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
September 12, 2024 Cutler City & Siletz Bay
On a beautiful fall morning, 22 people gathered to enjoy a bird walk in Cutler City Wetlands. Although birds were not abundant in the forest, ripe huckleberries were found in profusion. Once we arrived at Siletz Bay, everyone's binoculars were trained on Greater Yellowlegs, Brown Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, Double-crested Cormorants, and numerous gulls. Mark Elliott enjoyed his last bird walk weekend as our fearless leader, and his first under our new name, Seven Capes Bird Alliance.
Sightings of the day:
American Crow
Steller's Jay
European Starlings
White-crowned Sparrow
Eurasian-collared Dove
Brown Creeper
Swallow
Red Crossbill
Red-winged Blackbird
Greater Yellowlegs
Turkey Vulture
Double-crested Cormorant
Western Gull
Brown Pelican
Greater Yellowlegs, photo by Ruth Shelly
Group at Siletz Bay by Tom Rice
Trip leader Mark Elliott with our new Seven Capes Bird Alliance sign, photo by Ruth Shelly
May 10, 2024 Cutler City Wetlands & Siletz Bay
Great Blue Heron juveniles, photo by Ruth Shelly
Cutler City was the perfect place to welcome birders from Denver, San Jose and Gresham. Right there we were greeted with the sounds of hungry juvenile Great Blue Herons. This rookery is only two years old and all 19 birders were very excited. As we walked through the wooded area, the native rhododendrons were in full bloom. The bay provided more excitement.
Birders on trail, photo by Ruth Shelly
Sightings of the day:
Wilson’s Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Great Blue Heron
Downy Woodpecker
American Crow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
European Starling
Great Egret
Osprey
Mallard
Tree Swallow
Canada Geese
American Goldfinch
Violet-green Swallow
House Sparrow
Barn Swallow
Double-crested Cormorant
Sanderling
Bald Eagle
September 8, 2023 Cutler City & Siletz Bay
ASLC’s birdwalk sponsored by Lincoln City Explorience was led by Halle Renn with 24 participants. It was a quiet walk through Cutler City Wetlands and the neighborhood. We spent time watching an Eagle and Cormorants enjoying the sun.
Sightings of the day:
Group, photo by Tom Rice
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Cedar Waxwing
Chipmunk
Anna’s Hummingbird
Stellar’s Jay
Northern Flicker
Black-capped Chickadee
Spotted Towhee
House Finch
White-crowned Sparrow
Eurasian Collared Dove
Brewers Blackbird
American Crow
Bald Eagle
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Rufous Hummingbird
Merganser
Red-winged Blackbird
Pied-billed Grebe
Brewer’s Blackbird
January 10, 2020 Siletz Bay: Taft Waterfront and Salishan Nature Trail
To say the weather was crazy during our Taft/Cutler City Bird Walk is an understatement. There were nine of us that forged through the wind and rain in search of birds. There weren't many to find until we turned a corner and heard bird music so loud that we could not believe what we were hearing. Following the sound we could see small flocks of Starlings and Juncos going back and forth from tree to tree. Looking further up in the sky we spotted three Bald Eagles that were upsetting the birds. We right then and there decided it was worth it. Happy ending to the rainy day!
Sightings of the day:
American Crow
Western Gull
Rock Pigeon
Dark-eyed Junco
Black- capped Chickadee
Anna's Hummingbird
Bald Eagle
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Steller's Jay
Song Sparrow
December 6, 2019 Siletz Bay: The Bayhouse to Cutler City
Photos complements of Ernie Rose
Explore Lincoln City sponsored this walk starting at the Bay House. Mark Elliott led a group of 10 birders through Cutler City. The rain did not put a damper on the group’s enthusiasm. We scored a list of over 20.
Sightings of the day:
Chestnut-backed Chickadee ~ Belted Kingfisher ~ Steller's Jay
Varied Thrush ~ Ruby-crowned Kinglet ~ American Robin
Northern Flicker ~ European Starling ~ Song Sparrow
American Crow ~ Dark-eyed Junco ~ Anna's Hummingbird
Cooper's Hawk ~ European-collared Dove ~ Rock Pigeon
Bald Eagle ~ Great Blue Heron ~ Golden-crowned Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler ~ Red-winged Blackbird ~ Bufflehead
Double-crested Cormorant ~ American Wigeon ~ Surf Scoter
Common Merganser ~ Mallard ~ Gadwall ~ American Coot
Western Grebe ~ Townsend Warbler
October 11, 2019 Salishan Nature Trail (Siletz Bay)
It was a beautiful morning along the Salishan Nature Trail and the Pacific Ocean did not disappoint the 19 birders that participated. Calm seas provided the group with some nice sightings.
