Pied-billed Grebe – Page 2

Tualatin River NWR

June 9, 2014 by John Rakestraw, posted in nesting, OR Birding Sites, reptiles & amphibians

I made a quick visit to Tualatin River NWR in the afternoon heat. One of the main trails is closed off until this young Bald Eagle decides to leave the nest. Despite the flock of European Starlings cheering him on, he didn’t show any sign of leaving.

I saw several pairs of Gadwall, but no ducklings yet. This male was putting on a show for his lady friend.

Mallards have been out with broods for weeks now.

Cinnamon Teal siesta

Pied-billed Grebe showing off his black throat

I often find Spotted Sandpipers perched on man-made structures.

Despite the time of day, American Bullfrogs were actively singing and defending territories. This introduced species is so common in the Willamette Valley. I would think they would be a favored prey item (Great Blue Heron, Mink, River Otter, etc.) but I seldom find any evidence of predation. Bullfrogs are unfortunately very good at preying on native frogs and turtles.

Water Babies, Tualatin River NWR

July 29, 2013 by John Rakestraw, posted in mammals, OR Birding Sites, reptiles & amphibians

There are lots of youngsters in the wetlands these days. We haven’t had any rain in July, so water levels are dropping, concentrating wetland animals into smaller areas. This is a Spotted Sandpiper in that awkward adolescent stage.

The same Spotted Sandpiper, peeking out of a culvert

spotted 1 This adult Spotted Sandpiper may be the parent of the juvenile pictured above. Like many birders, she assumes the sign does not apply to her.

This young Pied-billed Grebe was grooming and stretching in the canal.

There are lots of tadpoles in the canal.
Unfortunately, they belong to the invasive American Bullfrog.

Every puddle has a school of baby bullheads this time of year.

Another invasive species, but darned cute, is this young Nutria nibbling on aquatic vegetation.

Klamath Basin

May 19, 2010May 19, 2010 by John Rakestraw, posted in mammals, nesting, OR Birding Sites

Here are some photos from a recent trip to the Klamath Basin.

Eared Grebes are common in the wetlands along State Line Road (Birding Oregon p. 116). The second bird from the left is still in basic plumage, while all the other birds seen that day had already molted into alternate plumage.

Shorebirds, such as this Semipalmated Plover, can be found on the mudflats along State Line Road.

This Pied-billed Grebe was nesting at Wood River Wetlands (Birding Oregon p.111).

The Klamath Basin is famous for its large wintering population of Bald Eagles, but a few pairs stay to nest. This bird was found in Moore Park in Klamath Falls.

Moore Park is also home to Mule Deer. Note the fuzzy antlers starting to grow on the deer in the center of the photo.