While out doing yardwork the past few days, a few notable birds to stop and
watch in Columbia County near Scappoose. Today a small flock of EVENING
GROSBEAKS were in a fir for several minutes. They appeared to be consuming
pollen cones. SANDHILL CRANES have been leaving lowlands along the Columbia
River in the hundreds, often spiralling upward before heading north. A rare
visitor to my yard: a PILEATED WOODPECKER spent some time tearing at an old
maple log laying on the ground a day ago. A V of WHITE PELICANS flew over
yesterday. Lots of nest building activity with the regulars, and for no
reason at all a MOUNTAIN QUAIL showed up for one day this week, then left.
Love the bird action and singing this time of year.
Lona Pierce
