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Take stock of nature at Ferbache/Monte Brady
By Chester Allen
What: Wildlife and bird watching at Ferbache/Monte Brady, a state Department
of Fish and Wildlife site near the Chehalis River near Elma in Grays Harbor
County. This outing is a 75-mile round trip from Olympia. Fish and Wildlife
calls this access site Chehalis River Ferbache.
To do: This early fall outing is fun before you even get to Ferbache. The
drive through the extensive farmlands - the corn fields look like Iowa - is a
lot of fun. Consider stopping by the Chapman Farms produce stand and corn
maze, which is just off Brady Loop Road. The farm has freshly picked sweet
corn. In fact, you get a discount if you pick the succulent ears yourself.
There's also a pumpkin patch.
Once you reach Ferbache, you're smack in the middle of great wildlife
watching. The combination of corn fields, hay fields and abundant woods and
thickets bordering the farmland attracts tons of birds and wildlife. This
access spot also has ponds and access to the Chehalis River, so waterfowl -
including shorebirds such as dunlins and plovers - mix right in with ducks,
geese, swans, songbirds and raptors. Bald eagles, Cooper's hawks and an
osprey were sighted this week. This land shows how farms bordering woods and
wild land make such a good combination for animals and birds. Deer - some of
the biggest, fattest blacktail deer in Western Washington - lope around the
land. Know that you'll be walking on private farmland, so stick to paths and
don't leave any trash. This is lush, gorgeous country that is worth visiting
any time of year - but this is the best time. This area also has pheasant
hunting in season. If you don't like hunting, stay away from this site on
weekends through Nov. 30. Pheasant hunters tend to stay well away from
wildlife watchers.
Directions: From Olympia, take U.S. Highway 101 to state Highway 8. State
Highway 8 transforms into U.S. Highway 12 at Elma. Continue on Highway 12 to
the Monte Brady Road. Turn left onto Monte Brady Road. Turn left onto Brady
Loop Road. Follow Brady Loop Road as it winds through farm fields - this is
where you can stop at Chapman Farms - until it reaches Foster Road. Turn left
onto Foster Road. Follow Foster Road until you see the Department of Fish and
Wildlife Fishing Access signs.
Parking: There is plenty of parking, but visitors must display a state
Department of Fish and Wildlife Vehicle Use Permit if they park at the area.
The permits come with fishing or hunting licenses or cost $10 if purchased
without a license. For a list of permit sellers, go to http://wdfw.wa.gov.
Comforts: There is a outhouse-style toilet.
Equipment: Food, rain gear, binoculars, spotting scopes, bird and wildlife
guides, warm clothes, sunglasses, sturdy walking shoes, water and sunscreen.
More information: go to http://wdfw.wa.gov
Chester Allen is outdoors reporter for The Olympian. He can be reached at
360-754-4226 or callen@theolympian.com. |
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