(Sorry but there were no photographers to share photos - 18 birders were present)
Sightings of the Day
Brandt's Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Peregrine Flacon and 2 chicks
Black Oystercatcher
Western Gull
Common Murre
Pigeon Guillemot
Rufous Hummingbird
American Crow
Violet-green Swallow
Barn Swallow
Spotted Towhee
White-crowned Sparrow
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Sightings of the Day
Barn Swallow
Cedar Waxwing
Turkey Vulture
Swainson’s Thrush
American Goldfinch
Warbling Vireo
Song Sparrow
Brown-headed Cowbird
Pacific Wren
Band-tailed Pigeon
American Robin
Osprey
Rufous Hummingbird
Purple Finch
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Wilson’s Warbler
Black-throated Gray Warbler
American Crow
Black-headed Grosbeak
Hermit Warbler
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Steller's Jay
Killdeer
Violet-green Swallow
Brewer's Blackbird
Common Yellowthroat
Green Heron
Red-tailed Hawk
Common Raven
Western Wood-Pewee
Hermit Thrush
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
25 birders arrived at the Boiler Bay parking lot to begin a very enjoyable morning of bird watching led by field guide, Mark Elliott. After enjoying the sightings, the birders then migrated to Rocky Creek and Devil's Punch Bowl.
Sightings of the Day
Glaucous-winged Gull
Herring Gull
Western Gull
Killdeer
American Crow
American Robin
Black Turnstone
Western Grebe
Brown Pelican
Pelagic Cormorant
Black Oystercatcher
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-necked Grebe
Rock Dove
Song Sparrow
Pacific Wren
Starlings
Red-throated Loon
Surf Scoter
Spotted Towhee
Pine Siskin
Horned Grebe
Red-tailed Hawk (on way to event)
Douglas Squirrel
Upon the arrival of some of us, we were greeted by a flyover of what is fast becoming our group's mascot, the Bald Eagle, which has been present at all but one ASLC field trip in the past 4-5 years. When all were present in the lower parking lot of the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge, we gathered in a circle, announced our names and resident towns, and then made a slow procession uphill toward the observation platform. With binoculars in hand, cameras at the ready, eyes and ears sensitive to the slightest movement and/or faintest sound, field guides Mark Elliott and Dick Demarest gave the other 28 birders an idea of what birds we might observe at this place during this time of year. It was a gray, misty morning with fog heading toward us from the north. When we arrived at the upper parking lot, the fog was dropping down to the top of the trees of the wooded hillside on our right. As we made the turn on to the path heading to the observation platform, a Bald Eagle flew right over us before any of the photographers had a chance to snap a shot prior to its being dissolved by the fog. If that wasn't unfortunate enough, another eagle followed the same flight path within a few minutes, and still no photos! By then we could see the fog had dropped below the trees, so it was decided we would travel the Meda Loop Rd that circles the wetland of the Little Nestucca River on the east side of Hwy 101. In the past it has always rewarded us with greating sightings, and it continued to do so on this day. In all, between the two locations, 35 species were viewed. Not bad for such a gray day!
