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 #11
Lively Park
6100 Thurston Road
This habitat is for the birds!
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Shown above: Red-breasted Nuthatch and Downy Woodpecker
Facts
• This 32.5 acre park contains one of the region’s finest swim centers as well as amazing native habitat
• Restrooms are located in the swim center
• A recent master planning process anticipates significant upgrades to the developed portion of the park as well as restoration and trail improvements in the natural areas
• Park hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Habitat
Native habitat consists primarily of bigleaf maple, Dougla- fir, and grand fir woodland. The area directly behind the pool has a native woodland understory. The sunlit outer edges are currently ringed with blackberry.
The most northerly portion of the park (behind the Thurston Middle School) also contains a small grove of Oregon white oak, a grove of incense-cedar, and Oregon ash, red alder, and red-twig dogwood where the property borders Cedar Creek.
The south portion of the park has a more developed appearance, but does contain two large Oregon white oak trees near the entrance as well as several old fruit trees directly southwest of the swim center.
Birding Highlights
Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Cedar Waxwing, and Red-breasted Nuthatch are commonly seen at this site. Typical birds of riparian habitats or thickets such as Western Wood-Pewee, Western Scrub-Jay, Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, and Bewick’s Wren are very common.
Other Attractions
Splash! has been the mainstay of this park. Deer and other animals use the forested area behind the swim center. Dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies can easily be observed. An outdoor water play area and an off-leash dog park are planned.
Getting There
The entrance to Lively Park (Splash!) is located at 6100 Thurston Road (directly across from 61st Street). There is a large paved parking lot in front of the swim center. The park property jogs to the east in the northern half. Please be sure that you know where park boundaries are and respect signage indicating neighboring private properties.
Detailed Site Map
Click here to download a larger version of the map.
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