seasonal movements – Page 18

Sauvie Island

March 7, 2008June 5, 2008 by John Rakestraw, posted in OR Birding Sites, reptiles & amphibians, seasonal movements

I spent a gorgeous day at Sauvie Island, northwest of Portland. There are still good numbers of waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes, but the sparrows have started to thin out.

Sandhill Cranes (and Mallards)

Dusky Canada Geese, Sandhill Cranes (and Mallards)

I believe the front bird is a Lesser Canada Goose. The bill is long and slopes gently into the forehead, unlike the stubby bills and rounded foreheads seen on Cackling and Taverner’s Cackling Geese.

I saw at least a dozen Garter Snakes around Wapato Access Greenway. This was one of two that sat still long enough for photos.

A Deluge of Dunlin

January 11, 2008June 6, 2008 by John Rakestraw, posted in seasonal movements

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?

Winter is setting in.

November 24, 2007June 6, 2008 by John Rakestraw, posted in seasonal movements

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