Thanksgiving Birdwatching
As the Thanksgiving holidays approach us, the bird is the word, and turkeys are on our minds. They might be an unusual species for birdwatchers to seek out, but their habits are fascinating and their numbers in Benton County are plentiful. Wild turkeys often wander through Corvallis neighborhoods, but there are a few places on the outskirts where you can observe the holiday mascot in nature.
Wild turkeys aren't native to Oregon. They were first introduced to the state in 1961, and more than 10,000 have since been relocated to various areas. Two subspecies have helped establish today's populations: the Merriam's wild turkey, originally brought in from mountainous woodlands in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Montana, and the Rio Grande wild turkey, introduced to Southwest Oregon in 1975. Native to the Southwest's riparian areas and scrub woodlands, the Rio Grande turkey has adapted particularly well to Oregon's varied habitats. Since the 1980s, wildlife management efforts have increasingly focused on this subspecies.
With the riparian habitats of the Willamette River and its tributaries meandering through the valley, there are stable populations of these birds across the county. The oak savannah habitats along Oak Creek, stretching from Bald Hill (map) to Fitton Green (map), offer easy-to-access trails and good habitat. Oregon State University research forests near Oak Creek and Soap Creek hold good populations of birds as well. Check updates for closures to verify access points.
If you're looking for a more leisurely birdwatching experience and enjoy drinking wine, most of the valley vineyards in the local area share habitats with wild turkeys. During the Fall harvest season, turkeys often wander through the vineyards and feed on the leftovers, so now is the perfect time to sit, sip wine, and enjoy some big bird watching. Cardwell Hills, Airlie, and Lumos have particularly large resident turkey populations and are great places to stop and pick up a bottle of wine for Thanksgiving dinner.
Want to see turkeys or add a few more feathered friends to your birding bucket list? Spencer of Nature In Flight Tours can help you explore the area's birdlife on a custom tour tailored to your interests. Get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and discover something new with a knowledgeable guide who can help you see the natural world a little differently.
Photos by Spencer Mair of Nature in Flight Tours. Article by Randall Bonner with updates by Visit Corvallis. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
