Field Guide Dawn Grafe and ASLC president Jack Doyle
What a beautiful and exciting day it was for eighteen birders! We all met at the Pelican Pub parking lot at 9am to begin our multi-stop caravan up to Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, off coastal Highway 101 in Tillamook County.
Our first stop was at Whalen Island/Clay Meyers Natural Area. As we crossed the bridge to the island we immediately saw three Yellowlegs, amongst Canada Geese, searching the water's shallowness for good things to eat. Violet-green Swallows and Barn Swallows rapidly cut through the air chasing down their brunch, too. In all, we sighted 13 birds. Then we headed north to Whiskey Creek Fish Hatchery where another 17 birds were spotted. Most exciting was the knowledge of birds being expressed by our day's field guide, Dawn Grafe, of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex. "Listen, over there," she would say, "that is the Pacific-slope Flycatcher." Huh? This writer couldn't even hear the sound, never mind ID'ing it!! Next stop, Netarts Bay. On the way, we met up with the Portland Audubon Society caravan as they headed south. We stopped, and after brief chatter, they headed on to their destination(s). At the bay, the tide was low, but we did pencil in viewing 7 species of birds.
Finally reaching our destination, the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, our token Bald Eagle soared overhead. That is always a "sign" that the viewing is going to be very enjoyable. And, it sure was! One of the highlights at this location was the sighting of a Snow Goose flying with Canada Geese. Although Snow Geese prefer to stay with their own, they do occasionally fly with other geese.
Ahh, the sun was bright and warm, the sky was a brilliantly blue, our sightings were absolutely exciting . . . what more could we ask for?!!! Two of the birders said what would really top off the day is to see whales. Poof! Ask and ye shall receive. Just about the same time, 3 whales appeared in front of us. Two adults, one young one! Yes, the day was smiling on us.
Sightings of the Day
Whalen Island/ Clay Meyers Natural Area
Barn Swallow
Violet-green Swallow
Turkey Vulture
Lesserer Yellowleg
Canada Goose
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Double-crested Cormorant
American Crow
Savannah Sparrow
Brewer’s Blackbird
Red-winged Blackbird
White-crowned Sparrow
Whiskey Creek Fish Hatchery
American Robin
Winter/Pacific Wren
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
Wilson’s Warbler
Song Sparrow
Violet-green Swallow
American Goldfinch
European Starling
Brown-headed Cowbird
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
American Wigeon
Belted Kingfisher
Tree Swallow
Rufus Hummingbird
Double-crested Cormorant
Chestnut Chickadee
Netarts Bay
Surf Scoter
Pelagic Cormorant
Ring-necked Duck
Pacific Loon
Greater or Lesser Scaup
Common Loon
Brandt's Cormorant
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
Cackling Goose
White-crowned Sparrow
Violet-green Swallow
Bald Eagle
Brown Pelican
Oyster Catcher
Pigeon Guillemot
Canada Goose
American Crow
Common Murre
Snow Goose
Brown Creeper
Downy Woodpecker
Wilson’s Warbler
Stellar’s Jay
2 Grey Whales and a calf
