Fern Ridge Reservoir – Fisher Butte Unit
Seasons
Checklists
Location
Visitors should use extra caution in this area and not leave valuables in their vehicles. Be sure to read the signs at each area you visit to check for access restrictions, especially during hunting season.
Go to the Oregon Birding Trails website. http://www.oregonbirdingtrails.org/ Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the “trail guide” and choose the Fern Ridge Loop Guide. Section F-8. From Eugene go west on W. 11th Avenue (Hwy 126) and turn north into a parking lot approximately 0.25 mile west of the Fisher Road intersection.
Map of the dikes: https://oregonbirding.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/fernridge-map.pdf
Parking passes are required at this parking lot.
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
In winter, species such as Swamp Sparrow and Clay-colored Sparrow have been found in the hedgerow along the gravel path that extends north as well as along the base of Fisher Butte itself, approximately 0.25 mile north of the parking lot. Wilson’s Snipe frequently uses this area, especially in the off-limits wet meadow along the east side of the road when walking north toward Fisher Butte. Walking the dikes in this area can be productive for shorebirds and waterfowl when sufficient water is available. Yellow-headed Blackbird, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, and Purple Martin may be found here during breeding season. Continuing north along the dike trails will provide access to the Royal Avenue area.
Nearby Birding Locations
- Stewart Pond
- Fern Ridge Reservoir - East and West Coyote Units
- Skinner Butte
- Fern Ridge Reservoir - Kirk Park
- Mount Pisgah Arboretum and Buford Park
- Fern Ridge Reservoir - Royal Avenue Access
- Clearwater Park
- Meadowlark Prairie - Green Hill Overlook
- Lane Community College Ponds
- Fern Ridge Reservoir - Perkins Peninsula Park
- Meadowlark Prairie - Checkermallow Access
- Delta Ponds
- Spencer Butte
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