Potamus Point Interpretive Site
Seasons
Checklists
Location
WARNING! This area is very remote and should not be accessed during adverse weather conditions (high wind, more than light rain, snow). This area is spectacular as you look 3000′ down into the breaks of North Fork of the John Day River. To access this stunning view and great birding start from Ukiah, Umatilla County. From the turn off HWY 395 at the Ukiah exit turn west onto the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway which is FSRD 53. Follow the FSRD 53 west until you come to FSRD 5316. Stay on FSRD 5316 until you arrive at Potamus Point interpretive site.
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
During the warm summer months watch for Western Rattlesnakes in this area. They are not common, but present. The birding here can be outstanding from mid-May through late August with Pygmy Nuthatches, Western and Mountain Bluebirds, Western Tanagers, Calliope Hummingbirds, Dusky Flycatchers, White headed Woodpeckers, and Williamson’s Sapsuckers. From late May through mid-June in the evenings there are Flammulated Owls, Common Poorwills, Northern Saw-whet Owls and many Northern Flying Squirrels. Watch the roads at night for Rubber Boas in May to mid-June. This is the area where a Merlin was observed for several days (10-11 July 1998). It was on territory so watch for this rare summer raptor. Also be alert for Northern Goshawks in this area. There is also a small populations of Mountain Quail in this area. Good Luck!
Discussion