September 20, 2019 Hostetler Park (D River) and Devil's Lake State Park, Lincoln City
Mark Elliott was joined by 17 enthusiastic adults and two children for our Hostetler Park/Devil's Lake Bird Watching Clinic. The weather was perfect and the birds a delight! We started the morning watching a flock of Mallards on D River when a beautiful Green Heron flew by right in front of us! We were disappointed that it didn't stop to allow better looks, but it was a treat to see!
Belted Kingfishers entertained us throughout the walk, chasing one another or perched for nice looks. There were dozens of Cedar Waxwings - and a flock of seven Great Egrets flew overhead in a vee formation. At the lake, a pair of Caspian Terns flew over, a pair of Double-crested Cormorants were swimming and diving, while a small flock of California Gulls splashed nearby.
We were just getting ready to leave the lake when someone spotted an Osprey "swimming" in the water. While we watched, it used its powerful wings to lift itself out of the water, looped around and, while we watched, dove with a crash into the lake. It again struggled briefly, then flew up out of the water - but once again, without its prey. It dove a 3rd time, also unsuccessfully, then flew away.
Sightings of the day:
Mallard ~ Common Merganser ~ Rock Pigeon
Anna's Hummingbird ~ Western Gull ~ California Gull
Caspian Tern ~ Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret ~ Green Heron ~ Great Blue Heron
Osprey ~ Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker ~ Northern Flicker
Steller's Jay ~ American Crow ~ Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee ~ Chestnut-backed Chickadee
swallow sp. (dozens circling up in the high clouds)
Wrentit ~ Red-breasted Nuthatch ~ Bewick's Wren
European Starling ~ American Robin ~ Cedar Waxwing
Dark-eyed Junco ~ Song Sparrow ~ Spotted Towhee
Brewer's Blackbird ~ Red-winged Blackbird
September 14, 2019 Sitka Sedge State Natural Area
Photos complements of Steve Griffiths and Caren Willoughby
It was a beautiful morning and we had 10 birders coming from Newport, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Dallas, and Florida! It was warm and the occasional falling leaf played tricks on the eye as we looked for birds. We were rewarded with a nice variety.
Sightings of the day:
American Robin ~ Stellar’s Jay ~ Great Blue Heron
California Gull ~ Western Gull ~ Great Egret
Brown Creeper ~ Pacific Wren ~ Black Phoebe
Anna’s Hummingbird ~ Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker ~ Song Sparrow ~ Spotted Towhee
Chestnut-backed Chickadee ~ Black-capped Chickadee
Osprey ~ Common Murre ~ Surf Scoter
Red-necked Grebe ~ Western Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
August 10, 2019 The Knoll Open Space, Lincoln City
All photos complements of Steve Griffiths
Nineteen people joined our expert guides in climbing to the top of The Knoll. A few birds, lots of sunshine, and great views! Species included a Cooper's Hawk, Pacific Wren, and Brown Pelican.
This walk was one of our special Bird Watching Clinics, sponsored by Explore Lincoln City and Lincoln City Parks and Recreation.
July 13, 2019 Alder Island Loop Trail, Siletz Bay NWR
The new Alder Island Loop Trail has become a local favorite for nature-lovers of all ages. Twenty-nine of us enjoyed a two-hour walk through the trees, wetlands, and along the river's edge.
Photo complements of Ernie Rose
Highlights included a family of Canada Geese on the river, pairs of Warbling Vireo singing in the trees, and two Belted Kingfishers. This walk was one of our special Bird Watching Clinics, sponsored by Explore Lincoln City and Lincoln City Parks and Recreation.
