The wildlife that calls the forests around our vineyards home is part of why we consider ourselves stewards of the land. Because our vineyards are on steep slopes, the surrounding gullies and canyons are even steeper. To prevent erosion and protect wildlife, we keep these areas forested and wild. In fact of a total of 185 acres at our Estate Vineyard, only 55 are planted with winegrapes and we’ve set aside over 100 acres as wild space.

Our proximity to the wilds of the Oregon Coast Range means we get a great variety of wildlife. Some are just passing through and others make this their home. This year staff have spotted:

Deer – both in and out of our deer fence, but the fences keep damage to a minimum

Bobcat – drinking from our pond

Bear – in the canyons at our Estate Vineyard

Roosevelt Elk on neighboring properties around Mount Richmond

Birds – a short lists includes Pileated Woodpecker, Anna’s Hummingbird, Mergansers, Turkey Vultures (they love resting on our wooden posts), Bald Eagles, Western Bluebird, Great-Horned Owl…

Coyote – in La Bohème and elsewhere, they like to eat grapes but don’t consume enough to be a problem. There’s also a report of what could be a coywolf or a wolf, we aren’t sure…

Aligator Lizards – around the winery

Roughskinned Newts – deceptively cute and often seen crossing our driveway between the woods and the pond. Just don’t kiss them!

Seen any interesting wildlife at Elk Cove? Let us know!