Juniper Preserve Birdwatching Guide
Explore the Wild Beauty of Central Oregon Through Its Birds
Welcome to Juniper Preserve
Nestled in the high desert of Central Oregon, Juniper Preserve is a sanctuary of natural wonder. The preserve is home to expansive stands of Western juniper, one of the most iconic trees in the region. These ancient trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old, dominate the landscape and create vital habitats for birds, mammals, and other wildlife. With their gnarled trunks and fragrant, scale-like needles, the junipers offer shade, shelter, and berries that nourish many bird species throughout the seasons.
Juniper Preserve offers a breathtaking variety of habitats—pine and juniper woodlands, quiet meadows, and reflective wetland waters. From Ghost Tree Forest to Spirit Island and the rolling fairways of the Fazio Golf Course, the Preserve is home to an astonishing diversity of birdlife. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just beginning your journey, this guide is your companion to the sights and sounds of our feathered residents and visitors.
What Makes the Juniper Forest Special?
The ancient juniper forest surrounding Juniper Preserve is part of a high desert ecosystem unlike any other. These hardy trees are uniquely adapted to the arid climate, storing water in their roots and leaves and providing year-round cover for birds such as the Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch, and Western Bluebird. The forest floor is dotted with sagebrush, bitterbrush, and native bunchgrasses, offering diverse food and nesting resources.
Look closely and you may spot:
- Cedar Waxwings feeding on juniper berries
- Woodpeckers carving cavities in juniper trunks
- Jays and sparrows rustling through the underbrush
Walking among these ancient trees is not just a hike—it’s a step back in time and a chance to witness the quiet resilience of the high desert ecosystem.
Top Birding Spots on the Property
Ghost Tree Forest
A serene woodland filled with pine, juniper, and native shrubs.
Look and listen for: Woodpeckers, Swallows, Warblers, Finches, and Doves
Recent Sightings: Killdeer, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Savannah Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, American Goldfinch, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Mallard, Canada Goose, European
Starling, Eurasian Collared-Dove
Fazio Golf Course (9th & 16th Holes + Labyrinth)
These wild-meets-manicured spaces are bordered by high desert scrub and tall pines.
Keep an eye out for: Jays, Chickadees, Waxwings, Sparrows, Grosbeaks, and Flycatchers
Recent Sightings: Black-capped Chickadee, Evening Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Cassin’s Finch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Cedar Waxwing, Dark-eyed Junco, California Scrub-Jay, Pine Siskin, Purple Finch, Downy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-headed Woodpecker,
Olive-sided Flycatcher, Say’s Phoebe, Mountain Bluebird, American Robin, White-crowned Sparrow, Brewer’s Blackbird, House Sparrow
Spirit Island Wetlands
A peaceful gathering place for water-loving birds.
Common sightings include: Shorebirds, Phoebes, Swallows, Sandpipers, Warblers, and Waterfowl
Recent Sightings: Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Least Sandpiper, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Flicker, Spotted Sandpiper, Cedar Waxwing, Violet-green Swallow, Tree Swallow, American Robin, American Goldfinch, Mallard, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer’s Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, European Starling, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Say’s Phoebe, Killdeer
Birding Tips and Tricks
- Go early – Between 6:00–8:00 AM is peak bird activity.
- Stay still and quiet – Birds are more likely to come near if you’re calm.
- Scan all levels – Birds perch from treetops to ground level.
- Use binoculars or zoom – A closer look reveals more detail.
- Pause and wait – Stop in one spot for 5–10 minutes to let birds reveal themselves.
- Keep notes or use an app – Track your sightings and locations.
Bird Identification Made Easy
Use the Merlin Bird ID App
From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this free app is a birder’s best friend.
To Get Started:
- Search “Merlin Bird ID” in your app store.
- Download the Oregon Bird Pack.
- Use Sound ID to identify birds by their song.
- Try Photo ID or the Bird ID Wizard for visual matches.
