I ran out to Jackson Bottom Wetlands to see a Clay-colored Sparrow that has been hanging around. The bird was shy and didn’t allow a close approach, but the distinctive light coloring, gray nape, and strong face pattern made it easy to pick this bird out of the crowd. This species doesn’t make it to Oregon very often.
Formerly considered a rarity in Oregon, White-throated Sparrows are now expected among winter sparrow flocks in the state. I found at least three individuals on this trip.
Nutria, in all its mucky, invasive species cuteness.
Sleepy rodent. I actually saw a native Muskrat on this trip, but he eluded my photographic efforts.
One native rodent I did manage to capture was this Townsend’s Chipmunk. At higher elevations with snow cover, this species will hibernate, but they are active all year in the Willamette Valley.
Ethical Birder 