December 6, 2024 Taft Waterfront & Siletz Bay

On a crisp December morning, 20 hardy birders gathered at Taft dock from as far away as Michigan to enjoy the birds bobbing on Siletz Bay. Rafts of Surf Scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers, and Buffleheads enjoyed the winter seafood buffet as a Bald Eagle perched in the distance. The thicket along the beach path was animated by darting Anna's Hummingbirds, Townsend's Warblers, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Driving to a second spot, the group enjoyed a bonus stroll on a moss-covered path through the Siletz Keys section of Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge. All agreed that it was a great way to start the day. 

Birders at Taft Waterfront, photo by Ruth Shelly

Bufflehead, photo by Ruth Shelly

Sightings of the day:
Surf Scoter
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Red-breasted Merganser
Rock Pigeon
Anna's Hummingbird
Western Gull
California Gull
Red-necked Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Steller's Jay
American Crow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Dark-eyed Junco
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Townsend's Warbler
Red-winged Blackbird

Surf Scoter, photo by Ruth Shelly