Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is an oasis for birds and birders of Oregon. The Refuge has a mix of different habitats that support a vast network of wetlands, riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian forest, upland prairie, and more that support over 240 different species of birds!
We are a birding hot spot and a must-visit for birders everywhere! Ankeny has recorded over 240 different species of birds ranging from resident birds to extremely rare birds! If you would like to know which birds have visited Ankeny, check us out on or view our Seasonal Bird Checklist!
In the winter you will hear the goose and duck noise for miles and miles. We manage wetlands, agricultural fields, and wet prairies for the migrating waterfowl that spend the winter in the Willamette Valley and we help them prepare for their spring migration back up north to breed.
For the best chance to see the thousands of ducks and geese at the Refuge during the winter, visit:
Eagle Marsh Observation Blind (Year-round)
Pintail Marsh Overlook (Year-round)
During spring and fall migration the variety of species you will see traveling through is impressive. The Refuge sits along the Pacific Flyway, one of the four major flyways in the Americas. This means we are a favorite rest and roost location for birds as they migrate north and south.
The riparian forests host Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned kinglets, Thrushes, Woodpeckers, and Chickadees who will eventually use the cavities in these trees to nest in. Every Summer, the Refuge sees several different species of Warblers, Vireos, Flycatchers, Sparrows, and other neotropical migrants.
For the best chance to observe the several migrating birds at the Refuge during the Spring and Summer, visit:
