Category Archives: mammals

Random Non-birds

Posted on September 26, 2021 by John Rakestraw

Here are a few images of various animals I have seen lately. When the birds refuse to pose for photos, it is nice to find other creatures that are more cooperative. As I have said, there is always something to … Continue reading →

Posted in Invertebrates, mammals, reptiles & amphibians | Tagged American Bullfrog, Black-tailed Deer, Brush Rabbit, California Ground Squirrel, Mylitta Crescent, Orange Sulphur, Striped Meadowhawk | 1 Comment

Low Tide

Posted on September 6, 2021 by John Rakestraw

Trestle Bay, just off Parking Lot D at Fort Stevens State Park, can be one of the more productive shorebird spots on the north coast. Timing is critical, as the bay fills completely with the high tide. When the tide … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, mammals, seasonal movements | Tagged California Gull, California Sea Lion, Common Merganser | Leave a comment

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 Mule Deer, Spotted Sandpiper, Turkey Vulture, Western Fence Lizard | 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 Brush Rabbit, Eastern Cottontail, Long-tailed Weasel, Lorquin's Admiral, Northwestern Garter Snake | Leave a 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 Black-tailed Deer, Bushtit, Red-eared Slider, Western Painted Turtle, Western Wood-Pewee | Leave a comment

Spring at Fernhill

Posted on April 26, 2021 by John Rakestraw

A quick tour of Fernhill Wetlands showed bird activity picking up, with the appearance of newly arrived migrants and nest building by the local breeders. This Tree Swallow was staking out a cavity. There are still some Cackling Geese around, … Continue reading →

Posted in mammals, nesting, OR Birding Sites, seasonal movements | Tagged Brewer's Blackbird, Brush Rabbit, California Ground Squirrel, California Quail, Common Carp, Muskrat, Ridgeway's Cackling Goose, Taverner's Cackling Goose, Tree Swallow, Wilson's Snipe | 1 Comment

Smith and Bybee Wetlands

Posted on April 10, 2021 by John Rakestraw

I went out to Smith and Bybee Wetlands in north Portland. This site can be a little challenging to bird, as the noise from Marine Drive makes it difficult to hear bird song and other natural sounds. But as you … Continue reading →

Posted in mammals, OR Birding Sites, reptiles & amphibians | Tagged Eastern Cottontail, Greater Yellowlegs, Long-toed Salamander, Northwestern Garter Snake | Leave a comment

Still Waiting for the Birds

Posted on April 1, 2021 by John Rakestraw

Spring migration has not really picked up yet. There are a few new avian arrivals, but birding remains pretty slow. But, as I often say, there is always something to look at, so here are some non-avian images. The Beaver … Continue reading →

Posted in mammals, reptiles & amphibians | Tagged Black-tailed Deer, Long-toed Salamander, Northwestern Garter Snake, Nutria, Oregon Ensatina, Rough-skinned Newt, Western Mosquito Fish | Leave a comment

Late Winter Ramblings

Posted on March 22, 2021 by John Rakestraw

Birding has been rather slow lately, as many of the winter residents have moved on and the spring migrants haven’t arrived yet. The local nesters, like this Spotted Towhee are becoming more active and vocal. A remnant of last autumn’s … Continue reading →

Posted in mammals, reptiles & amphibians, seasonal movements | Tagged California Ground Squirrel, Long-toed Salamander, Pacific Treefrog, Spotted Towhee, Western Skink | Leave a comment

Fernhill Wetlands

Posted on March 3, 2021 by John Rakestraw

Despite morning temperatures near freezing, signs of spring are appearing at Fernhill Wetlands. This Black Phoebe was posing with some colorful buds. The winter sparrows, like this Fox Sparrow, are still around. Waterfowl numbers are dropping as northern breeders start … Continue reading →

Posted in mammals, OR Birding Sites, seasonal movements | Tagged Black Phoebe, Fox Sparrow, Lesser Scaup, Northern Pintail, Nutria, Red-tailed Hawk | Leave a comment