Crooked River Wetlands Complex

Habitat and Birds

These ponds (opened in the spring of 2017) are part of the Prineville Sewage Treatment complex and are open to the public.  Great lengths were taken to design ponds that would be bird friendly.  There are big ponds, small ponds, deep ponds and shallow ponds.  Some ponds have vegetation, and some do not.  This variety promises to make this location one of the best in Central Oregon.  Shorebirds and waterfowl are the main attractions here but as the area matures, other species may be attracted to its diverse set of habitats. Unusual species seen here include Tundra Bean-goose, Ruddy Turnstone, both golden-plovers, Red Knot, Little Gull, Great-tailed Grackle, and Swamp Sparrow making these wetlands the primier birding location in the county.