Just east of Portland is a town called Troutdale, known by many for its outlet stores and access to some Sandy River swimming holes. Since the weekend though, a spot behind the Troutdale Airport has been known by birders as a somewhat magical land where some amazing birds have been turning up. I went to check it out yesterday morning and was happy to see the Loggerhead Shrike:
It was at a bit of a distance, but still cool to see. Not a lifer though. I didn't have a lot of time to stick around and wait for the other birds seen in previous days (Say's Phoebe and Sage Thrasher!) because I had to tire the dogs out at Broughton Beach. But if I had stayed I would have gotten a lifer (Clay-colored Sparrow) for sure, and possibly another lifer that was seen later in the day (Ferruginous Hawk!). Before this week I had only known of this spot as a good place to look for kingbirds.
At Broughton Beach the rain picked up so I didn't do a ton of birding, but I did watch a couple Savannah Sparrows collecting what I believe is nest material.
Not much else of interest- lots of molting Horned Grebes and a couple Common Loons in winter plumage- but two tired dogs are always worth it. Hopefully the good birds of Troutdale will stick around till I can get back out there... Good times!
It was at a bit of a distance, but still cool to see. Not a lifer though. I didn't have a lot of time to stick around and wait for the other birds seen in previous days (Say's Phoebe and Sage Thrasher!) because I had to tire the dogs out at Broughton Beach. But if I had stayed I would have gotten a lifer (Clay-colored Sparrow) for sure, and possibly another lifer that was seen later in the day (Ferruginous Hawk!). Before this week I had only known of this spot as a good place to look for kingbirds.
At Broughton Beach the rain picked up so I didn't do a ton of birding, but I did watch a couple Savannah Sparrows collecting what I believe is nest material.
Not much else of interest- lots of molting Horned Grebes and a couple Common Loons in winter plumage- but two tired dogs are always worth it. Hopefully the good birds of Troutdale will stick around till I can get back out there... Good times!
Hi Jen, Cool sighting of the Shrike. They are neat birds and I love the cute Savannah Sparrow. I will be staying a few days around Troutdale during our trip hopefully, I will see some good birds around there.
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