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 #19
West D Greenway
Aspen Street-Riverview St
A strong sense of the river, providing relaxing birding and walking
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Shown above: Mallard and Rock Pigeon
Facts
• Half-mile long paved multi-use path along the north bank of
the Willamette River
• Good access from neighborhood streets
• Benches for relaxing and viewing the river
• Part of the regional multi-use path system
• Park hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Habitat
Mature cottonwood and bigleaf maple with areas of willow and Oregon ash line this riparian corridor. Several nice groves of trees extend from the riparian edge north across the path toward West D Street.
Birding Highlights
Mallard, Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, and Common Merganser are often visible. Look for Osprey in summer. In winter, gulls and Double-crested Cormorants feed and rest along the river. Violet-green, Tree and Barn Swallows are common over the river.
Rock Pigeon, Downy Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Cedar Waxwing, Bewick’s Wren, Bushtit, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, and Black-headed Grosbeak can all be expected.
Other Attractions
A soft-surface running path parallels the paved path, connecting to Pre’s Trail in Eastgate Woodlands. The river is visible in most locations making a very pleasant walk. There are benches to stop, relax, and enjoy the river. The tall trees make a shaded path for much of its length. Fishing and river access at your own risk is possible, although the routes down the embankment to the river level are usually steep and can be slippery.
Getting There
From downtown Springfield, drive north on Mill Street to D Street. Turn left on D Street. The easternmost entrance to West D Street Greenway is from West D Street a little over .3 mile from Mill Street. To enter at the west end, continue west on D Street a little over .8 mile from Mill Street. Turn left onto Aspen Street at the stop sign and park immediately in the parking spaces on your right. The path is near the river (south of the parking) and proceeds to the east. Some on-street parking exists for much of the length of West D Street with access at each of the street intersections including paved curb cuts.
On a bike, the bike path from the west enters from Eastgate Woodlands. Bikes can enter the east end as described above when coming from Springfield or through Island Park via West D Street.
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