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These photos were taken on March 4, 2017 near Svensen, Oregon, a small community off OR30 and show an abundance of Tundra Swans and Canvasback ducks. The quiet of the morning allowed John and Margaret Green to hear the lovely sounds of the swans feeding. They saw a plethora of waterfowl including Snow Geese and Cinnamon and Green-winged Teal. A few Greater Yellow Legs searched for breakfast. Eagles were in the tree tops.
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There were actually 9 eagles, both immature and mature on the ground at the elk carcass and 4 mature soaring above. This was near the south jetty at Ft Stevens State Park in NW Oregon. Quite remarkable. There were also ravens as you can see and John saw 2 Turkey Vultures as well, despite it still being early for vultures.
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Just 80 miles west of Longview/Rainier one can discover new opportunities for observing wild life beyond our customary species. We moved from Longview to Gearhart, Oregon in April 2016, and now are coastal residents of nearly a year. Living and exploring the coastal forests and prairies, the dunes and beaches has offered some delightful experiences.
One of our more interesting sightings happened last summer, when we began seeing large black fins circling just beyond the breakers off Gearhart Beach. Amongst these were repeated whale spouts. We identified 3 whales and at least 5 Orcas. Several local naturalists offered the explanation that this rogue Orca pod (often seen at the mouth of the Columbia) was trying to separate a mother gray whale from her calf. The mother was successful in staying between her calf and the predators as two whales were seen a few miles north within an hour of our sighting. It is hard to know who to root for during these natural world battles.
John takes a daily beach walk and it is always interesting. We have seen 6 eagles at one time, “celebrating” a comrade’s successful catch of a small sea perch, too small to share. Another day, one was clinging to a crab and puzzling over its best approach for consuming. The eagles are plentiful this winter and John sees them daily. We hope to find successful nests over the next couple months for observation.
One of the most exciting finds has been a group of 5 Snowy Plovers that have been present almost daily for nearly two months. This is a rare and endangered shore bird for which there are recovery plans/actions happening at Leadbetter Point on the Long Beach Penninsula.
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For most nature lovers, spotting a bald eagle is a conversation-halting moment. Without fail, everyone falls silent to watch the magnificent bird soar, swoop, or simply reign over a towering tree.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 31st at 12:30 PM, celebratory cake to follow
WHERE: Willow Grove Park, Willow Grove Rd., Longview, WA 98632
Note: the closest parking lot to the release site is the one just after the boat launch parking lot. Please keep your eyes open for signs and volunteers providing directions.
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Linda Jennings reported that on Saturday, August 13, 259 Vaux's Swifts roosted in the chimney of Carpet One in Rainier, across highway 30 from the City Hall. And on Monday, August 15, she counted 374 using the chimney.
People wishing to check out this phenomenon for themselves will have the best chance from half an hour before sunset until half an hour after sunset. (The southward migration of the swifts from all over the Northwest usually starts in September, affording us more opportunities to view hundreds of them entering the chimney.) You can park along Highway 30 or along A Street, or in parking lots nearby.
If you have questions or info to share you may call Darrel Whipple at 503-556-9838, or