A couple of us went (in separate cars) from McMinnville to Baskett Slough
Sunday morning. We got the last two parking spaces in the lot by the
toilet on Coville Rd. We walked down to the causeway across the slough
toward refuge headquarters.
We saw lots of birds. Highlights included 14 species of waterfowl,
including ~20 Gtr. White-fonted Geese, calling Soras, 12 fighting
Black-necked Stilts, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Marsh Wren.
The big show happened when a young Bald Eagle put up the 1000 Cackling Geese
and then dove on one that stayed on the water. It captured it and took it
to the nearby dike. Then a second young Bald Eagle arrived. Part of the
kill got hauled off and dropped in the water when a sub-adult Bald Eagle
joined the fray. Then a couple adults joined in the action. In the end,
the original young eagle got at least part of the kill, with an adult
standing by (to police the other youngsters?)
As we returned toward the parking lot I counted 32 cars. Before we left, I
counted another time and got over 35, but there had been significant
turnover. Estimating 60 cars X 2 occupants = 120 people enjoying the refuge
with pretty good social distancing. Wow!
On our way home we stopped by the Oak Restoration on Rice Ln in Amity and
saw the Lewis Woodpeckers and House Wrens.
Paul Sullivan
McMinnville
