On the 21st I saw my first BARN SWALLOW since early January at the BLM
office in North Bend.
On Saturday (23rd) Pip and I were down around Powers early AM. Lots of Tree
and VG Swallows but no other early birds. Did hear Purple Finches singing,
saw about 8 bluebirds, had a flock of 20+ pipits, got good looks at two
male Rufous Hummers (this area has Allen’s or hybrids most years) and TVs
were plentiful.
At sunrise today we were out at Cape Blanco. Pretty quiet. We did walk up
to a Peregrine that was perched on the ground at the edge of the cliffs
there. We walked within 30 feet and stopped. It never flew and we left it
alone after that. Saw another pipit flock below in the cliffy area there.
At the big marsh we were able to find one Swamp Sparrow, they start to get
difficult to find this time of year. Many Tree Swallows in boxes there and
one Barn Swallow.
We then drove north to Floras Creek road on the SE end of Langlois. No
Vesper Sparrows in yet but did hear my first singing ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
of the year. It was with some Purple Finches which were also singing. Heard
rumps singing also plus RC Kinglets and some turkeys gobbling.
We then stopped and checked Lower 4-mile road in SW Coos. Four species of
swallows- lots of Trees, a few VGs, and two each of Cliff and Barn plus
another singing OC WARBLER.
At Bandon Marsh (Ni-les’tun unit) there were 10 singing Savannah Sparrows
and more singing Purple Finches.
Beautiful sunny morning!
Tim R
back in Coos Bay
