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 #20
Island Park
200 W. B St.
Birding the margins of an urban park
Back
to BIRDING HOME PAGE
Go
to Site #21: Millrace Park
Also shown: Canada Goose and American Robin
Facts
• A 15-acre well-used community park along the Willamette River
• Paved parking
• Boat ramp access to the river at the southern end (enter from South
Mill St.)
• Picnic shelters that can be rented
• Has a restroom facility
• A children’s playground
• Park hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Habitat
The park contains mature riparian habitat with cottonwoods, bigleaf maple, Oregon ash, alders and willows. There is a grove of old fruit trees in the north end of the park on the east side of Beaver Creek toward the West D Street entrance.
On the west side of Beaver Creek in the north end of the park, considerable native understory exists.
The best birding exists in the areas around the margin of the park where more understory is still intact and there is less human disturbance. The riparian vegetation near the boat ramp and the mouth of the Millrace provides some good birding opportunities.
Birding Highlights
Northern Flicker, Downy Woodpecker and Red-breasted Sapsucker all make use of the mature trees. Western Wood-Pewee, Brown Creeper, Bushtit, Wilson’s Warbler and American Robin all raise families here. The park has typical urban birds such as Rock Pigeon, European Starling, House Sparrow, and Brown-headed Cowbird. Urban ducks and Canada Geese use the park extensively to rest and spend the night.
Other Attractions
Many organized activities are held here including the 4th of July Light of Liberty Celebration, the Children’s Celebration, Fiesta Latina, and summer outdoor concerts. Picnic shelters can be rented for family or group functions. Watercraft can be launched at the boat ramp at the south end of the park.
Getting There
From downtown Springfield, drive north on Mill Street. Turn left on West B Street. West B Street ends in a parking area near a park entrance. Alternatively, turn south from Main Street or South A Street on South Mill Street. Curve down the road driving west toward the boat ramp. The road curves right, again, under the bridges coming into Springfield from Glenwood and brings you to a large parking area near the children’s playground.
Island Park can also be entered by bike or on foot from the West D Street entrance on West D Street opposite Kelly Blvd. or from the Willamalane Adult Activity Center located at 215 West C Street.
Back
to BIRDING HOME PAGE
Go
to Site #21: Millrace Park