June 10, 2022 Regatta Park & Devils Lake
Photo by Caren Willoughby
We did not get rained on! Trip leader, Mark Elliott led 9 birders through the woods around the Regatta Grounds. The trail was well marked and we checked out the signage along the way. It was warm and the birds did not disappoint us.
Bird Sightings:
Mallard
Barn Swallow
Violet-green Swallow
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Turkey Vulture
American Robin
Downy Woodpecker
Spotted Towhee
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
European Starling
Purple Finch
Cedar Waxwing
Anna’s Hummingbird
Red-winged Blackbird
Canada Geese
Photo by Caren Willoughby
Group shot! Photo by Caren Willoughby.
April 8, 2022 Spring Lake Open Space
It was a small group that had no problem with the weather forecast. Trip leader Mark Elliott led around Lincoln City’s Open Space Spring Lake. It was magical with wildflowers in bloom and birds singing all around us. It was a haven for Warblers! In just three words “It Was Wonderful.” We were all thankful for the well maintained trails and Parks and Recreation of Lincoln City.
American Robin photo by Ruth Shelly
Listening and looking for those Warblers.
Down the trail.
Across the bridge to watch the Canada Goose fly in.
Photo by Caren Willoughby
Are these Myosotis scorpioides (Marsh-forget-me-not) growing along the path?
Sightings of the day:
Pacific Wren
American Crow
American Robin
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Townsend Warbler
Black-throated Grey Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Osprey
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Bald Eagle
Canada Goose
Mallard
Hairy Woodpecker
Canada Goose photo by Ruth Shelly
January 8, 2022 Hatfield Marine Science Center
Photo by Ruth Shelly
What a difference a day makes! Friday was cold and miserable, but we still had 7 people enjoy the walk at Regatta Park in Lincoln City. On Saturday, the sun shone all day - while chilly, it was perfect for spotting birds on Hatfield Marine Science Center's nature trail and the South Jetty at Yaquina Bay. 17 people joined us, including our bird experts and expert photographers.
Red-throated Loon photo by Ruth Shelly
Great Blue Heron photo by Ruth Shelly
Species seen on Saturday (Yaquina Bay & South Jetty):
Eurasia Wigeon
American Wigeon
Greater Scaup
Harlequin duck
Surf scoter
White-winged Scoter
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Horned Grebe
Western Grebe
Rock Pigeon
Whimbrel
Iceland Gulls (Thayer’s)
Western Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
Western x Glaucous-winged gull (Olympic gull)
Red-throated Loon
Pacific Loon
Common Loon
Brand’s Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Peregrine Falcon
Steller’s Jay
American Crow
European Starling
Bewick's Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Western Gull photo by Ruth Shelly
February 13, 2021 Alder Island Loop Trail at Siletz Bay NWR
Weather reports were saying that this day would be the same as the day before – very cold, windy, and soaking wet. The birders who assembled for the bird walk were glad that the temp was in the high 40s rather than in the mid-30’s, and with little or no wind. As one of the walkers reported, “I think we began with 11 participants today, but ended up with nine after the one couple bailed early when the sideways rain began right as we headed out.” Those who weren’t wearing rainpants walked around with wet britches!
Birding in the rain at Alder Island, photo Joanne Daschel
We sighted a number of waterfowl species but very few woodland birds. All in all, we enjoyed ourselves and loved the beautiful new descriptive signage on the trail which was produced last year (2020) in collaboration with ASLC and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Great Blue Heron sign, photo by Ernie Rose
Sightings of the day:
Bufflehead ~ Hooded Merganser ~ Common Merganser ~ Red-breasted Merganser ~ Song Sparrow ~ Mallard ~ Common Goldeneye ~ American Robin ~ Canada Goose ~ Great Blue Heron ~ Horned Grebe ~ Double-breasted Cormorant ~ Red-winged Blackbird ~ Common Loon ~ Ruby-crowned Kinglet ~ Golden-crowned Sparrow ~ American Crow ~ Bewick’s Wren
January 9, 2021 Yaquina Bay and Yaquina River South Jetty
The day started sunny but cold for the 9 birders who gathered in the Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) parking lot in Newport. Hand warmers for one of the birders weren't enough to keep his fingers from getting cold and numb. Amongst the number of species seen and photographed, the birding group was surprised to see Brant as well as a group of Marbled Godwit with Whimbrel in the mix. From HMSC, they headed over to South Jetty on the west side of Hwy 101. There they viewed a number of other species including Harlequin Duck, Horned Grebe, and Common Loon. In all, the birders counted 31 species. Great way to start the year!!
