Bald Eagles arrive

Published 4:00 pm Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Beginning in late November, bald eagles will start showing up in the Wallowa Valley. These birds spend all winter in the Valley and can be observed along river corridors, Wallowa Lake, and often in agricultural areas where cattle are being fed.

Resident Canada geese can be observed through out the Wallowa Valley feeding in agricultural fields. As winter progresses additional migrants will show up and add to the viewing opportunities including mallards, pintails, and American widgeon. On open water bodies Ring-necked ducks, Scaup, Goldeneye, and Bufflehead are common species to observe.

Prairie falcon, Red-tailed hawk, Rough-legged hawk, Northern harrier, and Ferruginous hawks, as well as a variety of owls can be observed through out Wallowa Valley and Zumwalt prairie. Most raptors can be easily observed from county roads. A good pair of binoculars will improve viewing opportunities.

Mule and white-tailed deer are common in agricultural areas adjacent to Highway 82. Animals can be observed during early morning and late evening hours.

Bighorn sheep can often be observed along the canyon walls of the Grande Ronde River when driving both up and down stream from the town of Troy.

Elk are easily observed during winter months on the Wenaha Wildlife Area near Troy. A good place to look is along the Eden Bench road during early morning or late afternoon hours.

Meanwhile, fishermen at the Hells Canyon Reservoir can go after trout, crappie, bass, and catfish. Approximately 1,100 steelhead have been put in the reservoir. These surplus steelhead are considered trout in the reservoir. No tag is needed but only one can be kept per day if over 20 inches.

Along Snake River, below Hells Canyon Reservoir, there are trout and smallmouth bass.

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