Bully Creek Reservoir, resevoir in Oregon, USA
Bully Creek Reservoir is a body of water in Oregon built in 1963 by the Bureau of Reclamation, covering about 985 acres roughly 10 miles west of Vale. The shoreline stretches about 7 miles and is bordered by a mix of forested areas and open land with sagebrush and grass that support diverse fish species like bass, crappie, and trout, alongside waterfowl and birds of prey.
The reservoir was built in 1963 by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Vale Project, which dams Bully Creek about 8 miles northwest of where it joins the Malheur River. Its primary purpose has been to control water flow and supply irrigation for regional farmland.
The reservoir serves as a gathering place for fishing enthusiasts and bird watchers who arrive with binoculars and cameras to observe wildlife throughout the year. The way visitors use the space reflects a quiet tradition of outdoor observation and natural contemplation.
The area is easily reached via paved roads that lead right to the dam and waterfront, making it simple to walk or drive to the water's edge for viewing or fishing. A park with forty campsites, clean restrooms with showers, boat ramp, and covered shelters operates from spring to late fall, with payment accepted in cash or checks only.
The eastern portion of the reservoir is shallow and densely vegetated, making it an exceptionally important habitat for Western Grebes and Clark's Grebes, water birds rarely seen elsewhere in the region. Summer visitors might spot American White Pelicans floating near the water, while red rock formations nearby harbor Golden Eagles and Canyon Wrens.
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