Now is usually a fun time to look for shorebirds in Multnomah County.
But this is not a typical year.
The past few years Broughton Beach has been outstanding for shorebirds,
with good variety and numbers of shorebirds, but this year it's been quiet
with both fewer numbers and species. The area superficially looks the same
with lots of mud, but it was pointed out to me today that the usual
abundance of small clams is missing this year. I'm not sure if it's
related, but I'd appreciate hearing if someone has a theory why it's been
so much quieter.
Similarly, there is a 1.5 mile stretch of the Columbia Slough roughly
between Vanport Wetlands and Smith and Bybee Lakes that has a
bike/pedestrian path. Most years there are good numbers of shorebirds
there when the tide is low, but not this year. This morning there was lots
of exposed mud, but not a single shorebird. Again, I don't know why, or
whether it's related to the reduced shorebirds at Broughton Beach, but I'm
all ears if you have any ideas.
There are 2 other usually good places that have issues, but these I know
why.
Smith and Bybee has been good for shorebirds the past few weeks, but it's
clearly past its peak and they will soon be all dried up. This morning
there were far fewer shorebirds than last week. This is from purposefully
drying Bybee in order to do the construction re-establishing a channel
between the lakes, and Smith drying up from evaporation.
And Vanport Wetlands is normally great for shorebirds around now, but this
year the water level remains much higher than usual. They control the
water level there, and attempts to let out water have been thwarted by
beavers, despite the use of something called a "beaver deceiver." I guess
these are pretty smart beavers.
Andy Frank
Portland
