I have made four trips to the Oregon Coast in as many weeks this spring. For three of the four, I was leading groups. That, combined with rainy weather, limited my photo opportunities, but here are a few shots. The big news on the coast this spring was a Laughing Gull and at least four Bar-tailed Godwits. I missed these birds, but as I like to tell myself, there is always something to see.
Rainy skies at Ft. Stevens. The wreck of the Peter Iredale is visible in the center of the photo.
Harbor Seals enjoying the sunshine in Netarts Bay.
It was fun to see this Red-breasted Merganser hauled out on a rock at the Netarts boat launch. I don’t see them out of the water very often.
Belted Kingfisher, Netarts boat launch
Surf Scoter, Yaquina Bay
Common Loon, still in winter plumage, Yaquina Bay
Harlequin Ducks on Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach
former whale, Ft. Stevens
Sanderling have been one of the more common migrants along the coast this spring.
Sanderling, Ft. Stevens
Whimbrel with a Mole Crab, Ft. Stevens
Black-bellied Plover, with a Sanderling in the background
Black-bellied Plover, still in mostly non-breeding plumage. Such faded birds often show some brown coloring, which fosters ideas of Pacific Golden-Plover. But eventually the birds raise their wings to reveal black axillaries (wing pits), and confirm the Black-bellied ID.
Ethical Birder 