Airport Park in McMinnville has two loops of trail, one long, one short. It
is a handy local escape into the woods right across from the Air Museum.
Noise from the airport can be a distraction when people are practicing
flying, but that was quiet today. With the leaves off the trees, I could
see activity in the treetops.
Just a few steps into the woods from the parking lot several juncos caught
my eye, then a song sparrow cheeped. I heard a creeper nearby and then saw
it. As I paused, a golden-crowned kinglet or two puttered around tangles
near the ground, then a couple downy woodpeckers chased each other through
the upper story of the woods. Robins tutted and chased each other in the
treetops too. I saw a lone lesser goldfinch in the treetop above me.
Several chestnut-backed chickadees were busy in the upper story of the trees
as well. I saw the creeper again. The downies continued to chase. Another
golden-crowned kinglet was high in the trees. Later I saw a yellow-rumped
warbler, also in the treetop.
Eventually all the activity quieted down. As I walked the all the rest of
the mile loop, I only detected a pacific wren.
This is why I came to birding.
Peace.
Paul Sullivan
