All photos copyright John Rakestraw unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.
Tag Archives: Surfbird
“Autumn” Shorebirds
Late summer is a challenging time to bird. The local nesters have finished raising their families and have grown quiet and harder to see. Most southbound migrants have not arrived yet. The weather is hot and many parks are crowded. … Continue reading
Portraits from the coast
I made a trip out to the coast to scout for my shorebird class. Much of the trip consisted of running from site to site to check on conditions, but I did spend a little time at a few sites … Continue reading
Nifty Shades of Gray
The Cove, in Seaside, is unique on the northern Oregon coast for the cobbles and boulders that make up its beach. These gray stones regularly attract three species that are more difficult to find elsewhere; Heermann’s Gull, Surfbird, and Black … Continue reading
Posted in OR Birding Sites
Tagged Black Turnstone, Heermann's Gull, Surfbird, Western Gull
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Shorebirds on the rocks
A recent trip to the coast on a sunny and windy day resulted in these images of shorebirds using rocky habitats. Two of these species are usually found on rocks, but the other two are not. I wonder if the … Continue reading
Random Images
Once again, here are a few photos from the past few weeks’ ramblings. While one can admire the adorableness of this Black-capped Chickadee, the real bird of interest is his drinking buddy in the background, a Pine Siskin. Siskins were … Continue reading
Random Bits of August
I taught two shorebird classes and led three shorebird field trips in August. The southbound shorebird migration has been pretty great so far, with unprecedented numbers of Baird’s Sandpipers and a nice smattering of rarities throughout Oregon. My trips missed … Continue reading
Posted in seasonal movements
Tagged American White Pelican, Ruddy Turnstone, Surfbird, Wilson's Snipe
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North Coast, 21 November 2013
I spent a cold but sunny day on the coast, from Seaside to the Columbia River. One of the best surprises of the day was this Black Phoebe at Millponds Park in Seaside. This species continues to expand its range … Continue reading
Posted in behavior, OR Birding Sites
Tagged Black Phoebe, Black Turnstone, Dunlin, Fox Sparrow, Millponds Park, Red-necked Grebe, Seaside Cove, Song Sparrow, Surfbird
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North Coast
I spent a warm sunny morning around Cannon Beach and Seaside. The first stop was Silver Point, just south of Cannon Beach, for a sea watch. There were plenty of birds out there, way out there. It is what I … Continue reading
Shorebird Class 7 September 2013
I took my shorebird class to the north coast. We ended the day with 14 species of shorebirds, plus one that got away unidentified. Our first stop was The Cove in Seaside. The tide was very low so the birds … Continue reading
Posted in OR Birding Sites
Tagged Black Turnstone, Heerman's Gull, Pectoral Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Surfbird
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Seaside, 11/10/2011
Here are a few more images from a recent trip to the coast. Black Turnstone at The Cove in Seaside (Birding Oregon p. 121) Surfbirds blend in with the rocks very well until someone opens their wings. California Gull in … Continue reading
Posted in OR Birding Sites
Tagged Black Turnstone, California Gull, Fox Sparrow, Hooded Merganser, Seaside, Surfbird
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