Our field trips are open to anyone who wants to participate. You don't have to be a member of Audubon or our local chapter to join the fun. But after you have come on several of our trips, we think you'll want to join and support us.
2011 Willapa Hills Audubon Bird-a-thon--A Wisecracker View
Last Updated on Monday, 20 June 2011 07:20 Written by Margaret Green
May 15 began very early for the “Green-winged Wisecrackers” who launched at 5:45 AM in Seaside, Oregon. The team of John and Margaret Green and Larry Brandt began what would be an epic journey of 300 miles in search of sea and shore birds that would give them a “wing up” on Darrel Whipple, Denise Caldwell, Cheryl Chambers, Danny Mjelde, Henry Horvat and Lona Pierce, “Darrel’s Distinctive Dodo’s”, the team covering more inland terrain. Steve Puddicombe hung close to home in Grays River, but added some very impressive birds to our overall list.
A cold drizzle fell steadily on the coastal team, and was enough to dampen spirits, but the competitive juices were flowing so we forged on to prove our competence and make those trusting pledges proud.
Read more: 2011 Willapa Hills Audubon Bird-a-thon--A Wisecracker View
Sauvie Island Field Trip
Last Updated on Monday, 09 May 2011 13:44 Written by Margaret Green
On Saturday, April 30, WHAS conducted a field trip to Sauvie Island in Oregon. A group of 12 encountered 71 species for the day, reflecting the beginning of the spring migration.
We found 12 species of waterfowl for which Sauvie is famous, 5 species each of warbler, and sparrows, as well as 4 species of swallows. But the highlight of the day had to be watching an adult bald eagle return to the nest with a fish and proceed to feed it to a young eaglet. The pair of bushtits feeding young also gave us a thrill.
We enjoyed walking the lovely Oak Island and Wapato Park trails, listening to birdsong, breathing in the fresh spring air and seeing blue skies. A tired but satisfied group exceeded the length of time allotted for the trip by 3 hours, returning to Longview at 5 PM.
Ridgefield Wanderings
Last Updated on Sunday, 06 February 2011 21:33 Written by Margaret Green
On a beautiful sunny January morning, a WHAS field trip group explored Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge via the 4 mile auto route. A total of 39 species were seen. Participant, Duaine Smilth shares some of the special moments through his photography.
Julia Butler Hansen NWR - Field Trip Report
Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 February 2010 11:41 Written by John Green
A group of fifteen hardy souls braved the rain for four hours during the January 30th field trip to Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge, just west of Cathlamet, is a wonderful place to find good birds, without enduring a long road trip. Trip leader, Alan Richards was able to find 44 species to make a dreary day bright indeed.
Lake Sacajawea Bird Walk Report
Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 December 2009 13:23 Written by John Green
The 4th Annual Lake Sacajawea Walk can be considered a whopping success, and not necessarily for the birds observed. 19 hardy souls gathered on the gloriously cold and crisp morning with the sun shining brilliantly through the mist and bouncing off the sparkling crystal coated ground. The species count was 19 and fairly predictable, with handsome Buffleheads being showy favorites. The highlight of the walk was our continual observation of river otters, which cavorted in the water along the lake-bank, heads held high, seemingly as curious about us as we were enthralled with them. Six-year old Allie Arnsdorf watched happily through binos as an otter wrestled a fish for a tasty breakfast.
Curiously, when the group moved indoors for hot drinks and a potluck of yummy treats, we also found the Greens’ yard devoid of birds. John lamented the no-show of our normal guests, Anna’s Hummingbird, Townsend Warbler, Spotted Towhee, and Gold-crowned sparrow. Not a single bird appeared. It was a very strange day, indeed. But while the yard lay vacant, the warmth of chatter and laughter filled the house, reminding us that Willapa Hills Audubon is more than bird watching, citizen science, and activism. We cherish the wonderful friendship and camaraderie of all the special people we meet with many common as well as divergent interests. We heartily look forward to the 5th Annual Walk, next December!
After all were gone, John and I headed to the yard to investigate. Ah-hah! Under the Portuguese laurel, we discovered a scattering of dark gray, black, and white feathers with splatters of whitewash from the predator, which had its breakfast treat (a junco?) earlier in the day. We wonder if the Merlin who, for weeks, enjoyed, last year’s backyard banquet, has returned for second helpings.
Species list: Pied-billed-grebe, Double-Crested Cormorant, Mallard, American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Ring-necked duck, Common Goldeneye, Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron, Glaucous-winged and hybrid Gulls, Red-tailed Hawk, Rock Pigeon, Belted Kingfisher, American Crow, Northern Flicker, Western Scrub-jay, European Starling, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Dark-eyed Junco