Wilson's Warbler complements of Ruth Shelly
Juvenile Golden-crowned Kinglet complements of Ruth Shelly
Sightings of the day:
Canada Goose ~ Western Gull ~ Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture ~ Bald Eagle ~ Belted Kingfisher
Northern Flicker ~ Warbling Vireo ~ Steller's Jay
American Crow ~ Purple Martin ~ Tree Swallow
Violet-green Swallow ~ Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee ~ Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Marsh Wren ~ Golden-crowned Kinglet
Swainson's Thrush ~ American Robin ~ European Starling
Cedar Waxwing ~ House Finch
White-crowned Sparrow ~ Song Sparrow
Brown-headed Cowbird ~ Orange-crowned Warbler
Common Yellowthroat ~ Wilson's Warbler
Photos complements of Ernie Rose
June 8, 2019 Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
Photos complements of Ernie Rose
At the headquarters parking lot, our large, enthusiastic group of 28 got great and prolonged views of the Peregrine Falcon chicks and parent! Other special sightings included a Black Oystercatcher sitting on its egg, nesting Pelagic and Brandt's Cormorants, and thousands of chattering Common Murre.
Sightings of the day:
Violet-green Swallow ~ Barn Swallow
American Goldfinch ~ Peregrine Falcon
White-crowned Sparrow ~ American Crow
Pelagic Cormorant ~ Brandt’s Cormorant
Pigeon Guillemot ~ Black Oystercatcher
Common Murre ~ Harlequin Duck
Western Gull ~ Caspian Tern
June 7, 2019 Regatta Park with Devil's Lake, Lincoln City
A group of 15 people, including 3 children, braved the rain for a walk through the Regatta Park nature trail and vicinity, including Devil's Lake. We enjoyed 23 species of birds. This walk was one of our special Lincoln City Bird Walks, sponsored by Lincoln City Parks and Recreation and Explore Lincoln City.
Sightings of the day:
American Robin ~ American Crow ~ Swainson’s Thrush
Band-tailed Pigeon ~ Pacific Wren ~ Wilson Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler ~ Barn Swallow ~ Violet-green Swallow
Osprey ~ Turkey Vulture ~ Mallard ~ House Finch ~ American Goldfinch
Song Sparrow ~ White-crowned Sparrow ~ Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco
Steller's Jay ~ Vaux's Swift ~ Pacific-slope Flycatcher ~ Spotted Towhee
Great Blue Heron ~ Hummingbird – probably Rufous (heard)
May 24, 2019 The Villages Open Space, Lincoln City
It was a damp, dismal day but 9 hardy folks joined us for a walk through The Villages Open Space, through the woods and along Sal a Sea drive to the Road's End park. We could hear birds singing and chittering all along the way, but few came out for us to see well. Visibility was poor at the beach, but we were rewarded by a distant view of a small group of shorebirds.
Sightings of the day:
Canada Goose ~ Mallard ~ Band-tailed Pigeon
Anna's Hummingbird ~ Dowitcher ~ Western Gull
California Gull ~ Turkey Vulture ~ Bald Eagle
Downy Woodpecker ~ Northern Flicker
Pacific-slope Flycatcher ~ Hutton's Vireo
Warbling Vireo ~ Steller's Jay
American Crow ~ Common Raven ~ Barn Swallow
Pacific Wren ~ Marsh Wren ~ European Starling
Cedar Waxwing ~ American Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco ~ White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow ~ Red-winged Blackbird
Orange-crowned Warbler ~ Common Yellowthroat
Wilson's Warbler ~ Western Tanager
Black-headed Grosbeak
April 26, 2019 Cutler City Wetlands Open Space and Josephine Young Memorial Park
Our regular team was out of town, but Ger Killeen, Kate Saunders, and Deborah Bergeron stepped up to lead the walk through the Cutler City wooded wetlands and over to Siletz Bay in Cutler City. Seventeen people were on the bird-walk. Ger with help from Kate did a great job leading this walk!
Sightings of the day:
Wilson's Warbler ~ Song Sparrow
Eurasian-collared Dove ~ Wrentit
Black-capped Chickadee ~ Bushtit
Tree Swallow ~ Steller's Jay
Semipalmated Plover ~ Dunlin
Western Sandpiper ~ Western Gull
Turkey Vulture ~ Bald Eagle
American Crow ~ Bufflehead
White-crowned Sparrow ~ Rock Pigeon
Orange-crowned Warbler ~ Caspian Tern
European Starling ~ American Robin
Brown Creeper ~ Spotted Towhee
Violet-green Swallow ~ Hairy Woodpecker
Yellow-rumped Warbler ~ Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Photos complements of Deborah Bergeron
April 13, 2019 Two Rivers Nature Trail, Nestucca Bay NWR
Fifteen people joined ASLC field trip leader Mark Elliott at Nestucca National Wildlife Refuge to walk the new Two Rivers Nature Trail. The weather was cool, grey, and drizzly and we all got a bit damp, but it was well worth it. The newly opened section of the refuge meanders through woods full of fern, flowers, and massive trees.
