The 7 of us didn't exactly pick the best day yesterday as it was raining most
of the time and the chilly breeze was rather unpleasant. We started the day at
Baskett Slough. We could not find any of the recent rarities (Says's Phoebe,
Mockingbird, Prairie Falcon), but we enjoyed 2-3 Northern Shrikes, a
Rough-legged and Red-shouldered Hawks, a Black Phoebe, pipits and meadowlarks
and an interesting possible Golden-crowned x White-throated Sparrow.
The highlight of the day were probably the unbelievable looks that we got of
several Wrentits at the end of Shady Lane Rd west of Monmouth. And all that in
the drizzle.
At Ryals Rd we were hoping for the Prairie Falcon at the powerline crossing,
but had to "make do" with a Rough-legged Hawk.
We were only at Ankeny for a little while, but Pintail Marsh was fun. We found
Hairy Woodpecker, over a dozen of Dunlin, Red-shouldered Hawk and a great
candidate for Harlan's Hawk.
We concluded the day on Farmer Rd just outside Baskett Slough where we watched
3 Short-eared Owls rise and hunt just after sunset. A Rough-legged Hawk also
stayed up really late there.
It was a fun day!
Stefan Schlick
Hillsboro, OR
