Wildlife
Sep 10, 2023, 10:34 PM
Share
Subscribe
Murphy River Walk, while as wild and scenic as many of our trails, is still considered to be within an urban area. Even so, this space is an important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
Birds are the most commonly seen wildlife. Ducks, geese, herons, and egrets are frequent visitors. Birds of prey such as the osprey, bald eagle, and several varieties of hawks and owls are also regularly spotted.
As you walk the trail, you’ll hear songbirds like the bluebird, finches, tufted titmouse, and many others providing a pleasant soundtrack throughout most of the year. Robins, cardinals, blue jays, red-winged blackbirds, and several types of swallows are just a few of the other birds you might see.
But wildlife along the River Walk is not limited to birds.
As you stroll along the Fisherman’s Loop during times of low water, you may notice several large holes in the opposite bank of the Valley River. These are the entrances to the underground homes of the bank beaver. Normally submerged, these openings become visible when the river is low. You might catch a glimpse of a beaver swimming nearby—though they are shy and not often seen.
Other animals you might spot include raccoons, opossums, woodchucks, rabbits, and squirrels.
Because the River Walk is in an urban area, sightings of larger animals are uncommon but not impossible. Deer are seen regularly. Sightings of larger wildlife such as black bears, bobcats, or even mountain lions are rare—but they have occurred.
So keep your eyes and ears open—you never know what you might see!
Birds are the most commonly seen wildlife. Ducks, geese, herons, and egrets are frequent visitors. Birds of prey such as the osprey, bald eagle, and several varieties of hawks and owls are also regularly spotted.
As you walk the trail, you’ll hear songbirds like the bluebird, finches, tufted titmouse, and many others providing a pleasant soundtrack throughout most of the year. Robins, cardinals, blue jays, red-winged blackbirds, and several types of swallows are just a few of the other birds you might see.
But wildlife along the River Walk is not limited to birds.
As you stroll along the Fisherman’s Loop during times of low water, you may notice several large holes in the opposite bank of the Valley River. These are the entrances to the underground homes of the bank beaver. Normally submerged, these openings become visible when the river is low. You might catch a glimpse of a beaver swimming nearby—though they are shy and not often seen.
Other animals you might spot include raccoons, opossums, woodchucks, rabbits, and squirrels.
Because the River Walk is in an urban area, sightings of larger animals are uncommon but not impossible. Deer are seen regularly. Sightings of larger wildlife such as black bears, bobcats, or even mountain lions are rare—but they have occurred.
So keep your eyes and ears open—you never know what you might see!