Shillapoo Part II
Early morning on the way to Shillapoo I noticed a large flock of Sandhill Cranes in a farm field. I stopped in the middle of the (low traffic, no shoulder) road to quickly capture the moment. “Often heard before seen,” these tall birds have a distinctive loud, resonant, “wooden-sounding bugle with rattling or rolling quality.”…
Shillapoo-Ridgefield Trip
What. A. Day. Many highs and lows. Highs: President’s day! A day off to go birding! It’s 60 degrees and sunny in Portland! I decided to check out Shillapoo Wildlife Area in Washington because it’s a 2370-acre wildlife area and because it has a funny sounding name. “Silly-poo.” I took off early for the long drive and arrived at the parking…
Whitaker Ponds Nature Park II
I made a quick visit to Whitaker Ponds yesterday morning since it is so close to home. The park was foggy, but there were plenty of birds to see. One in particular, with a lovely song, that I have only encountered by sound this year until now. Their classic conk-la-ree! song reminds me of summer…