Author Archives: John Rakestraw

Wasco County

Posted on July 27, 2021 by John Rakestraw

Here are a few more images from my trip to central Oregon. The main purpose of the trip was to get the dogs away from the fireworks in Portland, but I always enjoy a trip to the dry side of … Continue reading →

Posted in mammals, nesting, reptiles & amphibians | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Crooked River Wetlands Complex

Posted on July 13, 2021 by John Rakestraw

I had a chance to visit Crooked River Wetlands near Prineville. Like Fernhill Wetlands, this site was constructed as part of a wastewater treatment system. But Crooked River Wetlands was designed from the beginning to accommodate both birds and birders. … Continue reading →

Posted in OR Birding Sites | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Scout Camp Loop Trail

Posted on July 8, 2021 by John Rakestraw

The Scout Camp Loop Trail is a lovely 2.2 mile hike northwest of Terrebonne. It is not particularly birdy. I logged 11 species on my trip, and the top eBird list for this site is only 17. (eBird calls this … Continue reading →

Posted in OR Birding Sites, reptiles & amphibians | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Summer at Fernhill

Posted on July 4, 2021 by John Rakestraw

Record-setting heat and cloudless days are not the best conditions for birding or photography, but here we are. It is sometimes hard to motivate oneself to get outside when the weather is so harsh, but there is always something to … Continue reading →

Posted in nesting, OR Birding Sites, seasonal movements | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Some Non-avian Sightings

Posted on June 15, 2021 by John Rakestraw

While I am usually looking specifically for birds, I enjoy whatever wildlife I encounter along the way. I don’t spend a lot of effort looking for butterflies, but I do appreciate it when one poses for me. This is a … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, mammals, reptiles & amphibians | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Random Summer Birds

Posted on June 13, 2021 by John Rakestraw

Spring migration has come and gone, and many birders agree that it was a dud. Numbers and diversity seemed quite low in the Portland area this spring. So now we concentrate on the summer residents, like this Black-headed Grosbeak. Most … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, seasonal movements | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

North Portland

Posted on May 27, 2021 by John Rakestraw

Our team for the Audubon Society of Portland’s Birdathon birded several sites in the northern parts of Portland. The weather was cool and rainy, not conducive to photography or bird activity, but we ended our efforts with 76 species for … Continue reading →

Posted in mammals, reptiles & amphibians | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Tualatin River NWR

Posted on May 21, 2021 by John Rakestraw

The long hiking trail at Tualatin River NWR is open, and this refuge always offers some good birding in the spring and early summer. A pair of Blue-winged Teal was in the southwest pond. As is typical for this species, … Continue reading →

Posted in OR Birding Sites, rarities, seasonal movements | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Still Waiting

Posted on May 18, 2021 by John Rakestraw

Every spring, birders suggest that the migration is running a little late. I think a lot  of that feeling just comes from a desire to see spring migrants again. But this year, a lot of species are arriving noticeably late. … Continue reading →

Posted in OR Birding Sites, reptiles & amphibians, seasonal movements | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Fort Stevens State Park

Posted on May 3, 2021 by John Rakestraw

I went to Fort Stevens to look for shorebirds this week. The main push of spring migrants hadn’t arrived yet, but numbers were definitely on the increase. I was pleased that I timed the tide correctly at Parking Lot D. … Continue reading →

Posted in OR Birding Sites, seasonal movements | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment