Tag: Cinnamon Teal

Jackson Bottom 4/26/12

by John Rakestraw, posted in OR Birding Sites, seasonal movements

I took a client to Jackson Bottom Wetlands Reserve in Hillsboro (Birding Oregon p. 60).  Continuing restoration efforts at that site are creating some nice habitat, and the birds are responding.


Cinnamon Teal were actively courting.

There was lots of head bobbing and chasing of rival males.

taking a break


Jackson Bottom is swarming with swallows. Tree Swallows claim most of the many nest boxes.


Cliff Swallow


Restoration work has created shallow ponds and open mud, which is attractive to migrant shorebirds like these Western Sandpipers.


Three Dunlins in various states of molt. The front bird is least advanced, while the bird in back is in full breeding plumage.


Two Dunlins on the left, Western Sandpipers on the right.


Western Sandpiper, with Dunlin in the background


Least Sandpipers


This Solitary Sandpiper was a nice surprise. They are an uncommon spring migrant.


The resident Canada Geese have already hatched their broods.

Sauvie Island

by John Rakestraw, posted in mammals, OR Birding Sites, reptiles & amphibians, seasonal movements

I did a point count at Oak Island on Sauvie Island today, then birded several other areas. Migration is starting to pick up with large numbers of Purple Martins and several warblers and shorebirds on the move. I also saw four Sanhill Cranes, which seemed a bit early.


Western Wood-Pewees are everywhere, and still very vocal.


This California Quail spent some time on top of a corral fence, before disappearing into the blackberry brambles.


Here is a very distant shot of two Red-necked Phalaropes in front of a Cinnamon Teal. Notice the big blue patch on the extended wing of the teal.


A Brush Rabbit, not a bird, nor uncommon, but still cute.


Pacific Treefrog. It is amazing how such a tiny animal (about 1 inch from snout to vent) can have such a loud call.

Sauvie Island

by John Rakestraw, posted in behavior, OR Birding Sites, seasonal movements

Migration has wound down by now, and the summer breeders are out in force. Here are a few birds I found on Sauvie Island this morning.


Savannah Sparrows can be heard at the edges of all the pastures.


Rufous Hummingbird


This Bald Eagle hovered over me, scolding the whole time. That behavior is more typical of Red-winged Blackbirds. I thought the eagles would be done nesting by now, but apparently they still have young in the nest.


Blue-winged Teal, uncommon in the Willamette Valley


Cinnamon Teal, common, but always a delight


hungry Barn Swallow chicks


Tree Swallow