Winchuck River Mouth

winchuck river
Less than a mile from the California border, the Winchuck River empties into the Pacific Ocean. Along with a lovely beach area, the site has a nice visitor center (bathroom!) with information about the surrounding National Forest.

brown pelicans
Brown Pelicans were feeding just offshore.

long-billed curlew
Two Long-billed Curlews were feeding near the river mouth, probing their long bills into the sand. The crisp pattern on the wing coverts (dark stripes with no cross bars) identifies this individual as a juvenile.

double-crested cormorant
This Double-crested Cormorant  fished  in the river while other fished offshore.

eurasian collared dove
Eurasian Collared-Doves can be expected just about anywhere in Oregon after a massive range expansion over the past few years.

western fence lizard 1
Western Fence Lizards were basking on the abundant driftwood. This one has recently shed, evidenced by the little patch of dead skin left on the tail. The one below has a less dramatic pattern, but with little blue flecks.

western fence lizard 2