One spot had remnants of a garden, complete with a large Magnolia tree. It was our birdiest spot, with warblers, thrush, chickadees, and kinglets all singing and flitting from tree to tree.
At the two-rivers lookout, we stopped and admired the view, spotting waterfowl such as Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser along with a couple of Great Egrets. All-told we saw or heard 38 species!
Rufous Hummingbird photo complements of Ernie Rose
Sightings of the day:
Cackling Goose ~ Canada Goose ~ Wood Duck
Mallard ~ Green-winged Teal ~ Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye ~ Red-breasted Merganser
Band-tailed Pigeon ~ Anna's Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird ~ Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron ~ Great Egret ~ Turkey Vulture
Northern Harrier ~ Bald Eagle ~ Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher ~ Steller's Jay ~ American Crow
Common Raven ~ Tree Swallow ~ Violet-green Swallow
Chestnut-backed Chickadee ~ Brown Creeper ~ Pacific Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet ~ Ruby-crowned Kinglet ~ Varied Thrush
American Robin ~ European Starling ~ Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow ~ Song Sparrow ~ Spotted Towhee
Orange-crowned Warbler ~ Townsend's Warbler
March 9, 2019 Tillamook Raptor Survey
Eleven people met at Fred Meyer in Tillamook for our first raptor survey. We carpooled around a set route with expert leader Jimmy Robert Billstine. We modeled our survey after the official Winter Raptor Survey surveys, which are held throughout the Pacific Northwest. We took parts from two of the Tillamook surveys and created a map and a survey sheet. Starting at Goodspeed Rd, we drove a little over 20 miles in our two-hour timeframe, enjoying a wonderful mix of raptors.
Survey Results
Red-tailed Hawk: 12
American Kestrel: 7
Northern Harrier: 3
Bald Eagle: 6 adults, 2 sub-adults
Red-shouldered Hawk: 1
Peregrine Falcon: 2
Rough-legged Hawk: 1
Raptor photos complements of Ernie Rose
March 8, 2019 Hostetler Park (D River) and Devil's Lake State Park
It was a cold and rainy morning for a bird walk at Hostetler Park and our trip leader, Mark Elliott, predicted there would be two additional birders that would show up. He was pleasantly surprised that there was a total of 16 that wanted to search this area for birds. Some were surprised that this little park was hidden within our city! We saw 23 species including, a first for many, Lincoln’s Sparrow!
Thanks to Lincoln City Parks & Recreation for sponsoring!
Sightings of the Day
Mallard
American Crow
Bufflehead
Common Raven
American Robin
Steller’s Jay
Song Sparrow
Ring-necked Duck
Canada Goose
Northern Flicker
Western Gull
Rock Pigeon
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Dark-eyed Junco
Fox Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Violet-green Swallow
Greater Scaup
Ruddy Duck
Hummingbird sp.
Spotted Towhee
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!
January 12, 2019 Hatfield Marine Science Center Nature Trail and South Jetty
25 people enjoyed this walk along the Hatfield Marine Science Center Nature Trail, enjoying a wide variety of birds. The air was chilly with a cool breeze and no rain(!) We were treated to a diving Belted Kingfisher, a pair of adult Bald Eagles sitting on the mudflats, a tree full of Great Blue Herons (more than a dozen!), and much more. There was so much activity that the nature trail took up two hours, so several had to leave before the trip to the South Jetty. There, the remaining birders enjoyed a variety of loons and other seabirds.
