Tag Archives: Dark-eyed Junco

Still Waiting

Posted on May 18, 2021 by John Rakestraw

Every spring, birders suggest that the migration is running a little late. I think a lot  of that feeling just comes from a desire to see spring migrants again. But this year, a lot of species are arriving noticeably late. … Continue reading →

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Random Images

Posted on June 20, 2016 by John Rakestraw

A spate of cloudy damp days has not allowed many photo opportunities the past couple of weeks, but here are a few random images. Lazuli Bunting, Cooper Mountain Nature Park, Beaverton. This is a great natural area that I really … Continue reading →

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Pacific City

Posted on May 6, 2016 by John Rakestraw

I led the Three Capes Tour for the Birding and Blues Festival last weekend. Spring migration had not quite kicked into high gear, but there were some nice birds around. This is one of two Black-bellied Plovers we saw on … 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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Rentenaar Road, Sauvie Island

Posted on January 2, 2013 by John Rakestraw

Rentenaar Road, on Sauvie Island, is one of the better sparrow patches in the Portland area. I found ten species this morning, about typical for this time of year. This boldly patterned White-throated Sparrow was one of the prettier ones. … Continue reading →

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In the Bleak Midwinter

Posted on December 26, 2012 by John Rakestraw

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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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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Tualatin River NWR

Posted on January 5, 2012 by John Rakestraw

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, located just a few miles southwest of Portland on Hwy 99W, is a wonderful refuge for wintering waterfowl, despite its location in such an urban area. The dikes around the wetland areas are closed to … Continue reading →

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Sparrowpalooza

Posted on December 1, 2011 by John Rakestraw

I spent the morning in Scappoose, OR, this morning looking for a Brambling that was seen about a week ago. I didn’t have any luck with the Brambling, but it was great fun watching the variety of sparrows that were … Continue reading →

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