionally Wilson’s Snipe and Greater Yellowlegs may be seen in the appropriate habitat. Double-crested Cormorant, Belted Kingfisher, and Great Blue Heron can be seen near the river, with Green Heron sometimes seen in the warmer months. Osprey and Bald Eagle share the skies with Red-tailed Hawk. In the trees are all the usual lowland forest birds, including Downy and Hairy Woodpecker, House and Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, and Lesser and American Goldfinch. Sparrows are represented by Song, Fox, White-crowned, and Golden-crowned, and in smaller numbers, White-throated, Lincoln’s, and Savannah Sparrow. The spring and summer arrivals include Common Yellowthroat, and Orange-crowned, Yellow, Black-throated Gray, and Wilson’s Warbler, joined by Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Lazuli Bunting.

Willamette Park Multi-Modal Path (From TheRightTrail.org)

Willamette River Trail (From TheRightTrail.org)