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Great Blue Herons
Great blue herons are the largest herons in North America,
standing about four feet tall. They are among Oregon's
most recognized birds, commonly found near bodies of water
and in farm fields. They feed on fish, amphibians, rodents,
and almost any other animal they can swallow whole. Beginning
birders are sometimes surprised to learn that these long-legged
birds nest primarily in trees. Like many other wading
birds, they nest colonially in large stick nest in trees,
usually close to water. In the Willamette Valley, herons
frequently nest in cottonwood and ash trees in riparian
area. Learn More |
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Willamette Valley National
Wildlife Refuges
The three Western Oregon refuges in the Willamette Valley
are part of more than 500 refuges in the National Wildlife
Refuge System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. The original Willamette Valley was a rich mix
of wildlife habitats. Valley wetlands were once extensive
with meandering stream channels and vast seasonal marshes.
As people have altered the natural landscape to meet their
own needs, wildlife have not always benefited. Learn
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