Autumn Ramblings

by John Rakestraw, posted in Uncategorized

Here are a few highlights from this autumn.

This little Mylitta Crescent was found at Ankeny NWR. I still don’t know my butterflies, so it is fun to identify a new one.
This young Cooper’s Hawk was hunting near the visitor center at Ankeny. Of course, at the time, I was searching for recently arrived migrant sparrows so this guy wasn’t doing me any favors.
Non-native American Bullfrog at Fernhill Wetlands
Another American Bullfrog, mostly hidden in the duckweed
The winter geese have returned. This Dusky Canada Goose seems to have an injured wing.
This Red-spotted Garter was at Ankeny NWR. His red areas are more of a pumpkin spice color.
This Northwestern Garter was spread out on the trail at Chehalem Ridge Nature Park, soaking up the sun on a cold morning.
Great Blue Heron having a soak
I was sorting through a flock of chickadees and kinglets when I found this Western Screech-Owl blending in with the tree bark.
River Otters are always a treat. These were found at Koll Center Wetlands.

Hermit Thrushes have recently arrived for the winter. The weather has turned cooler and wetter, so we are about to settle into winter; lots of sparrows, waterfowl, and raptors; and fewer herps and warblers.

Happy Autumn

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