Whilamut Natural Area
In the 1800’s, the Willamette River flowed across much of this site.
Historically, various channels of the Willamette River flowed across what is now the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park. Gravel deposited by the river was mined in the 1940s and 1950s for use in local construction. The unlined borrow pits became a 70-acre county landfill, which was capped in 1974. In 1992, county voters set aside the land between Leisure Lane in Eugene on the west and Willamalane's boat launch in Springfield on the east as open space dedicated to passive recreation. Formerly known as East Alton Baker Park, the 237-acre tract was renamed the Whilamut Natural Area in 2002. "Whilamut" is a Kalapuya word meaning "Where the river ripples and runs fast."
The site is significant for its wide variety of habitats, including pond and millrace waters, riparian zones, Willamette River frontage, open grassland over the landfill, and mixed stands of cottonwood and conifers. This diversity supports an associated variety of wildlife viewing opportunities and possible species. The park's master plan lists 117 species of birds that can be seen in the park. Habitat recovery efforts along the Willamette River riparian zone and at some areas in the open fields continue to increase the habitat diversity of the site.
Sightings
On the pond, during winter months one can regularly see Double-crested Cormorant, Pied-billed Grebe, Bufflehead, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, American Widgeon, and Shoveler, while searching for the occasional Eurasian Widgeon. On the nearby millrace, American Widgeon, Mallard, Gadwall, and Hooded Merganser can be seen. Bird feeders in backyards abutting the millrace attract House Sparrows and House Finches, Black-capped Chickadees and Bushtits, among other common birds.
In the open fields (O), regular visitors include the Western Meadowlark, Western Bluebird, a variety of sparrows (Savannah, Song, Fox, Golden-crowned, White-crowned, Lincoln's), Bewick's Wren, Northern Flicker, Scrub Jay, and the occasional Say's Pheobe. Birds of prey sitting high in trees include American Kestrel and Red-tailed Hawk. One might see the occasional White-tailed Kite or Bald Eagle in flight, as well as Osprey cruising the river. A Ring-necked Pheasant or the occasional Wilson's Snipe can be scared up from the grasses and vernal pools. The snipe and pheasant hide in the fields, while the sparrows tend to cluster near the cacks of blackberry.
On the Willamette River and along its riparian zone and rocky shores (b), one can find Spotted Sandpiper, American Dipper, Common Merganser, Canada Goose, Green and Great Blue Heron, gulls (Western, Glaucous Wing, California, Glaucous), Lesser Scaup, and the occasional Solitary Sandpiper. Western Bluebirds feed in the newly restored areas along the bike path.
The wooded (w) areas along the river are frequented by Brown Creeper, Black-capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, kinglets (Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned), Spotted Towhee, Lesser Goldfinch, Winter Wren, Bewick's Wren, Varied Thrush, Fox Sparrow, Bushtit, and the occasional Stellar's Jay.
The diversity of habitats in the Whilamut Natural Area truly does produce a variety of species viewing opportunities.
