Tag Archives: Purple Finch

Tualatin River NWR

Posted on May 22, 2020 by John Rakestraw

The pandemic birding continues. While the visitor center and parking lot are closed, you can still walk the trails at Tualatin River NWR. Social distancing, birder style The big news at the refuge this spring has been this pair of … Continue reading →

Posted in OR Birding Sites, rarities, seasonal movements | Tagged American Avocet, Bonaparte's Gull, Lazuli Bunting, Long-billed Dowitcher, Northern Flicker, Purple Finch | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in behavior, seasonal movements | Tagged Barn Swallow, Black-bellied Plover, Dark-eyed Junco, Downy Woodpecker, Long-billed Dowitcher, Purple Finch | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Pine Siskin, Purple Finch, Red-breasted Sapsucker | 4 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged California Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Douglas's Squirrel, Lesser Goldfinch, Purple Finch | Leave a comment

Autumn Arrivals

Posted on October 9, 2012 by John Rakestraw

The weather is cooling and rain is in the forecast, as our long dry summer is finally letting go. Cackling Geese have arrived by the thousands in recent days. This Ridgeway’s Cackling Goose is sporting a black chin stripe and … Continue reading →

Posted in seasonal movements | Tagged American Pipit, Bald Eagle, Cackling Goose, California Gull, Purple Finch | 1 Comment

Feeding Frenzy

Posted on March 23, 2012 by John Rakestraw

For the past few weeks I have been enjoying a large flock of Pine Siskins at my feeder. But as often occurs during years of high siskin numbers, I started noticing a few sick birds. So I stopped feeding for … Continue reading →

Posted in birding philosophy, conservation issues | Tagged bird feeding, Lesser Goldfinch, Pine Siskin, Purple Finch | 1 Comment

Purple Finch

Posted on April 15, 2011 by John Rakestraw

This La Nina weather pattern shows no sign of abating, making outings miserably wet and not so productive, so I was delighted to see a Purple Finch in the yard this week. About once a year I see a Purple … Continue reading →

Posted in species profile | Tagged Purple Finch | 2 Comments