My plan this morning was to visit Oaks Bottom but when I arrived there were big signs saying "Trail Closed." Bummer- I assume it was due to erosion and muddy trails. Damn rain. I remembered the postings I had seen about Mountain Bluebirds on Powell Butte so I decided to head there and try my luck. No dice, but I saw a few other good birds...
A juvenile Cooper's Hawk was sitting at eye level not far from the trail...
Savannah Sparrows are back and they are all over Powell Butte...
Lastly, on my way back down the trail I watched a Northern Harrier getting harassed by several crows...
This afternoon I wanted to take the dogs somewhere so we headed to Lake Merwin in Washington. On the way there we stopped at the Lewis River Fish Hatchery. I was creeping around the edge of the river when I heard what sounded like something large in the brush nearby. I stopped short to listen closely. Then I nearly crapped my pants when a sea lion burst up out of the river below me. I think I even jumped backwards. He passed quickly so I only got bad photos...
I suppose it makes sense for sea lions to hang out at fish hatcheries, but I really was not expecting to see one. After that I realized what had been rustling around in the brush: robins and a Varied Thrush...
Didn't see much else but the dogs had fun at Lake Merwin... It's a strange park in the non-summer months... It's usually empty but there's a big grassy field and a nice trail to a waterfall.
Good times!
A juvenile Cooper's Hawk was sitting at eye level not far from the trail...
Savannah Sparrows are back and they are all over Powell Butte...
Lastly, on my way back down the trail I watched a Northern Harrier getting harassed by several crows...
This afternoon I wanted to take the dogs somewhere so we headed to Lake Merwin in Washington. On the way there we stopped at the Lewis River Fish Hatchery. I was creeping around the edge of the river when I heard what sounded like something large in the brush nearby. I stopped short to listen closely. Then I nearly crapped my pants when a sea lion burst up out of the river below me. I think I even jumped backwards. He passed quickly so I only got bad photos...
I suppose it makes sense for sea lions to hang out at fish hatcheries, but I really was not expecting to see one. After that I realized what had been rustling around in the brush: robins and a Varied Thrush...
Didn't see much else but the dogs had fun at Lake Merwin... It's a strange park in the non-summer months... It's usually empty but there's a big grassy field and a nice trail to a waterfall.
Good times!
That happens,but it's still a big thrill to see a sea lion. Great series!!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteI think your area must have the majoirity of wildlife!! Im so amazed each time I visit your blog..A SeaLION no less omg-
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of the Cooper and the Varied Thrush I dont think Ive ever heard anyone say they have seen one let alone got a great photo of one-
SO you gotta hike up to that waterfall one day that would be fun!
Your header photo is abolutely glorious, Jen! I imagine your surprise at the sealion. What a sleek animal!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog. Here is a link to the Mass Audubon refuge of Cape Cod:
http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Wellfleet/index.php
Cool sighting of the sealion. You did get to see some awesome hawks too. The Varied Thrush is a pretty bird, and I would love to see one.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Eileen in MD, the varied thrush is very pretty. Another one I have to put on my list to see..sigh///
ReplyDeleteAnother good day! The hawk is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWow, Jen! That Cooper's is just superb! I've been to Powell Butte once and was disappointed but I may have to go back. I hear they also get Lazula Buntings there. Wonderful collection of shots!
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