Towheeblog

On my way north yesterday I took time for a quick mid-afternoon visit to Ankeny NWR.  The pool across the road to the west of Eagle Marsh had multiple species of the heron family and I got good looks at all four: Grt. Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, American Bittern.  Some lingering Cacklers, a flock of Long-billed Dowitchers and a singing chat were also appreciated.

Below: flights of two different bitterns across the shallow pool:

Shorebirds:

Ankeny NWR, Marion, Oregon, US,
May 11, 2019.  27 species

Cackling Goose  15
Canada Goose  X
Cinnamon Teal  15
Gadwall  2
Mallard  X
Ring-necked Duck  10
Bufflehead  X
Ruddy Duck  X
Pied-billed Grebe  X
Eurasian Collared-Dove  X
Killdeer  X
Long-billed Dowitcher  60
Spotted Sandpiper  2
American Bittern  2
Great Blue Heron  3
Great Egret  12
Green Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  X
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)  1
American Crow  X
Tree Swallow  X
Barn Swallow  X
European Starling  X
Song Sparrow  X
Yellow-breasted Chat  1     singing
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Brewer’s Blackbird  X