I spent some time at Gabriel Park in SW Portland this afternoon. Most of
the action was in the pine groves described by Max earlier today around the
Rocky Benevento baseball diamond - one (south) outside the left field fence
and one (north) between the diamond and the play structures along Vermont
St. Two MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES were in a loose flock of birds in the south
grove of pines. I eventually found two PYGMY NUTHATCHES in the north pine
grove after bumping into Tait ___ and John Fitchen who had already found
one of the PYGMY NUTHATCHES.
The Nuthatches were back and forth in the pines between the ball diamond
and the play structures. They also visited a large blue spruce near the
restrooms. Since their vocalizations are beyond my hearing capability
these days, it was helpful to recognize their flight profile - tiny, stubby
squared-off tail and slightly undulating but rapid flight. They moved
around quite a bit.
A few photos are here.
https://www.flickr.com/photos_user.gne?rb=1&path=&nsid=10665268%40N04&page=&details=1
Ed McVicker
Portland
