Wildlife Observation
If you enjoy getting outdoors and looking for wildlife, consider a visit to William L. Finley. Wildlife observation is the most popular activity for refuge visitors. Over 260 breeding, resident, and migrating bird species can be found at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge during the different seasons. Roosevelt elk, coyote, beaver, and black bear are among the several species of year-round residents often observed during the early morning or evening hours.
Visitors are encouraged to report their wildlife observations at the visitor contact station.
Best Places to See Wildlife
The auto tour route is a great place to see acorn woodpecker colonies in the Oregon white oaks, ducks, geese, and swans at the McFadden's Marsh, Scrape Pond, and Cheadle Marsh seasonal wetlands on Bruce Road
Cabell Marsh offers excellent birding opportunities, including birds like great blue herons, marsh wrens, and red-winged blackbirds. Fixed spotting scopes have been installed at the head of the Cabell Marsh trail overlooking Cabell Marsh.
Wood ducks, dusky Canada goose, are regularly seen in the pond behind the Headquarters office. Use the spotting scope at the gazebo to get a better view of the wildlife in the pond.
William L. Finley provides great opportunities to capture wonderful wildlife photos. Wildlife observation blinds and overlooks are located at the Homer Campbell Memorial Boardwalk Trail, McFadden's Marsh on Bruce Rd., near Cabell Lodge, the Refuge Headquarters building, and at the Environmental Education shelter at Woodpecker Loop.
Wildlife Viewing Tips
The patient observer will be rewarded with many wildlife viewing opportunities. Early morning and evening are the best times to observe wildlife. Spring migration occurs from mid-March through mid-May and fall migration from September through November. Most waterfowl can be found on wetlands along the auto tour route. A variety of other wildlife may be observed along the trails in the riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian , oak woodlands, or native prairie habitats.
Binoculars, camera, field guides, water, and a lunch will contribute to a pleasant visit. Quietly listen for calls and songs and wait for wildlife to resume their activities. Use your car as a blind for wildlife viewing and photography. Observation blinds may be available to allow a close-up view of wildlife with minimal disturbance.