Sightings of the day:
Merlin ~ Spotted Towhee ~ American Crow ~ Great Blue Heron
Red-breasted Nuthatch ~ European Starling ~ Great Egret
Red-tailed Hawk ~ Song Sparrow ~ Pine Siskin
American Robin ~ Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Northern Flicker ~ Anna's Hummingbird
White-Crowned Sparrow ~ Double-crested Cormorant
Pacific Loon ~ Clark's Grebe ~ Western Grebe ~ Mallard
Marbled Murrelet ~ White-winged Scoter ~ Scaup
American Wigeon ~ American Coot
February 9, 2019 Siletz Bay - Taft Waterfront and Salishan Nature Trail
Nine birders decided to take a chance on the weather Saturday morning. Starting off at the Taft Dock we saw a beautiful Eagle swoop down and picked up its breakfast. There were Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Rock Pigeon, Mew Gull, Kingfisher, American Crow, and Raven on the bay. As we drove to Salishan Nature Trail we were not disappointed and were greeted by a pair of Mallards, Great Blue Heron and snow! As we walked and laughed a flock of Golden-crowned Sparrows were searching for food along with Fox and Song Sparrows. Great White Egret provided contrast in the flurry of snow and the Eagle disrupted a large flock of Pintails. Starlings and Canada Geese finished out the morning. Seeing and watching the six Bald Eagles in action was the highlight of the morning -- and the snow of course.
Thanks to Lincoln City Parks & Recreation for sponsoring!
January 18, 2019 Siletz Bay - Bay House to Cutler City
This was the first time we've met at the Bay House and walked through the Cutler City neighborhood to view the other side of the bay. There were 20 hardy souls braving the bracing weather - the wind kept the water choppy so it was hard to scope for waterfowl. From the parking lot we meandered through the neighborhood where we got some of our best birds. We ended at end south end of Fleet Street where we enjoyed two Black Turnstones, a couple of Common Loons, and a distant Bald Eagle.
Sightings of the Day
Surf Scoter
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Horned Grebe
Rock Pigeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Anna's Hummingbird
Black Turnstone
Western Gull
Common Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
Bald Eagle
Northern Flicker
Steller's Jay
American Crow
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Bushtit
American Robin
European Starling
House Finch
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Townsend's Warbler
Thanks to Lincoln City Parks & Recreation for sponsoring!
October 12, 2018 Siletz Bay, Taft to Cutler City
What a beautiful day to walk with 18 birders around Cutler City and Josephine Young Park. We had visitors from Tucson, Los Angeles, and Tidewater. Among the 25 species were Red-necked Grebe, Townsend Warbler, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Surf Scoter.
Great Blue Heron photo courtesy of Ernie Rose
White-crowned Sparrow photo courtesy of Ernie Rose
Sightings of the Day
Eurasian-collard Dove
Mew Gull
Great Blue Heron
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
American Goldfinch
Fox Sparrow
European Starlings
Rock Dove
Townsend Warbler
Spotted Towhee
Northern Flicker
Anna’s Hummingbird
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
House Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Great White Egret
Bufflehead
Semipalmated Plover
Red-necked Grebe
Dark-eyed Junco
American Crow
February 10, 2018 Siletz Bay and Salishan Nature Trail
Saturday’s bird walk brought 30 birders out to enjoy sunshine and the birds. The tide was in at Siletz Bay and we were treated with a variety of birds at that location. The walk along the Salishan Nature Trail provided another opportunity to see up close more birds in the bay. Looking up directly overhead, as if on command, an immature Bald Eagle flew by to everyone’s delight.
Sightings of the Day
Canada Goose
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Surf Scoter
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Pacific Loon
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Western Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed HawkMew Gull
Western Gull
Herring Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
gull sp.
