Category Archives: Uncategorized

In the Bleak Midwinter

Posted on January 16, 2019 by John Rakestraw

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 →

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Taverner’s Cackling Goose vs. Ridgeway’s Cackling Goose

Posted on November 11, 2017 by John Rakestraw

On a recent trip to Commonwealth Lake Park in Beaverton, I had the opportunity to observe Taverner’s and Ridgeway’s Cackling Geese side-by-side. Taverner’s are larger, with pale breasts and slightly longer bills. Ridgeway’s have dark, iridescent breasts (on adults) and … Continue reading →

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Updates

Posted on October 29, 2016 by John Rakestraw

I have updated the Classes page to show all the classes I currently have scheduled. I would love to share what I know (that part doesn’t take long) and then go birding with you. Check it out. I have also … Continue reading →

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Broughton Beach Horned Larks

Posted on August 3, 2016 by John Rakestraw

Broughton Beach, along the Columbia River, has been a favorite spot in Portland to check for shorebirds, gulls, and waterfowl, depending on the season. On my recent visit I enjoyed watching a family of Horned Larks working the beach. There … Continue reading →

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Settling In

Posted on March 13, 2016 by John Rakestraw

I moved at the end of last year. It was not a great distance (less than 100 yards as the finch flies), but I was anxious to see how long it would take the birds to find my feeders. When … Continue reading →

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AmberGlen Business Park

Posted on December 9, 2015 by John Rakestraw

Several office parks in the Hillsboro area have nice open spaces that attract birds. AmberGlen has a pond next to a large lawn which attracts good numbers of gulls in winter. Most of the gulls on my recent visit were … Continue reading →

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Tilley Jane Trail

Posted on June 21, 2015 by John Rakestraw

I walked the Tilley Jane trail on the east side of Mt. Hood. This trail starts near the Cooper Spur Ski Area and goes about two and a half miles up to the Tilley Jane Campground. Much of the trail … Continue reading →

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Random Images

Posted on October 4, 2014 by John Rakestraw

Home improvement projects are keeping me inside lately, so here are a few images from dog walks and the bird feeder. Double-crested Cormorants on the Columbia River California Gull former sturgeon, Columbia River Lesser Goldfinch I only see Purple Finches … Continue reading →

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Sawhill Ponds, Boulder, CO

Posted on August 13, 2013 by John Rakestraw

I have been visiting family in Boulder, CO, for a few days. At the western edge of the Great Plains, the bird life isn’t that much different from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, with a few nice exceptions. Double-crested Cormorant … Continue reading →

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To Bird or to Twitch?

Posted on January 13, 2012 by John Rakestraw

I finally had a few hours to get out birding, and had planned to visit some of the Washington County wetlands. But a Brambling visiting a feeder in Woodburn presented me with a dilemma. Should I spend my birding time … Continue reading →

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