O’Neil Valley
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Prineville Sewer Ponds - THE PRINEVILLE SEWER PONDS ARE NO LONGER ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTER THIS FACILITY! WE HOPE THIS WILL BE A TEMPORARY SITUATION SO WE ARE STILL INCLUDING THIS IMPORTANT LOCATION IN THE SITE GUIDE. WATCH FOR FUTURE UPDATES.
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Location
THERE ARE FEW TURNOUTS AND PLENTY OF TRAFFIC ON THIS ROAD SO BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU STOP. Leave Prineville north on the O’Neil Hwy (leaves Hwy 126 just west of the bridge over the Crooked River). The entire valley is visible from this road to the east up to the junction with Lone Pine Road. Heavy truck traffic means there are few choice pull-outs that offer safe viewing opportunities but there are enough to make it worth the trip out (Especially try the area just east of Milepost 7 (44.333805, -121.045159). This road will eventually take you to Redmond or Terrebonne, depending on which fork you take in the road.
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
THERE ARE FEW TURNOUTS AND PLENTY OF TRAFFIC ON THIS ROAD SO BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU STOP. This valley is covered with agricultural fields, marshy lands and rough ground. Wintering raptors hunt this area and large flocks of Canada Geese group throughout the area (occasionally with Tundra Swans and Snow Geese). Golden Eagles are often seen soaring over the rim rock. When flooded, large numbers of ducks and the occasional Great Egret use the temporary pools. Tricolored Blackbirds nest near milepost 7 most years and can be found in winter flocks of mixed blackbirds.
Nearby Birding Locations
- Powell Butte Area
- Houston Lakes
- Prineville Sewer Ponds - THE PRINEVILLE SEWER PONDS ARE NO LONGER ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTER THIS FACILITY! WE HOPE THIS WILL BE A TEMPORARY SITUATION SO WE ARE STILL INCLUDING THIS IMPORTANT LOCATION IN THE SITE GUIDE. WATCH FOR FUTURE UPDATES.
- Crooked River Wetlands Complex
- Elliott Lane
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