Birds Pictured (clockwise from top left):
Black Phoebe
Marsh Wren
Great Blue Heron
Northern Pintail and Canada Goose
Sightings of the Day
Red Crossbill
Northern Flicker
Dusky Goose
Bald Eagle (5 adults, 1 immature)
American Robin
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Merlin
Red-breasted Nuthatch
American Kestrel
Hooded Merganser
Gold-crowned Kinglet
Townsend's Warbler
Bufflehead
Red-winged Blackbird
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Blue Heron
Belted Kingfisher
Song Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Pied-billed Grebe
Mallard
Gold-crowned Sparrow
Northern Pintail
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black Phoebe
American Crow
American Coot
Ring-necked Duck
Gadwall
Glaucous-winged Gull
Dark-eyed Junco
Steller's Jay
Wilson’s Snipe
Marsh Wren
First time in three years, this field trip was sunny and cold. Previously, we'd endured cold and wet weather. Still, as always, this was a very enjoyable bird walk which was led by field guide, Mark Elliott. No sooner did we exit our cars when an immature bald eagle flew right over us . . . a perfect photo op with great lighting and its being maybe only 75 feet above us, if that! Down below, Brandt, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Great Scaup, Horned Grebe, and a couple of Common Loons were busy seeking food in the bay. Walking further along the trail, we saw American Wigeons, Eurasian Wigeons and Northern Pintails in large groups that we were only able to ID with binoculars. Still further along the path, 2 mature eagles were viewed upon a log in the water looking in the direction of the group of forementioned waterfowl. As we made the turn back toward the parking lot, a small flock of Red Crossbills settled on the high branches of a nearby tree and in the open brush below an Anna's Hummingbird lighted weightlessly on an upper branch in unobstructed view. We then drove over to the Newport South Jetty where for the 2nd year in a row we saw a pair of Harlequin ducks. Another pleasant surprise was discovering a Black Turnstone standing on a rock at water's edge. As we worked at ID'ing the various gulls, we witnessed one that appeared to have something wrapped around its neck to make its neck look like a bib . . . poor bird. To get out of the cold and to warm our bellies, many headed to Rogue Brewery for lunch. Great ending to a fun morning.
Sightings of the Day
Immature Bald Eagle (2)
Mature Bald Eagle (2)
Surf Scoter
Common Loon
Bufflehead
Horned Grebe
American Coot
Pelagic Cormorant
Greater Scaup
Western Gull
Brandt
Song Sparrow
Brown Pelican
American Crow
American Wigeon
Eurasian Wigeon
Northern Pintail
European Starling
Black-capped Chickadee
Red Crossbill
Anna’s Hummingbird
Mew Gull
White-winged Scoter
Red-throated Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
Red-breasted Merganser
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Barrow’s Goldeneye (female)
Black Turnstone
Harlequin
Glaucous-winged Gull
Red-necked Grebe
Hooded Merganser (female)
Western Grebe
ASLC held a photo tips class and a field trip on the Salmon River at the foot of the Cascade Head Scenic Area. Birding was great with 20 people participating. Photos were taken from the road that goes along the river next to the riverhouse. Martha Wylder's house is just above this spot and is where she experienced the taking of one of her beloved Gray Jay's while feeding them under the eaves of her home. She thought it might have been one of the small migrating hawks such as the Sharp-shinned Hawk or Merlin Falcon. Meanwhile, down below, the group viewed and ID'd two Peregrine Falcons cruising along the foothill.
Sightings of the Day
American Crow
Belted Kingfisher
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Common Merganser
Double-crested Cormorant
Fox Sparrow
Great Blue Heron
Northern Flicker
Peregrine Falcon
Pine Siskin
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Red Crossbill
Ring-billed Gull
Song Sparrow
Surf Scoter
Western Gull
White-fronted Geese
Steller's Jay
Neither the threat of heavy rains, nor the threat of high winds, nor a downright soaking kept eleven birders from enjoying the canoeing/kayaking field trip at Beaver Creek State Natural Area. It may not have been one of our best days for spotting our fair feathered friends, but as always the camaraderie was joyous and upliftng. We didn't travel the full length of the creek but we did enjoy the sound of a Virginia Rail, the sight of a Northern Harrier, the sounds and sights of other birds, as well as our ever-present visitor, the Bald Eagle.
