September 8, 2018 Alder Island Loop Trail, Siletz Bay NWR
15 birders were delighted to find mostly sunny skies instead of the forecast rain at Alder Island Saturday morning. The trees and brush were filled with birds and birdsong. American Goldfinch and Warbling Vireo families were plentiful, with begging youngsters being fed by patient parents. Ducks have started to arrive at the bay, and several Common Merganser were feeding in the canal by the trail. Most plentiful birds were Song Sparrows and Cedar Waxwings.
Sightings of the Day
Common Merganser
Rock Pigeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Vaux's Swift
Rufous Hummingbird
Western Gull
California Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Warbling Vireo
Steller's Jay
Common Raven
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Marsh Wren
American Robin
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
House/Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Orange-crowned Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Black-throated Gray Warbler
Townsend's Warbler
August 11, 2018 Bayocean Spit
Sightings of the Day
Whimbrels
Western Sandpiper
Sanderling
Caspian Tern
Bald Eagle
Brown Pelican
Hummingbird
American Robin
Barn Swallow
Double-crested Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
American Crow
Common Raven
Wrentit
Cedar Waxwing
Great Blue Heron
Gulls- California, Western, Ring-billed
August 10, 2018 The Knoll
The fog was low in the trees on our walk to the Knoll Friday morning. There were 19 birders/photographers that were not disappointed by the beauty along the trail. We were entertained by the song of the Swainson’s Thrush, Wrentit, Pacific Wren, and the Sightings of the Cooper’s Hawk, Song Sparrow, American Crow, Band-tailed Pigeon, Stellar’s Jay, Raven, Barn Swallow, Dark-eyed Junco, and the Chestnut-backed Chickadee.
July 14, 2018 Buell County Park, Polk County
Buell County Park in Polk County is a hidden gem for the eight birders that attended our field trip on Saturday. It was good to have birders from McMinnville and Dallas join us, and we were not disappointed as it is that time of year when juveniles try to create the mystery of “what’s that bird?”
Our field trip coordinator, Mark Elliott, played at Buell Park as a child and now he leads birdwalks there.
Birds seen included Chipping Sparrows, a flock of Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Western Wood-pewee, Bushtit, Lesser Goldfinch, Downy Woodpecker, Cooper’s Hawk along with a few more species.
July 13, 2018 The Villages at Cascade Head
It was a wonderful Friday the 13th! Fourteen birders walked from Villages of Cascade Head to Roads End State Park. We saw 29 species including Downy Woodpecker, Heerman's Gull, juvenile Bushtits, and Warbling Vireo. It was great to meet folks from Newport, Tidewater, and Southern California!
Thank you Lincoln City Visitor and Convention Bureau!
June 9, 2018 Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
A very early downpour of rain had some folks questioning their thoughts of attending this bird walk. But the Yaquina Head Visitors Center parking lot saw 19 diehard birders gathered for the morning's birding adventure. Yes, it was raining at first but after awhile blue sky appeared and kept the birders dry for the rest of the walk.
Sightings of the Day
Peregrine Falcon
American Goldfinch
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Barn Swallow
Violet-green Swallow
Tree Swallow
Common Murre
Black Oystercatcher
Brandt's Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
Brown Pelican
Western Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
California Gull
Bald Eagle
Turkey Vulture
American Crow
Wilson's Warbler
Spotted Towhee
May 12, 2018 The Villages at Cascade Head
Sightings of the Day
Canada Goose
Mallard
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Red-necked Grebe
Western Grebe
Brandt's Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Whimbrel
Western Sandpiper
Common Murre
Western Gull
Band-tailed Pigeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Western Wood-PeweeSteller's Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Violet-green Swallow
Barn Swallow
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Pacific Wren
Swainson's Thrush
American Robin
European Starling
Orange-crowned Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Western Tanager
Black-headed Grosbeak
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
Red Crossbill
American Goldfinch
March 10, 2018 Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Saturday was a beautiful day for birding. Audubon had 26 birders turn out for a beautiful walk at the Refuge. Turkey Vultures and Tree Swallows showed us that Spring is just around the corner.
Sightings of the Day
Turkey Vulture
Tree Swallow
Common Raven
American Crow
Steller’s Jay
American Robin
Great Egret
Northern Pintail
American Wigeon
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Pacific Wren
Western Gull
Sandpiper (sp)
Bald Eagle
Sanderling
Red-shouldered Hawk
Rufus Hummingbird
Fox Sparrow
Red-tailed Hawk
Cackling Goose
Canada Goose
Bufflehead
Northern Harrier
Northern Flicker
Song Sparrow
Great Blue Heron
Prairie Falcon
American Coot
Ring-billed Duck
European Starling
American Kestrel
Eurasian Dove
Black Phoebe
Red-winged Blackbird
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
January 13, 2018 Newport's OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center Nature Trail and South Jetty
Saturday was a perfect day for a bird walk. Just ask any of the 27 birders that show up for the beautiful weather at the Marine Hatfield Science Center. Right away a female and male Peregrine Falcon were spotted and everyone got a good look at these beautiful birds. That was only the beginning.