Sightings of the day:
Common Loon ~ Surf Scoter ~ Greater Scaup ~ Brandt’s Cormorant ~ American Wigeon ~ American Crow ~ Western Gull ~ Brant ~ California Gull ~ Marbled Godwit ~ Mew Gull ~ House Finch ~ Anna’s Hummingbird ~ Dark-eyed Junco ~ Yellow-rumped Warbler ~ Eurasian Collared-dove ~ Rock Pigeon ~ Northern Harrier ~ Horned Grebe ~ Red-necked Grebe ~ Red-breasted Merganser ~ Harlequin Duck ~ Belted Kingfisher ~ Pelagic Cormorant ~ Whimbrel ~ Great Blue Heron ~ Common Goldeneye ~ Bufflehead ~ Mallard ~ Pigeon Guillemot ~ Western Meadowlark
October 10, 2020 Boiler Bay to Devil's Punch Bowl
Six intrepid birders joined us to drive along the rocky shores from Boiler Bay to Devil's Punch Bowl. Trip leader Mark Elliott pointed out the sights and the birds as the weather improved from site-to-site.
Sightings of the day:
Western Grebe • Great Blue Heron • Canada Goose • Cackling Goose • Harlequin Duck • Bald Eagle • Peregrine Falcon • Black Oystercatcher • Black Turnstone • Western Gull • California Gull • Anna's Hummingbird • Steller's Jay • American Crow • Song Sparrow • Fox Sparrow
March 13, 2020 Spring Lake Open Space
Sponsored by Lincoln City Parks and Recreation and Explore Lincoln City, ten birders walked the trails around Spring Lake searching for various bird species, whether being seen or heard. About an hour into the walk the weather got progressive worse, going from light to heavy showers. And because of the rainfall, we didn't get photos of the birds we saw. Nonetheless, everyone enjoyed being outside.
Sightings of the day:
American Robin • Varied Thrush • American Crow • Golden-crowned Kinglet • Rufous Hummingbird • Spotted Towhee • Canada Goose • Stellers Jay • Red Crossbill • Ruby-crowned Kinglet • Chestnut-backed Chickadee • Pacific Wren
February 8, 2020 Hostetler Park with Devils Lake State Park
Saturday’s birdwalk began with a big question mark. Sponsored by Lincoln City Parks and Recreation, it started at Hostetler Park with trip leader Mark Elliott welcoming 31 participants. We had birders from Pacific City, Waldport, Tacoma, WA, Keizer, Brooks, Salem, Depoe Bay, Albany, Dallas, and Tillamook Community College. The weather challenged us to stay dry. We lost! We also lost entrance to the boardwalk in the direction to Devil's Lake State Park due to repairs. It didn’t take us long to realize that Devil’s Lake State Park was completely flooded and closed to everyone, so we decided that we needed to go to Regatta Park and check out the birds there. The walk through the woods and neighborhood gave us a few birds and kept the group out of high water!
Sightings of the day:
Pacific Wren
Mallard
Red-tailed Hawk
American Robin
Canada Goose
Bald Eagle
Rock Dove
Common Raven
American Crow
Bufflehead
Western Grebe
Western Gull
Lesser Scaup
January 11, 2020 OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center Nature Trail and Yaquina Bay South Jetty
12 birders that joined trip leader, Camden Bruner, got a break from the rain but did have to fight the wind. We got good looks at a variety of waterfowl but the birds of the day were the Marbled Godwits, Whimbrel, and a Eurasian Wigeon. It just proves Birding can be fun in all kinds of weather.
