This past week I had a great time just watching and appreciating the birds
close to me in Oaks Bottom, Portland. I was able to watch the Bald Eagles
calling back and forth to each other and then actually mating. Another morning
I watched the Great Blue Herons commute over from Ross Island. They came in
ones and twos over a few minutes. It was fabulous to see them turn and bank
into the bank, necks and legs and wings all spread out. The one sunny morning
a Coopers Hawk swooshed up into a tree above the trail. It was soaking wet,
apparently having just had a bath and I could see the water dripping off its
tail. It perched and spread its wings and tail and then did little flicking
motions. I was able to observe it for about 10 minutes, drying itself in the
sun. And finally at Broughton Beach I was able to watch some Common Goldeneyes
doing their courtship moves. Sometimes there's more going on in our backyards
than we realize.
Enjoy!
Linda
On Jan 30, 2016, at 7:58 PM, Jack Williamson wrote:
I don't know about you, but my birth month is the toughest of the year for me
to find birding joy.
I would appreciate learning what others normally do this time of year to
satisfy their appetite for unique (in-state) birding observations when they
are not (deservedly) overwhelmed by the armed occupation of a beloved
wildlife refuge that will (unfortunately) end with the loss of at least one
life.
Jack Williamson
West Linn, Oregon
