All photos copyright John Rakestraw unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.
Tag Archives: California Ground Squirrel
Late Winter Ramblings
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
Fernhill Wetlands
Summer is settling in at Fernhill Wetlands. The birds that are here now are probably nesting. Always a treat this far west is this handsome Blue-winged Teal. I hope he has a mate sitting on eggs somewhere. Just as lovely, … Continue reading
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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North Coast
I made two trips to the coast this week, once to scout for my Portland Audubon shorebird class, and again for the class itself. It is amazing how much difference a couple of days can make in the make-up of … Continue reading
Weekend at the Coast
I led trips for the Birding and Blues Festival in Pacific City, OR, last weekend. The weather was cool with scattered showers, so photo ops were not abundant. The Three Capes Tour on Friday was actually very good for mammals, … Continue reading
California Ground Squirrel
Ranging throughout the western third of Oregon, California Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) are much larger and bushier-tailed than other ground squirrels. They are found in open grasslands (including large lawns) and on rocky outcrops. Unlike other ground squirrels, they will … Continue reading