Towheeblog

We spent most of yesterday in Portland and Beaverton. The unofficial Bird of Portland has to the American Crow:

In Beaverton I had a chance to explore Johnson Creek Wetlands. A Black Phoebe was hunting right next to the trail. A small flock of Violet-green Swallows fed over the water. A Bewick’s Wren came down to check me out at the edge of the parking lot.

Near two fast food retailers along I-5 we saw this Brewer’s Blackbird and his mate enjoying the carry-out fall-out, food in the parking lot. Beats foraging in a farm field.

Roadside observations: the blue heron nest colony at I-5 Exit 263 occupied and active. Over Walling Pond in south Salem: three circling Osprey about 630PM. Large flocks of Cackling geese in fields along I-5 just north of Keizer. Another flock at the old Costco along Hwy 22 in Salem.

In our garden this morning I saw a Steller’s Jay searching in an unusual place–it won’t find anything to eat there…? The bird picked up a stick and flew off. Nest building! Our ornamental plums shed numerous thin, flexible, long twigs–ideal for nest weaving.

VANCOUVER ISLAND GALLERY

Some of Albert Ryckman’s compelling shots from a Canadian adventure:

Raven reacts to his person–click here.

Johnson Creek Wetlands, Washington, Oregon, US
Mar 29, 2023
16 species

Canada Goose  1
Gadwall  2
Mallard  6
Green-winged Teal  3
Bufflehead  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Black Phoebe  1
American Crow  2
Black-capped Chickadee  1
Violet-green Swallow  15
Bewick’s Wren  1
Golden-crowned Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  2
Spotted Towhee  1
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1