Sightings of the Day
Northern Flicker
Hooded Merganser
Northern Harrier
Common Snipe
Canada Goose
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Northern Pintail
Chestnut-back Chickadee
American Robin
Pied-billed Grebe
Virginia Rail
Bald Eagle
Steller's Jay
Heading due east from the central Oregon coast, birders made their way to Baskett Slough. Welcomed by an American Kestrel sitting high on a wire, the travelers met on Coville Road between 2 bodies of water. Although the water's height had extremely dropped due to hot, dry weather, a number of bird species were seen. To get from one body of water to the next, several Great Egrets flew right over the birders and gave the photographers in the group a perfect opportunity to catch their images against a brilliantly blue sky. Sandpipers of several species skittered along the water's edge seeking a meal of invertebrates. A group of Dowitchers hugged the water's edge next to the road and they, too, offered an excellent photo op for the birders. The Corvallis Audubon group was also here to bird watch. We saw them at the observation deck on the hill above. As they came down below and were driving out, our field guide Mark Elliott, made introductions and got the word that birds were sparse on the hill. Before driving to the parking lot for the hillside hike, a Red-tailed Hawk made its presence known by flying low, right over the group. Prune and apple trees lined the path to the parking lot. Blackberries were also abundant though smaller than what is found on the coast. All were delicious! As announced by the Corvallis group, we didn't see very many birds from the observation deck but we did see a flock of Great Egrets, a patrolling Northern Harrier, and several small bird species. Oh, and let's not forget . . . Bald Eagle was once again present at our bird walk! In all, we report the presence of 34 species seen by the group. Impressive, indeed!
Sightings of the day
American Kestrel
Great Egret
Violet-green Swallow
Barn Swallow
Long-billed Dowitcher
Red-winged Blackbird
Spotted Sandpiper
Western Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Greater Yellowlegs
American Goldfinch
Northern Harrier
Great Blue Heron
Mallard
Ruddy Duck
Gadwall
American Robin
Brewer’s Blackbird
Turkey Vulture
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-tailed Hawk
Raven
Bald Eagle
California Quail
Scrub Jay
Oregon Junco
Spotted Towhee
Western Tanager
Wilson’s Warbler
White Pelican
Western Meadowlark
Morning Dove
Green Heron
This writer is truly beginning to believe that the ASLC bird walks are scheduled by retirees! :-)
Last month, some folks from Lincoln City had to get out of bed by around 6:30am to make it to the Yaquina Head bird walk. This walk wanted us at Bayocean at 8:30 in the morning! Yes, I'm complaining about the early morning hours but, ahhh, what a totally enjoyable experience.
After introductions in the parking lot, we chose to walk the fog-laden ocean side of the spit of land. As we approached the sandy beach, birds were visible mostly only through binoculars. It's amazing that what looks like a barren, seaward vista to the naked eye becomes a parade of seafaring birds flying here, there, and everywhere through the glass of a pair of binoculars! Cormorants, murres, gulls, pelicans, and other sea birds. Drop your binoculars and, poof, they're all gone!!
From there, we walked through the woods of the spit and were surprised by the quiet and the near non-existent activity of birdlife till we arrived at the bay's shore. American Crows began squawking loudly. Birders know that means there is either a raptor or raven nearby. We heard but couldn't see. But we did see Greater Yellowlegs and Lesser Sandpipers scouring the mudflats for aquatic invertebrates and other delectables.
Sightings of the Day
Barn Swallow
Great Blue Heron
Brown Pelican
Mallard
Common Raven
American Crow
Cedar Waxwing
Common Murre
Pelagic Cormorant
Brandt’s Cormorant
Western Gull
Savannah Sparrow
Double-crested Cormorant
Caspian Tern
Common Loon
Marbled Murrelet
Northern Flicker
Western Sandpiper
Red Crossbill
Wrentit
American Robin
Bewick’s Wren
Bald Eagle
Least Sandpiper
Fox Sparrow
Semipalmated Plover
Ring-billed Gull
Greater Yellowlegs
Wilson’s Warbler
Violet-green Swallow
Belted Kingfisher
Canada Geese
Great Egret
Steller’s Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Song Sparrow
Swainson’s Thrush
Mammals
Oregon Grey Squirrel
Nutria
