Tag Archives: Mallard

Smith Rock State Park

Posted on July 7, 2017 by

I hadn’t been to the dry side of Oregon for far too long, so I took a trip to Smith Rock State Park. The avian stars of this site are the White-throated Swifts that nest here. They did not disappoint, … Continue reading →

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Commonwealth Lake

Posted on July 11, 2016 by

I brief walk around Commonwealth Lake in Beaverton revealed lots of recently fledged Barn Swallows. They were perching on branches above the water, waiting for their parents to fly in with food. still waiting note the bulging crop on the … Continue reading →

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Sandy River Delta

Posted on April 9, 2015 by

Nala and I spent the morning at the Sandy River Delta east of Portland. Bird activity is definitely picking up, although many of the summer residents haven’t arrived yet. White-crowned Sparrows were singing as were Savannah Sparrows. Rufous Hummingbirds were … Continue reading →

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New Year Birding

Posted on January 4, 2015 by

I went out for a few hours on New Year’s Day to scout locations for my upcoming gull class. The weather was freakishly sunny for a January day in the Portland area. The only gull flock I found was at … Continue reading →

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Tualatin River NWR

Posted on June 9, 2014 by

I made a quick visit to Tualatin River NWR in the afternoon heat. One of the main trails is closed off until this young Bald Eagle decides to leave the nest. Despite the flock of European Starlings cheering him on, … Continue reading →

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Cannon Beach

Posted on January 25, 2014 by

While I recognize the serious nature of the current drought, it is hard to be unhappy about sunshine in January. So after many weeks of not birding, I finally got out and spent a day on the coast. On the … Continue reading →

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Jackson Bottom, 11 July 2013

Posted on July 11, 2013 by

I walked around Jackson Bottom in Hillsboro this morning. As you would expect at this time of year, there were lots of young birds around.  This young Savannah Sparrow posed nicely. His parents have not taught him to skulk in … Continue reading →

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Fernhill Wetlands 11/1/12

Posted on November 4, 2012 by

Things are hopping at Fernhill Wetlands, with rising water levels, an influx of several thousand geese and other waterfowl, and a few other goodies. Cackling Geese have been arriving for weeks now, and the skies and fields around Fernhill are … Continue reading →

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Washington County Wetlands

Posted on July 11, 2012 by

I visited several sites in Washington County to check for migrant shorebirds, inspired by the recent appearance of a Spotted Redshank at Fern Ridge Reservoir (Birding Oregon p 89) . I didn’t find anything so rare, but a few birds … Continue reading →

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Tualatin River NWR

Posted on January 5, 2012 by

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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