Anna's Hummingbird
Northern Flicker
American Crow
Common Raven
Pacific Wren
American Robin
Varied Thrush
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Fox Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Rock Pigeon
February 11, 2017 Siletz Bay, Alder Island Loop, and Salishan Nature Trails
Today was the first blue sky day we have had in a long time. It lasted all day and 25 birders came and took advantage of the sunshine and birds. While we were waiting for everyone to gather, all eyes went to the sky to see two immature and one mature Bald Eagles. To top that off a sighting of a Barn Swallow and Tree Swallows surprised us with their early arrival to the area.
Sightings of the Day
Barn Swallow
Tree Swallow
Bald Eagle
American Crow
Common Raven
Rock Dove
Mew Gull
Western Gull
Surf Scoter
Red-breasted Merganser
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Double-crested Cormorant
Barrows Goldeneye
Stellar's Jay
Common Goldeneye
Great Blue Heron
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Song Sparrow
Anna's Hummingbird
Canada Goose
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Hairy Woodpecker
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Eared Grebe
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Downy Woodpecker
Yellow Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pacific Wren
Hermit Thrush
Northern Flicker
Horned Grebe
February 13, 2016 Siletz Bay at 51st and Salishan Nature Trail
"Red sky morning, sailors take warning." That's the way the morning started but 26 birders lucked out. Although it was a bit chilly morning, there was no rain, yet! With field guide, Mark Elliott, the morning started at the dock next to Mo's restaurant. Unfortunately the dock was closed off but we did manage to see quite a few birds such as Great Egret, Common Loon, Bald Eagle, grebes and mergansers, gulls, and other species. From 51st Street we headed to the Salishan Marketplace to walk the Salishan Nature Trail along the north side of the golf course. This is a short yet interesting trail with a variety of bird species. A great morning for all.
Birds shown: Red Crossbills, Anna's Hummingbird, Great Blue Heron
Sightings of the Day
Bald Eagle
Rock Dove
Western Gull
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Great Egret
Western Grebe
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Common Merganser
Anna’s Hummingbird
Red-tailed Hawk
Canada Goose
Pine Siskin
Red Crossbill
Northern Flicker
American Robin
Eurasian Collared Dove
Song Sparrow
Hermit Thrush
Pelagic Cormorant
American Crow
Common Raven
Steller’s Jay
April 12, 2014 Siletz Bay Natural Wildlife Refuge
It was a great day for birding, especially for Siletz Bay. Not much wind at all. Sunny and nice. We had a great turn out, with people from Eugene, Laughlin NV and Portland. I think we had over 20 people. Laura and Jack did a great job on the walk. Jack Hurt was there for back up info. The field trip started at the Salishan Market parking lot. We walked the foot path that runs along Siletz Bay. The tide was coming tide so a lot of the birds we saw were a little far out. We saw Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Whimbrels, Rufous Hummingbird, and Laura spotted a "Black-legged Kittiwake. " Jack Hurt said it was a bird you don't normally see along the shore. You see that bird more out in the ocean.
Some of us stopped at Siletz Keys on the way home from the field trip. We saw a sweet little Marsh Wren that was just carrying on . . . singing a loud, vibrant song. We think it might have been telling another wren to stay away. Whatever its reasons, we really didn't care, it was just cool to listen. I wish I had recorded it. I did get to see him, just before he flew away. Not quick enough to photo though. Laura and Caren saw him and commented on his tail sticking up. When I finely got a glimpse of the little guy, they were right, his tail was sticking straight up and I mean straight up... It was pretty funny to see. So he was either showing off to a damsel or shooing away a rival. The photo of the "Osprey" was at Siletz Quay. The others are from the field trip.
(As reported by Jody Picconi)
April 13, 2013 Siletz Bay Natural Wildlife Refuge
13 birders from Bend, Portland, Lincoln County were grateful for the change in the weather on Saturday. We started the morning birding field trip at the Taft docks in rain and at low tide. Several species were out and about including Bald Eagles. The group then moved south to the Keys and Salishan where we were treated to sun and views of some waterfowl and forest birds. We hope to see many of the participants at another field trip when the weather and tide are more cooperative. Don’t miss next month’s trip to Cape Meares!
