La Grande
Seasons
Checklists
Location
La Grande is located off of I-84 in Northeastern Oregon about 50 miles SE of Pendleton. To access the region near the college, take Exit 259; proceed on US Highway 30 into La Grande. Turn right at the second set of lights – onto Fourth Street. Continue on Fourth Street until you reach the “K” Avenue. Driving the neighborhoods both north and south of “K” Avenue should bring good winter birding. Some of the preferred locations within the city limits include the ponds at the Fairgrounds (take 2nd Street north under I-84 45.345304, -118.105950 ), Pioneer and Gangloff Parks (take Hwy 30 north to the edge of town (45.334962, -118.104554 ), and Riverside Park (go east on 82 under the railroad overpass and take the first left which is Monroe Street. Then turn right on Spruce and follow it north for about 1.25 miles. Pass over the freeway and look for the park on your right. (45.342860,-118.084828 ). No Trip to La Grande will be complete without a stop in to local wild bird store called The Bobolink. Located at 1707 5th Street in downtown La Grande, this is the place to stop in and get current bird news. Owner/Operator and local bird expert Trent Bray will happily give advise and handle all your birding supply needs. Here’s a recent testimonial from the Bobolink Facebook page, “Wonderful store with a variety of helpful books, supplies, etc. for birders; also a huge variety of disc golf equipment and supplies, beers, wines, coffees, etc. Definitely going to have to return and spend time browsing! Trent is so helpful and knowledgeable.”
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
Several of the best locations near La Grande are included elsewhere in this site guide. The town itself can be very productive for winter birds like Bohemian Waxwing and Common Redpoll (both are rare and don’t occur every year). The older neighborhoods near the high school and the college have plenty of ornamental fruit trees and birch that attract these and other birds. Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Blue Jay, Clay-colored Sparrow, Black-and-White Warbler, Great-tailed Grackle, Brambling, Tennessee Warbler, and most recently Pine Warbler have all occurred here.
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