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Descriptions of over 250 of the best birding sites in Oregon, checklist and seasonal abundance chart, additional resources.
Author Archives: John Rakestraw
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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Commonwealth Lake
When time is limited or weather is sketchy, I appreciate having Commonwealth Lake close to home for a quick birding fix. Early in the morning, River Otters will often visit the lake to fill up on fish. There were three … Continue reading
Posted in OR Birding Sites
Tagged Belted Kingfisher, Common Merganser, Commonwealth Lake, Hermit Thrush, Hooded Merganser, River Otter
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Random Ramblings
Most of my recent outings have been while leading trips or in dreary conditions, both of which limit any photo opportunities. So here are some dribs and drabs from recent weeks. This Black-tailed Deer and her fawn were at Cooper … Continue reading
Nifty Shades of Gray
The Cove, in Seaside, is unique on the northern Oregon coast for the cobbles and boulders that make up its beach. These gray stones regularly attract three species that are more difficult to find elsewhere; Heermann’s Gull, Surfbird, and Black … Continue reading
Posted in OR Birding Sites
Tagged Black Turnstone, Heermann's Gull, Surfbird, Western Gull
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Hudsonian Godwit
A Hudsonian Godwit has been hanging out at Fort Stevens for over a week now. This species, seen here with a Black-bellied Plover, normally migrates through the central part of the continent so an appearance on the west coast is … Continue reading
Posted in rarities
Tagged Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin, Hudsonian Godwit, Sanderling, Western Sandpiper
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