Sightings of the Day
Bufflehead
Surf Scoter
Pelagic Cormorant
Peregrine Falcon
Red-throated Loon
Greater Scaup
Horned Grebe
American Wigeons
American Crow
Brant Goose
Hooded Merganser
Song Sparrow
Great Blue Heron
Belted Kingfisher
Bald Eagle
Pacific Wren
Red-tailed Hawk
Varied Thrush
Fox Sparrow
Greater White-fronted Goose
Common Loon
Swallow (sp)
Harlequin Duck
Barrow’s Goldeneye
Mew Gull
Common Goldeneye
Glaucous-winged Gull
Western Gull
November 11, 2017 Cascade Head Scenic Area at the River House
Coming from Otis, Lincoln City, Siletz, Depoe Bay, Idaho, Coos Bay, and Neskowin, 19 birders gathered in the CHR River House at 9am. After a brief talk on bird photography by ASLC president Jack Doyle, all headed outside for the morning's bird walk along the shoreline of the Salmon River. Twenty-one species of birds were sighted during the on-again/off-again drizzling morning. The weather and the lighting wasn't the best for bird photography but some birders managed to get some decent photos. Back in the River House, hot cider and cookies offered a welcoming respite from the damp outside.
Sightings of the Day
Pacific Loon
Western Gull
Common Merganser
Belted Kingfisher
Bald Eagle
Pacific Wren
Northern Flicker
Pine Siskin
Fox Sparrow
Steller’s Jay
Western Grebe
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Cooper’s Hawk
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
American Crow
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Common Raven
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Song Sparrow
Marsh Wren
October 14, 2017 Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint to Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area
What a wonderful morning! 21 birders gathered in the parking lot of the Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint for the ASLC bird walk, led by Mark Elliott. From Boiler Bay the birders caravanned past Depoe Bay, made a brief stop at Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint, and further travelled to Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area. Interesting birds that were sighted include Black Turnstone, Wandering Tattler, Surfbird and Harlequin Duck.
Sightings of the Day
Brown Pelican
California Gull
Western Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
American Crow
Pacific Loon
Pelagic Cormorant
Western Grebe
Song Sparrow
Pigeon Guillemot
Red-throated Loon
Pine Siskin
Common Loon
Harlequin Duck
Red-necked Grebe
Surfbird
Wandering Tattler
Black Turnstone
House Sparrow
Black Oystercatcher
Anna's Hummingbird
September 9, 2017 Kayaking/Canoeing the Little Nestucca River
Sightings of the Day
Turkey Vulture
Merlin
Red-tailed Hawk
Canada Goose
House Finch
American Crow
European Starling
Red-winged Blackbird
Barn Swallow
American Goldfinch
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Song Sparrow
Steller’s JayCedar Waxwing
Barn Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Bald Eagle
California Gull
Western Gull
Sandpiper sp.
Tree Swallow
Violet-green Swallow
Double-crested Cormorant
Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Purple Martin
August 12, 2017 Kilchis Point Reserve
Nine birders headed to Kilchis Point Reserve in Bay City. Immediately, we should tell you that if you are traveling north to locate it, you might bypass it since there is no directional signage telling you to turn west off of Hwy 101. However, you will find a sign as you head south from Garibaldi. Anyway, meeting and greeting each other at the parking lot, we began the walk along a very well-maintained path with numerous informational signs leading us to the bay. The weather was perfect and the camaraderie was excellent. Initially, we heard numerous American Robins squawking about something in their area. Soon, we saw the flash of a Great Horned Owl as it flew away from the ruckus. Many bird species were seen once we arrived at the bay opening. The tide was very low so shorebirds were quite a distance away but we did manage to identify several of them. On our return trip, a Downy Woodpecker and a Hairy Woodpecker were sighted in close proximity. All in all, it was a pleasant, relaxing and enjoyable walk.
Sightings of the Day
American Crow
Barn Swallow
American Goldfinch
Great Egret
Steller's Jay
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Cedar Waxwing
Great Horned Owl
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Swainson Thrush
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Band-tailed Pigeon
American Robin
Bald Eagle
Mew Gull
Western Gull
Least Sandpiper
Semi-palmated Plover
Osprey
California Gull
Wilson Warbler
Violet-green Swallow
Downy Woodpecker
Turkey Vulture
Black-headed Grosbeak
Common Raven
Hairy Woodpecker
Red-tailed Hawk
July 8, 2017 Buell County Park and Mill Creek Park
A county park just a ways off the main road was a pleasant surprise to 16 birders that joined our outing. The morning was warm and the shade of the Bigleaf Maple and Oregon white oak trees hosted a variety of species that we don't usually see on the Oregon Coast. It was a clear, sunny morning as we gathered in the parking lot of Buell County Park, a location that was not familiar to many who came. As a Great Blue Heron squawked in retreat, binoculars were focused on Willow Flycatchers, Chipping Sparrows, and the brightly-colored Western Tanager. At Mill Creek Park, on the other side of Hwy 22, we had another sighting of the Western Tanager as well as Cedar Waxwings. Moving about half a mile from the park we stopped along the creek for any new sightings. And there it was! An American Dipper wading in the water and stopping on a rock long enough for a photo op!! We couldn't have asked for a better morning for a bird walk!