Sightings of the Day
Bald Eagle
Western Gulls
Common Merganser
Common Loon
Great Blue Heron
Canada Goose
European Starling
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
Bufflehead
Rock Dove
Mallards
Common Raven
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Song Sparrow
Anna's Hummingbird
American Crow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Steller's Jay
Great White Egret
Northern Pintail
April 14, 2012 Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge, OR
In contrast to what the weather gurus were saying about the day being bright and warm, the morning we birders grouped together at the Taft wharf, the sky was cloudy and the air was chilly. But, anyone who knows birders knows that inclement weather is just a mere distraction to them. Binoculars and cameras are always at the ready! So there we were, 26 eyes scanning the Siletz Bay for sea birds and otherwise. And, as usual, Bald Eagle made its grand entrance at the start of the walk, as it always does! Down Hwy 101, just a bit further south, we pulled into Keys Place and viewed a mix of birds, those in the brush and more in the water. From there, we headed to the Nature Walk at Salishan. At Salishan, we were courted by a Great Blue Heron that obviously wanted its picture taken from all angles. We succumbed to its beauty and it left the photographers in the group having to go through hundreds of photo files to find the "right one" when they downloaded them to their computers! All in all, it was an enjoyable time, together with friends, new acquaintances, and a surprisingly long list of feathered friends.
Birds Pictured: Western Gull, Great Blue Heron, Bufflehead,
egg of the Lesser White Dimpler
Sightings of the Day
Bald Eagle
Caspian Tern
Western Gull
Common Loon
Red-throated Loon
American Crow
Brown Pelican
Red-breasted Merganser
Bufflehead
Turkey Vulture
Double-crested Cormorant
Ruddy Duck
Mew Gulls
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Mallard
Canada Geese
Western Grebe
Starling
House Finch
House Sparrow
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
American Robin
Great Blue Heron
Belted Kingfisher
Rufus Hummingbird
Purple Martin
Black-capped Chickadee
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Rock Dove
Steller's Jay
Common Merganser
Common Goldeneye
Anna’s Hummingbird
Marsh Wren
Red-tailed Hawk
November 9, 2010 Siletz Bay (IBA)
The weather was cold and slightly windy but 17 birders braved the elements for an exciting morning of birding.
We started at the Taft dock, moved to Cutler City and finally ended on the Nature Trail at Salishan.
Sightings of the Day
Double-crested Cormorant
Western Gull
Mew Gull
Common Loon
Pacific Loon
Red-throated Loon
Red-breasted Merganser
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Red-necked Grebe
Red-tailed Hawk
Horned Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Bufflehead
Mallard
Tundra Swan
Green-winged Teal
Great Egret
Northern Harrier
Belted Kingfisher
American Kestrel
European Starling
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Yellow-rumped Warbler
American Wigeon
Northern Pintail
American Crow
Bald Eagle
Peregrine Falcon
Pacific Wren
April 10, 2010 Bird Walk at Siletz Bay, Lincoln City
Nearly 20 people enjoyed wonderful weather and exciting sights as they hiked the Salishan Nature Trail in search of birds this Saturday, April 10th. Participants spotted 25 different birds in Siletz Bay and in the marshes, shrubs, and dunes along the Salishan Nature Trail. Most of the participants on this walk were new to Audubon and almost half were from out of the area. On the second Saturday of most months, ASLC hosts a bird walk beginning at 9 AM. We provide binoculars and field guides to new birders and welcome beginning birders on these monthly outings. "It's great to be able to introduce our wonderful coastal birding sites to both new and experienced birders from other parts of the state," said ASLC President, Jack Doyle.
Sightings of the Day
Bald Eagle
Bufflehead
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Rufous Hummingbird
Anna's Hummingbird
American Robin
American Goldfinch
American Crow
Marsh Wren
House Finch
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Flock of flying Cormorants
Pelagic Cormorant
Brandt's Cormorant
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Western Gull
California Gull
Great Egret
Northern Pintail
November 7, 2009 - Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Today we saw a Bald Eagle that hovered over a Bufflehead trying to become a diving bird until it tired out and the eagle flew off with it.
(This was a day to remember not only for the number of birds viewed, but also for the daring souls who weathered lightning and thunder, pouring rain, and hail. It was also the same day that a tornado hit Roads End, ripping off a roof of a house and blowing out car windows!)
Sightings of the Day
Black Scoter
Surf Scoter
Black Turnstone
Red-necked Phalarope
Common Merganser
Brown Pelican
Bufflehead
Double-crested Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
American Crow
Western Gull
California Gull
Western Grebe
Kingfisher