…. which I know is not very frequently for most of us! …. But WHEN-ever you
may find yourself in Jordan Valley in far southeastern Oregon, I have a new (to
me, anyway) location to recommend as a birding destination….
As you enter town from the west, you will see a coffee shop on your right
called Skinner’s Rockhouse, in a quaint old stone building. Website =
https://skinnersrockhouse.com ;<https://skinnersrockhouse.com/>. The barista is
super-friendly, the food is locally made, and it’s the best cup of coffee in
probably over 100 miles. Best of all for birders, the owner, Dave Skinner, owns
and manages a large spread of land behind the shop that has been in the family
for years and that provides some excellent habitat for birding, stretching all
the way down to Jordan Creek and also across the highway. Dave happily gave me
permission to bird the area, and was eager for me to spread the word to other
birders. I was there on 5 June and did not find any vagrant birds, but enjoyed
a breeding GH Owl and many expected species, and it was clear that the location
holds good potential for rare vagrants.
Thus when in Jordan Valley … stop by the coffeeshop, enjoy a coffee or a meal,
leave a hefty tip, and ask to see Dave for permission to bird the grounds. I
know I’ll be returning there.
Good birding, all,
Jay Withgott
Portland