Sightings of the day:
American Wigeon ~ Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal ~ Surf Scoter
Bufflehead ~ Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Horned Grebe ~ Red-necked Grebe
` Rock Pigeon ~ Anna's Hummingbird
` Whimbrel ~ Marbled Godwit
Mew Gull ~ Western Gull
California Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
Western-Glaucous-winged (hybrid)
Pacific Loon ~ Common Loon
Brandt's Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron ~ Bald Eagle
Belted Kingfisher ~ Northern Flicker
Merlin ~ American Crow
Pacific Wren ~ European Starling
Fox Sparrow ~ White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow ~ Song Sparrow
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 15, 2019 7th annual Christmas Bird Count
Halle Renn, with assistance from Caren Willoughby and Ernie Rose, did a superb job of coordinating our 2019 Christmas Bird Count. We had 30 field counters and 2 feeder counters. Although individual counts were down, we ended up with the second highest total for our CBC, 126 species. Our highest was 131 in 2014. Our "rare bird" of the day was a TROPICAL KINGBIRD found by Liz Laver-Holencik. The Siletz Bay team also spotted a CALIFORNIA SCRUB JAY, not really rare anymore, but a good find for Lincoln City. Other treats included a couple of SNOW GEESE, which have gotten pretty regular on one of the farms in the area, three MERLIN, WESTERN BLUEBIRD (regular here, but often hard to find), and a small flock of CANVASBACK on the lake. Phil Pickering did some owling for us, netting a GREAT-HORNED OWL, NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL, NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL, and one of our three BARN OWLS (the other two were found in the north section by the team of Jack Hurt, Ernie Rose, Ben & Kai Frueh, and Margaret Powell). Misses included: AMERICAN DIPPER (count week), WOOD DUCK, RUFFED GROUSE, RED PHALAROPE (count week), ANCIENT MURRELET, CANADA JAY, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.
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
November 9, 2019 Salmon River in the Cascade Head Scenic Area
Hah, what a fun morning for a bird walk at Knight Park along the Salmon River, although it started off a bit chilly and gray. After introductions, the thirty-one birders were entertained by a Bald Eagle attempting to put a grebe on the breakfast menu! The eagle hovered and unsuccessfully swooped down at the grebe for about 5 minutes, each time being frustrated by the grebe’s diving underwater to escape its approaching talons! Another surprise was the amount of birds sighted and heard at the end of Three Rocks Road where it led down to a wetland meadow. Two more eagles were viewed in trees on the other side of the river. Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a couple of Golden-crowned sparrows and a Bewick’s Wren made their appearances for most to see! From Knight Park, many of the birders drove to Frasier Road on the other side of the estuary. Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, chickadees, and a Great Blue Heron were sighted. Twenty-three species were tallied for the morning. Yes, it was an event enjoyed by all . . . and the hot cider provided by the Willoughby’s was very much appreciated!! We had guest birders from Spokane, Pendleton, Newberg, Pacific City, Depoe Bay, McMinnville and Yachats.
Sightings of the day:
Bald Eagle ~ Red-tailed Hawk ~ Common Merganser
Belted Kingfisher ~ Western Gull ~ Hybrid Gull ~ Song Sparrow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet ~ Northern Flicker ~ American Robin
Dark-eyed Junco ~ Bewick's Wren ~ Yellow-rumped Warbler
Chestnut-backed Chickadee ~ Steller's Jay ~ Northern Harrier
Golden-crowned Sparrow ~ Black-capped Chickadee
Yellow-rumped Warbler ~ Anna's Hummingbird
Great Blue Heron ~ Red-breasted Nuthatch
October 12, 2019 Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint to Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area
The weather held for Audubon’s outing to Boiler Bay and down the coast to Devil’s Punch Bowl. Led by Mark Elliott the group of 16 birders spotted a variety of sea birds. The most exciting bird moment was the drive along the Otter Crest Loop when flocks of hundreds of Pine Siskins were flying in and out of the evergreen trees. This was a perfect time to put the windows down and listen to the music of nature. It was so loud and so perfect.
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
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