Sightings of the Day
Willow Flycatcher
American Goldfinch
Barn Swallow
Violet-green Swallow
American Robin
Chipping Sparrow
Turkey Vulture
Great Blue Heron
Northern Harrier
Warbling Vireo
Song Sparrow
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Cedar Waxwing
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Western Tanager
Dark-eyed Junco
Swainson's Thrush
Spotted Towhee
California Scrub Jay
Red-tailed Hawk
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
European Starling
American Kestrel
Common Raven
Stellar's Jay
Band-tailed Pigeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
American Dipper
California Quail
June 10, 2017 Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
The weather was a question mark for our Saturday morning bird walk at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. As it turned out we had another beautiful bird walk with very little wind and 14 fellow birders. We were not disappointed by the action of resident Peregrine Falcons as they fed two young birds. Our walk to the rocks below showed us that the eagles and the gulls have taken toll on the Common Murre population. Very few birds were nesting on the rocks surrounding the lighthouse and we saw at least three eagles close by.
Sightings of the Day
Peregrine Falcon
White-crowned Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Barn Swallow
Violet-green Swallow
American Crow
House Finch
Song Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Rufus Hummingbird
Common Murre
Pigeon Guillemot
Brandt's Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
Bald Eagle
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Brown Pelican
Great Blue Heron
Western Gull
May 13, 2017 Open Spaces Bird Walk: Villages of Cascade Head to Roads End Park Beach
With the recent weather giving us nothing but downpours one would think Saturday's bird walk would be a no show. Instead everyone was pleasantly surprised by the fact there was very little rain and 11 people showed up for the event, including two couples from Vancouver, Washington!
Sightings of the Day
Black-headed Grosbeak
Northern Flicker
Hairy Woodpecker
American Robin
White-crowned Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
American Crow
Brewers Blackbird
Band-tailed Pigeon
Eurasian-collared Dove
Pacific Wren
Dark-eyed Junco
Great Blue Heron
Song Sparrow
Tree Swallow
Mallard
Barn Swallow
Violet-green Swallow
Marsh Wren
Western Gull
Brown Pelican
European Starling
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Anna's Hummingbird
American Goldfinch
Purple Finch
Western Wood-pewee
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow Warbler
Turkey Vulture
Steller's Jay
April 8, 2017 Alder Island Nature Trail Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge
While the rest of Lincoln City was experiencing rain and hail, 15 birders walked the Alder Island Nature Trail at the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge in the sun. We watched 8-10 Great Blue Herons flying in and out of the alders some with nesting materials in their beaks.
Music of the songbirds filled the air and added to the beauty of the sun-filled morning.
Sightings of the Day
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Bufflehead
American Robin
Double-crested Cormorant
Rufous Hummingbird
Mallard
Barn Swallow
Song Sparrow
Canada Goose
American Crow
Bald Eagle
Red-breasted Merganser
Purple Finch
Orange-crowned Warbler
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Common Raven
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Violet-green Swallow
Turkey Vulture
European Starling
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-winged Blackbird
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Western Grebe
Stellar's Jay
Anna's Hummingbird
Common Merganser
Red-tailed Hawk
Common Yellowthroat
Belted Kingfisher
Western Gull
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Rock Pigeon
March 11, 2017 Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Despite the lovely rain that fell, 15 determined birders showed up at the Nestucca Wildlife Refuge. We could see and hear signs of Spring everywhere including the return of the Turkey Vulture. The dark, rainy weather kept us from getting many photos to post!!
Sightings of the Day
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Mallard
European Starling
American Crow
Common Raven
Great Blue Heron
Tree Swallow
Anna's Hummingbird
Cackling Goose
Red-tailed Hawk
American Robin
Varied Thrush
Northern Flicker
Dark-eyed Junco
Bald Eagle
Turkey Vulture
Steller's Jay
Pacific Wren
Rufus Hummingbird
Scrub Jay
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Song Sparrow
Canada Goose
Killdeer
Great Egret
Brewer's Blackbird
Violet-green Swallow
Red-winged Blackbird
Bufflehead
Common Merganser
American Coot
Cooper's Hawk
Brown-headed Cowbird
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