Photos complements of Marlene Stellato
Sightings of the Day
Brant
Canada Goose
American Wigeon
Northern Pintail
Greater Scaup
Surf Scoter
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Eared Grebe
Western Grebe
Rock Pigeon
Anna's Hummingbird
Western Gull
Pelagic Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
American Crow
Common Raven
American Robin
House Finch
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
December 1, 2018 Salishan Nature Trail
Well, it rained. It poured. We all got wet. But we had fun, and by the time we reached the beach, the rain had stopped - and it was blue skies when we got back to the bay. All but one of the group of eleven birders were central coast locals, with one visitor from La Grande. The tide was in, which meant the herons and egrets were on the far side of the bay, but we got good looks at the wintering waterfowl.
In spite of conditions, we saw an amazing 28 species! While scanning a flock of American Wigeon looking for an elusive Eurasian Wigeon, trip leader Mark Elliott pointed out a Northern Harrier over the marsh. As we watched, Mark spotted a Bald Eagle approaching -- followed by a Red-tailed Hawk! An exciting experience! Special thanks to Explore Lincoln City for sponsoring the event.
Sightings of the Day
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Northern Pintail
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Anna's Hummingbird
Sanderling
Mew Gull
Western Gull
gull sp.
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Varied Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Fox Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Yellow-rumped Warbler
November 10, 2018 Salmon River at Knight Park
Photo compliments of Ernie Rose
After a rainy night the sun came out for the 20 birders that wanted to check out the birds a Knight Park. It’s always fun to meet enthusiastic birders and enjoy that time with them. It’s great to enjoy Explore Lincoln City with others.
Sightings of the Day
Bufflehead
Mew Gull
Belted Kingfisher
Song Sparrow
Pacific Wren
American Crow
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Marsh Wren
Ruby-crown Kinglet
Double-crested Cormorant
Steller’s Jay
European Starling
Northern Flicker
Common Raven
Spotted Towhee
Northern Harrier
Red Crossbill
Merlin
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadee
Townsend Warbler
Green-winged Teal
Red-tailed Hawk
American Robin
October 27, 2018 Friends of Wildwood Trail and Boardwalk
After a night of wind and heavy rains, blue skies greeted 19 birders for a walk on the Friends of Wildwood trail and nearby neighborhood. Birders from as far Victoria, Arizona, and California joined us.
Sightings of the Day
Black-capped Chickadee
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Double-crested Cormorant
Pied-billed Grebe
American Crow
Steller’s Jay
Song Sparrow
Cedar Waxwing
American Robin
Bufflehead
Common Raven
Lesser Scaup
Canada Geese
American Coot
Western Gull
Common Merganser
Northern Flicker
October 13, 2018 Boiler Bay to Rocky Creek
Birds and whales were sighted in 17 pairs of binoculars starting at Boiler Bay. We had birders from Fort Worth, Texas and White Salmon, Washington who spotted several life birds (birds they had never seen before).
Sightings of the Day
Surf Scoter
American Crow
Western Gull
Black Oystercatcher
Western Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Common Murre
Black Turnstone
Bald Eagle
Mew Gull
Great Blue Heron
White-winged Scoter
Pacific Loon
Red-throated Grebe
Brown Pelican
Pelagic Cormorant
Surf Scoter
White-crowned Sparrow
Hummingbird sp.
European Starling
Surfbird
Whales, whales and more whales
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
September 22, 2018 Hostetler Park (D River), Devil's Lake State Park
Great Egret, flamingos, Canada Geese photos: Copyright Ernie Rose
Twelve intrepid birders from as far away as Missouri (!) enjoyed two hours of birding along D River and Devil's Lake State Park. It was a pretty quiet, overcast morning but we ended up with 26 species - 27 if you count the pair of Pink Flamingos gracing one of the campsites. Birds were busy and hard to spot in the falling leaves and movement from the slight breeze. A lovely Great Egret landed in D River, while an unexpected Merlin chased a flock of blackbirds overhead - one of the blackbirds was also chasing the Merlin!
Sightings of the Day
Canada Goose
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Pied-billed Grebe
Rock Pigeon
Band-tailed Pigeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Anna's Hummingbird
Western Gull
Turkey Vulture
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Belted Kingfisher
Merlin
Steller's Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
American Robin
European Starling
Cedar Wawing
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Townsend's Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
