Wildlife and Agriculture in Othello

Although Othello is well-known for the spring Sandhill Crane Festival, birders also regularly travel to our area during the fall migration season. Our area is part of the Pacific Flyway, an “interstate” for avian migration.

Thirty-two different types of mammals and over 200 species of birds have been observed at the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. At the height of spring and fall migration, biologists estimate the refuge is home to up to 100,000 birds.

The diversity of wildlife in our area is matched only by the diversity of the crops grown here. Agriculture is also an important part of avian life in the Basin. Sandhill Cranes feast on leftover corn from the fall harvest, and other crops grown here provide forage for many other species. Crops—wheat, alfalfa hay, potatoes, apples, spelt, grapes, cherries, melons, peas, onions, peaches, apricots, and nectarines, and seed crops like carrots and radishes—provide “leftovers” for many mammals and birds in our area. Nearly 800 acres of cropland are planted specifically as part of a program designed to maintain healthy waterfowl and crane populations.

According to the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, during fall and especially in March and April, refuge fields near Corfu, Road E SE, and Barton Road attract up to 60,000 Mallards, 30,000 Northern Pintails, 15,000 Sandhill Cranes, and 50,000 Canada and Cackling Geese. The delicate balance between nature and agriculture is important for our area and is an issue local farmers take very seriously. Our festival partners with dozens of local farmers each year; they not only provide valuable resources and time as festival backers but also volunteer to ride along on our tours to answer your questions.