Western Fence Lizard – John Rakestraw

Wasco County

July 27, 2021 by John Rakestraw, posted in mammals, nesting, reptiles & amphibians

river small Here are a few more images from my trip to central Oregon. The main purpose of the trip was to get the dogs away from the fireworks in Portland, but I always enjoy a trip to the dry side of the Cascades. It was indeed dry, and very hot. Bodhi cooled off a little in the Deschutes River.

tv flock I found a small flock of Turkey Vultures roosting along the river one morning.

tv left small Even in the early morning the sun was pretty intense.
tv insta

This young Spotted Sandpiper was perched on a rock in the river.

The Mule Deer were usually found along the river, which provided the only green vegetation in the area.

fence insta Since birding was pretty slow, I spent a lot of time with Western Fence Lizards. This individual was basking on a big piece of obsidian. Since it was so hot, these lizards usually basked in the shade except during the early morning.

fence lizard small This individual was hanging out under the deck where we were staying. I had to use a flash in this dark environment. I normally don’t like the results of flash photography, but the flash really brought out the pattern on this lizard.

fence insta an adorable little dragon

Happy Summer

Malheur NWR

June 21, 2011 by John Rakestraw, posted in mammals, nesting, OR Birding Sites, reptiles & amphibians

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most popular birding destinations in Oregon, not just for the abundant expected species, but also for the eastern vagrants that turn up there every year. Our Birdathon team from the Audubon Society of Portland visited the area June 7-9.

The trees and shrubs around the refuge headquarters are very attractive to birds.

Pine Siskins

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Western Tanagers were abundant in the trees and in the sagebrush.

The lawn at headquarters hosts a large colony of Merriam’s Ground Squirrels.

The view from Buena Vista, with Steens Mountain in the background

In warmer weather, this part of the state is great for herps, like this Western Fence Lizard.

Eastern Kingbird

Black-necked Stilt

Common Nighthawk

Northern Flicker, nesting in the town of Frenchglen, near the southern end of the refuge

Winchuck River Mouth

September 20, 2009 by John Rakestraw, posted in OR Birding Sites, reptiles & amphibians

Less than a mile from the California border, the Winchuck River empties into the Pacific Ocean. Along with a lovely beach area, the site has a nice visitor center (bathroom!) with information about the surrounding National Forest.

Brown Pelicans were feeding just offshore.

Two Long-billed Curlews were feeding near the river mouth, probing their long bills into the sand. The crisp pattern on the wing coverts (dark stripes with no cross bars) identifies this individual as a juvenile.

This Double-crested Cormorant fished in the river while other fished offshore.

Eurasian Collared-Doves can be expected just about anywhere in Oregon after a massive range expansion over the past few years.

Western Fence Lizards were basking on the abundant driftwood. This one has recently shed, evidenced by the little patch of dead skin left on the tail. The one below has a less dramatic pattern, but with little blue flecks.