Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge

Red foxes thrive at the wildlife refuge.

Created amid a mix of farmland and growing cities, the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge in the Willamette Valley provides habitat for the dusky Canada geese.

Unlike other Canada geese, duskies have limited summer and winter ranges. They nest on Alaska's Copper River Delta and winter almost exclusively in the Willamette Valley. Habitat loss, predation, and hunting have caused a decrease in population.

The Ankeny refuge contains about 2,800 acres of flat to gently rolling land near the confluence of the Willamette and Santiam rivers. The refuge's fertile farmed fields, hedgerows, forests, and wetlands provide a variety of wildlife habitats.

Wildlife observation and photography, hiking, and interpretive programs are the primary attractions.

Because of wintering geese's need for a quiet resting area, much of the refuge is closed to the public from Oct. 1 through early April. County roads passing through the refuge provide excellent nature-viewing opportunities, however, and are open year-round. Year-round access is also provided at two kiosks. One trail and an adjacent bulletin board are open May 1 through Sept. 30.

One viewing area and a boardwalk trail are accessible by wheelchair.

Ducks, geese, and swans are commonly seen in fields and ponds through the fall and winter. Small numbers of bald eagles and the occasional peregrine falcon can be seen hunting the wintering flocks. Raptor sightings are common as resident birds are joined by migrants from farther north.

Songbirds start to migrate south in August, and flocks of geese begin to fill the skies in late September. Sightings of migrating raptors also increase in September. Rough-legged hawks arrive in October as turkey vultures depart. Also in fall, Roosevelt elk go into rut and can be heard bugling at dusk.

Songbird migration peaks in early May, coinciding with the height of spring wildflowers. Broods of mallards, hooded mergansers, and wood ducks appear in June, and turtles can be seen basking on logs.

In spring and summer, ox-eye daisies, lupines, wild hollyhawks, and delphiniums cover refuge fields and roadsides. Black-tailed deer appear with fawns in tow; squirrels, birds, and the occasional black bear gorge on the July blackberry crop.