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Descriptions of more than 250 of the best birding sites in Oregon, checklist and seasonal abundance chart, additional resources.
Author Archives: John Rakestraw
Birds vs. Birding
We spent close to a week in northern Wasco County, OR, to get our dogs away from the barrage of illegal fireworks that plague the Portland area every July. While the property where we stayed provided some nice hiking opportunities, … Continue reading
Posted in birding philosophy
Tagged Black-tailed Deer, California Ground Squirrel, Horned Lark
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My Love/Hate Relationship with My 5MR
It has been six months since I joined the Five Mile Radius movement, concentrating on finding as many species of birds as possible within five miles of my home. My 5MR has a pretty good mix of habitats. I have … Continue reading
Random Spring Migrants
Our sunny warm spring has turned cool and wet. This is a good thing, as we continue to be far below average in rainfall amounts, but the weather has put a bit of a damper on birding and photography. This … Continue reading
Inland Shorebirds
From the end of April through the middle of May, migrant shorebird numbers peak along the Oregon coast. I haven’t made it out to the coast yet this spring, but my local inland sites have produced a few species. There … Continue reading
Posted in seasonal movements
Tagged Least Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper
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Early Spring in the 5MR
The weather has gone from winter rain to spring rain, still rather gloomy but definitely more pleasant overall. Spring migration is slowly picking up with new species gradually accumulating in my 5-Mile Radius. Most of the new sites that I … Continue reading
Virginia Rail
As many people are jumping on the “bird local” bandwagon, little Commonwealth Lake Park in Beaverton has been getting a lot of birding attention and producing an increasing array of interesting species. One of the stars of this winter is … Continue reading
Posted in behavior, conservation issues, OR Birding Sites
Tagged Commonwealth Lake Park, Virginia Rail
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Dreary February
February weather can be the most challenging, with cold temperatures and frequent rain. We desperately need the moisture so I am not complaining, but it is harder to get motivated to get out into the cold and damp. I continue … Continue reading
Posted in seasonal movements
Tagged American Wigeon, Killdeer, Red-winged Blackbird, Wilson's Snipe
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5MR: The First Month
For the month of January, virtually all of my birding has been conducted within my 5 Mile Radius. This included dedicated birding trips and keeping track of birds while at the dog park and on family hikes. (This Red-breasted Sapsucker … Continue reading
In the Bleak Midwinter
Between the holidays, work, and family activities, there has been very little birding in recent weeks. One of the more enjoyable outings was a hike on Larch Mountain. The dogs loved the snow and it was great to get outside … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
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Fernhill Wetlands
I visited Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove on a rare sunny December day. The sun is so low at this time of year that if there is no cloud cover the sun is either at your back or directly in … Continue reading
Posted in OR Birding Sites
Tagged Black Phoebe, Fernhill Wetlands, Greater Yellowlegs, Killdeer, Mourning Dove
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