Merlin is accurate, beginner-friendly, and updated frequently.
Seasonal Birding Highlights
Spring (March–May)
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Cedar Waxwing, Killdeer, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Purple Finch, Say’s Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Mountain Chickadee
Summer (June–August)
Mountain Bluebird, Western Meadowlark, House Finch, Barn Swallow, California Quail, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Violet-green Swallow, American Goldfinch, Lesser Goldfinch, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle
Fall (September–November)
Red Crossbill, Evening Grosbeak, Black-capped Chickadee, Pine Siskin, White-crowned Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Lesser Goldfinch
Birds Recorded at Juniper Preserve (Spring 2025)
Forest and Woodland Birds
Black-capped Chickadee, Mountain Chickadee, Red Crossbill, Cassin’s Finch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Cedar Waxwing, Purple Finch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, California Scrub-Jay
Shrubland, Meadow, and Edge Birds
Say’s Phoebe, Olive-sided Flycatcher, House Finch, American Robin, Western Meadowlark, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Savannah Sparrow, Violet-green Swallow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, American Goldfinch, Mountain Bluebird
Wetland and Shoreline Birds
Killdeer, Least Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Canada Goose, Mallard, Trumpeter Swan, Blue-winged Teal, Great Blue Heron
Common and Urban Visitors
House Sparrow, European Starling, Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-crowned Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer’s Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Lesser Goldfinch
Spring 2025 Bird Recordings
April 22 – 6:00 AM (10 min, Fazio 16th Hole – Labyrinth)
Black-capped Chickadee, Evening Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Cassin’s Finch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Cedar Waxwing, Lesser Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, California Scrub-Jay, Pine Siskin, Purple Finch, Downy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-headed Woodpecker
April 25 – 6:00 AM (19 min, Ghost Tree Forest)
House Sparrow, Eurasian Collared-Dove, European Starling, White-crowned Sparrow, Canada Goose, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer’s Blackbird, American Robin, House Finch, Mallard, Trumpeter Swan, Killdeer, Blue-winged Teal, Great Blue Heron, California Quail
April 27 – 6:00 AM (10 min, Fazio 9th Hole)
Olive-sided Flycatcher, Say’s Phoebe, Canada Goose, Mountain Bluebird, House Finch, Mountain Chickadee, American Robin, White-crowned Sparrow, Brewer’s Blackbird, House Sparrow
May 4 – 6:00 AM (44 min, Ghost Tree Forest)
Purple Finch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Killdeer, House Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Cedar Waxwing, Great-tailed Grackle, European Starling, Lesser Goldfinch, White-crowned Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Canada Goose, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer’s Blackbird, Violet-green Swallow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, American Robin, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Mallard
May 5 – 7:00 AM (24 min, Spirit Island)
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Killdeer, Say’s Phoebe, Least Sandpiper, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Flicker, House Finch, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Cedar Waxwing, Spotted Sandpiper, European Starling, Lesser Goldfinch, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer’s Blackbird, Violet-green Swallow, American Robin, American Goldfinch, Trumpeter Swan, Tree Swallow, House Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Mallard, Golden-crowned Sparrow
May 22 – 6:00 AM (7 min, Employee Parking Lot)
Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Cedar Waxwing, House Sparrow, American Robin, Lesser Goldfinch, Tree Swallow, House Finch, Mountain Chickadee
Final Birding Tips
- Hold your phone still for best results with Merlin’s Sound ID.
- Search transition zones (where forest meets meadow or water) for the most activity.
- Listen for repeated songs—stop and stay; the bird is nearby.
- Watch for mixed flocks—chickadees, kinglets, and nuthatches often forage together.
Share Your Sightings
We’d love to hear what you’ve found!
Tag your bird photos on Instagram: @JuniperPreserve
Or share your sightings with our Guest Services team.
Your observations may be featured in future updates.
Enjoy your stay and happy birding! 🐦🌲
Download the Guide Here (PDF)