Tag Archives: American Goldfinch

Fernhill Wetlands and Jackson Bottom

Posted on July 5, 2015 by

We are two weeks into a nasty heat wave in the Portland area. Sunrise is the only time of day when you can bird in any comfort and hope to find any birds active and singing. So I got up … Continue reading →

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Summer at Sandy River

Posted on July 11, 2014 by

I made an early morning trip to the Sandy River Delta. This late in the summer, with the weather being so hot, most bird song is limited to the hour or so around dawn. This Willow Flycatcher was singing right … Continue reading →

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Washington County Wetlands

Posted on July 4, 2014 by

There are big changes underway at Fernhill Wetlands. The main lake has been drained, and the two impoundments to the south are completely gone. This is all to make way for large emergent wetlands that will replace the ponds. This … Continue reading →

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Sandy River Delta, 5 June 2013

Posted on June 7, 2013 by

I took Nala on a hiking/swimming tour of the Sandy River Delta. We were there at midday, so we missed the dawn chorus, but the common species were still active and vocal. American Goldfinch In the open brushy habitats, you … Continue reading →

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Early Spring

Posted on March 15, 2013 by

This is that long awkward time of year between winter and spring. The big winter flocks have broken up, but the spring migrants haven’t returned yet. As I have said before, there is always something to see, but we have … Continue reading →

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In the Bleak Midwinter

Posted on December 26, 2012 by

In honor of the winter solstice, in a month that brought Portland 7″ of rain, here are a few dark grainy images from recent weeks. Orange-crowned Warbler Anna’s Hummingbird Dark-eyed Junco Here is a nice comparison of American (foreground) and … Continue reading →

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Sandy River Delta 7/20/12

Posted on July 22, 2012 by

While late July is normally pretty slow birding in the Willamette Valley, the Sandy River Delta continues to be active. The regular nesting species that are local specialties at this site (Yellow-breasted Chat, Lazuli Bunting, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, etc.) … Continue reading →

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Lesser Goldfinch

Posted on December 2, 2010 by

I recently came across a small flock of Lesser Goldfinches. This species has become much more common in the northern Willamette Valley in the past decade. This species really stands out in the winter with their bright yellow underparts and … Continue reading →

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Royal Ave/Fern Ridge Reservoir

Posted on July 5, 2009 by

Fern Ridge Reservoir is a large impoundment just west of Eugene, OR. Much of the property on the eastern and southern sides of the lake is included in the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area (Birding Oregon, p.89), and some of the … Continue reading →

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New Arrivals at the Hummingbird Feeder

Posted on March 21, 2009 by

Rufous Hummingbirds have returned, causing much angst among the resident Anna’s Hummers. This guy caught my eye with his gorget of copper, gold, and green. Notice how the colors change with the angle of the light. Here’s a female rufous, … Continue reading →

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