We birded Wasco and Sherman counties yesterday and had a fabulous time. We
missed the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL that Jay and Nick found. We arrived right
after they had posted it to OBOL so they took us to where the had seen it.
After that we birded the river as far as Biggs and we headed south into the
snow-blanketed landscape in search of larks and longspurs. The main roads were
bare but everywhere else it was deep snow. As Lars noted the influx of Say’s
Phoebes, bluebirds, and meadowlarks into the Willamette Valley is not
surprising given the snowpack o the east of us.
The site along Hwy 97 (see map from checklist below) where the big number of
Lapland Longspurs are is at a dangerous curve with lots of traffic including
regular semi trucks barreling down the highway. Do not park on this corner. We
parked about 1/3-1/2 mile south in a straight stretch where we could get off
the road and walked up. Lots of grain had been spilled at some point on this
corner which is why the birds are there. We counted 31 longspurs including some
very dapper males.
https://ebird.org/pnw/view/checklist/S53691325
We stopped at Conroy Road and Hwy 216 and saw another 8 Laps in the field with
the cattle. They were hard to see as they hid behind snow, mud and cow piles.
The house at the intersection has feeders with a slew of Brewer’s, Red-winged,
and five Tricolored Blackbirds. Dave counted 35 cowbirds. There were two
Chukars under the feeders at the house that were ridiculously tame. They came
up to us looking for handouts within a foot of me! It was fun to be so close to
such a beautiful bird.
We found another 8 Laps further west along 216 where there are lots of cows as
noted by Phil Kline. I added a photo of the site to show why the birds are so
concentrated. Most everywhere else is blanketed in snow. Maps has location.
https://ebird.org/pnw/view/checklist/S53690107
Two other sightings were of note. Along Moore Lane off Hwy 97 (@2.5 miles south
of Moro) we found an adult Red-tailed Hawk standing on its prey. When we
stopped to look at it we saw that it was another adult Red-tail! In Moro we
drove past the granary finding multiple meadowlarks feeding on the edge of the
melted gravel road. One was steadfast and wouldn’t leave what it was eating. I
was stunned to see it tearing at a mouse! It was so protective of its meal that
it would not leave it even as we inched past it with the car. I could look
right down on it from my window. Just goes to show how harsh conditions affect
the birds.
In all it was a gorgeous day with virtually no wind. Cold, yes, but well worth
it.
Shawneen Finnegan
Beaverton
Sent from my iPad
