I made a quick trek around Washington County’s two prominent wetlands. There was nothing unusual to report, but there is plenty of bird activity at these sites this time of year.
Green Heron, lurking
Great Blue Heron, not lurking
Juvenile California Gulls are very common lately.
I didn’t find many migrant shorebirds this trip, but the resident Spotted Sandpipers posed nicely.
Killdeer
Fifteen years ago, White Pelicans in the Portland area were a pretty big deal, but now they are expected in the larger wetlands in summer.
Belted Kingfishers like the perches that have been installed at Fernhill.
Osprey over the lake at Fernhill
Clouds of swallows are hanging out at Jackson Bottom. This Tree Swallow spent a long time just sitting in the opening of her nest box.
They have installed a water feature near the visitor center at Jackson Bottom. This soggy Black-capped Chickadee was enjoying a dip.
Lesser Goldfinch on the fountain
As nesting season wraps up and water levels drop, I can soon start obsessing on migrant shorebirds.
Ethical Birder 