I led a trip to Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, part of the Willamette Valley NWR Complex. It has a nice mix of wetland, grassland, and oak woodland.
Wilson’s Phalaropes are uncommon nesters in the Willamette Valley.
Red-winged Blackbird, color-coordinating with a water control structure
Brown-headed Cowbird, being slightly less colorful
Tree Swallow
One of three River Otters seen on the trip
This Pacific Gopher Snake was a nice find in a grassland area of the refuge. I never see this species in the Portland area, even though we are just fifty miles to the north.
Another interesting find in the grasslands was this Salmonfly Cicada.
Several Turkey Vultures were hanging out in a freshly plowed field, perhaps scavenging critters displaced by the plow.
The oaks at Baskett Slough attract Acorn Woodpeckers.
This little Black-tailed Deer was browsing the woods with their mom.
The refuge can get pretty quiet during the heat of the summer, but things will pick up again in the fall when wintering waterfowl return.
Happy Summer.
Ethical Birder 