OBOL;
Yesterday (Jan 18th), I visited several locations in Washington County,
enjoying a day without rain drops. The recent rains resulted in many
flooded areas. Highlights:
1. Fernhill Wetlands: Fernhill Road is underwater and closed to traffic.
To enter the wetlands, I had to park nearby and walk through several inches
of water to arrive in the dry parking area.
TRUMPETER SWAN 5 (assume same family group, 2 adults and 3 immature,
present for a few weeks).
EURASIAN WIGEON 2 males together
CINNAMON TEAL 1 male
SORA 1 in marsh above the garden waterfalls
BLACK PHOEBE 1
2. Hagg Lake: Water levels up a great bit since my last visit. Now looks
like a proper lake.
TREE SWALLOW 10 - flock circling over the parking area at Elks Recreation
Area by dam.
3. Jackson Bottom Wetlands: Area and trails under many feet of water.
Additionally many birds in flooded field on west side of Hwy 219.
TUFTED DUCK 1 male. With a flock of about 100 Ring-necked Ducks. Viewed
from behind the visitor center at Jackson Bottom. If familiar with the
trails, it was near the first wooden bird blind you would come to as you
walk the trails. Currently, that blind is just peeking out above the flood
water.
EURASIAN WIGEON 1 male
Here is the link to my photos of the Tufted Duck, taken through my scope of
this bird. Poor, but distinctive.
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S26992311
4. Tualatin River NWR: area flooded, but able to walk the open trail
EURASIAN WIGEON 3 males.
MERLIN 1
BLACK PHOEBE 1
Has been a good year for EURASIAN WIGEON in the area. In addition to the 6
males I saw today, throughout the winter, there has been 1 female at
Commonwealth Lake, another female at Dawson Creek Park, and a male (or two)
splitting time between Dawson Creek and Amberglen Park (Tanasbourne). So,
at least 9-10 birds within short drive.
Good Birding
Steve Nord
Beaverton, OR
