Here are a few photos of a flock of Dunlin at Ankeny NWR. I’m guessing the flock consisted of around 500 individuals. They circled in tight formation over the water for at least a half hour. When the flock turned, their wings made a roaring sound. Great fun. I don’t know why they did this for so long. There was no predator visible, and several birds were resting on the shore while the flock was carrying on. Perhaps getting in shape for migration?
With the onset of cooler temperatures and short days, a birder’s attentions are drawn to the avian stars of the Willamette Valley in winter, waterfowl and gulls. Yes, there are sparrows about, and the American Goldfinches are emptying my feeders on a daily basis. But I really enjoy the cacophony of a few thousand Cackling Geese and the challenging genetic soup that makes up the gulls of the West Coast.
American and Eurasian Wigeons
Cackling Geese
Thayer’s Gull
Ethical Birder 