BIRDING SITES
01. Willamette Heights
02. Dorris Ranch
03. Jasper Pond
04. Clearwater Park
05. Volunteer Park
06. Wyatt Meadows
07. Jasper Meadows
08. Walterville Pond
09. Bob Artz Park
10. Wallace Ruff Park
11. Lively Park
12. EWEB Bike Path
13. Harvest Landing
14. Corporate Way
15. Guy Lee Park
16. By-Gully Path
17. Kelly Butte
18. Eastgate
19. West D Greenway
20. Island Park
21. Millrace Park
Photo Credits
Unless otherwise noted, all bird photographs courtesy of Greg Gillson thebirdguide.com.
Birding Trail Site #9
Bob Artz Park
7807 Thurston Road
A mix of ash wetland, streamside vegetation, and open fields
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Shown above: Turkey Vulture and Red-tailed Hawk
Facts
• A 15-acre sports park with three softball fields
• Contains a small playground
• Paved parking
• Restroom facilities are available during ball games
• Park hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Habitat
Gray Creek borders the south edge of Bob Artz with some riparian habitat. The western edge of Bob Artz is bordered by mature Oregon ash wetlands. Open former agricultural fields are found to the east and south of the park.
Birding Highlights
Black-headed Grosbeak, Common Yellowthroat, and Orange-crowned and Wilson’s Warblers are present in summer. Surrounding open fields provide good views of Red-tailed Hawk, Turkey Vulture, Violet-green Swallow, and American Goldfinch.
The riparian vegetation is used by Mourning Dove and Cedar Waxwing. Killdeer and Wilson’s Snipe are sometimes seen foraging in the wetland field to the south of Gray Creek. A pair of Osprey built a nest on top of one of the stadium light fixtures. Other common birds such as Black-capped Chickadees, Song Sparrows, and Spotted Towhees are regulars.
Other Attractions
Bob Artz Park is heavily used during programmed ball games, but relatively unused at other times. The park is used for dog walking by nearby residents. Shallow standing water in Gray Creek produces many dragonflies and damselflies. Deer have been seen in the surrounding fields.
Getting There
From Main Street (Highway 126) turn north onto 69th Street. Drive ½ mile north to the stop sign at Thurston Road. Turn right on Thurston Road and drive a little over .9 mi to the entrance to Bob Artz. Turn right into the park drive and follow it toward the south about 1000’ to the parking area.
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