This common waterbird looks like a duck and swims like a duck, but is not a duck!
Common Birds of Wallowa Lake
Barrow"s Goldeneye Pair
Birding is an enjoyable activity that's a little like mystery solving and trivia combined. Because birds share much of their space with us, birding is something most people already engage in, at least casually. All it requires is a decent set of binoculars and maybe a field guide.
The guide below will get you started on some of the birds that are common to our area. The links will take you to a larger image with a link to the Cornell Labs excellent website: All About Birds where you can find out more, including audio.
Our most common Warbler. An insect hunter, you'll find them perched on limbs overlooking streams.
Wallowa Lake has two nesting pairs of eagles, including one that's very visible along the south shore.
These smallish diving ducks are usually found near the Marina on the south end or Wallowa Lake.
Almost the icon of Eastern Oregon, the Magpie is a large jay or small crow-like bird.
This common little bird is much-loved thanks to its curious nature and cute distinctive appearance.
A common feature of the west; the California Quail is often seen in large groups foraging on the ground for seeds.
The Canada Goose is commonly seen at the lake, often with young goslings in springtime.
Often traveling in flocks, this beautiful bird is a pastel-lovers dream. They can also be very aerobatic when hunting insects on the wing.
The most common of the 'Camp Robber' jays around Wallowa Lake- but often gets confused with the Grey Jay.
Juncos are commonly called 'Snow Birds' but in this habitat they're seen year-round.
This large wading bird quietly stalks and waits for prey- then strikes with lightning speed.
Best known for their broken wing act, this plover can be found almost anywhere, though they do prefer shorelines. About 9" in length.
Americas most common duck. The males have the distinct green head while the females are rather plain. About 23" in length.
Bluebirds are often spotted while traveling through open areas where meadow and forest meet.
Best known for their sad song, these are often seen perched along phone wires or on the ground foraging for seeds. About 11" in length.
A fairly common sight along the Wallowa Lake shore is the Osprey or 'Fish Hawk' as they're sometimes called.
Often heard before seen, the largest woodpecker spends its day hunting for bugs in dead trees.
These active little birds are bold and agile. So brave that they will sometimes eat right out of your hand. They love sunflower seeds.
Red-Tails often perch on power poles waiting for the sun before they ride thermals high over their hunting grounds.
Seagulls are almost always present at Wallowa Lake, especially in late summer.
This shorebird is easy to find along the south shore of Wallowa Lake.
The western version of the Blue Jay, the beautiful deep blue and black Steller's Jay often hangs out around campers looking for an easy meal.
This member of the thrush family often perches on low branches surveying the ground for insects.
This diving waterbird is sometimes called the 'Jesus Bird' because of its unique courtship display where couples will run across the surface of the water.
This brilliantly colored little bird is far more common than you'd think.
These agile little birds are often seen crawling upside down on the bark of trees. About 5" in length.