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 #8
Walterville Pond
Hwy 126 E. of Walterville
A 70-acre open water pond near town
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Shown above: Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot
Facts
• Walterville Pond is a water storage pond with a small dam on
the west end
• The pond is owned and operated by Eugene Water & Electric Board
(EWEB)
• The pond is about 70 acres in size
• A graveled road/path loops around the pond
• A portable restroom is located in the parking area
Habitat
The pond provides open water habitat with limited adjacent terrestrial vegetation. Willow thickets are found to the east of the pond. Areas of vegetation border the north edge of the pond and the path in places. Young Douglas-firs are located on the hills to the north of the pond.
Birding Highlights
Winter water birds are one of the main reasons to visit this pond. Summer birds include Yellow-breasted Chat, Wrentit, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Common Yellowthroat. Pied-billed Grebe, Western Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, Common Merganser, and American Coot are some of the birds that can easily be found here in the appropriate season. Barrow’s Goldeneyes have been seen here. Open farmland in the area lends itself to Turkey Vultures and hawks.
Other Attractions
Many people walk the 1.3 mile loop around the pond for exercise or to walk their dog. There is a picnic table on the north side of the pond and benches located in two places.
Getting There
From downtown Springfield, drive east on Highway 126 about 10.5 miles to Walterville. As you continue east from Walterville less than .5 mile, you will cross EWEB’s Walterville canal. At the east end of the bridge over the canal, make an immediate and sharp left turn onto a gravel road that heads west along the north bank of the canal. Drive this gravel road west about 1000’ to a gravel parking area. From the parking area, Walterville Pond is just ahead of you to the west. (Note that due to the levees around the pond, the pond is not visible from Highway 126 or from the parking area.)
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