Hi Folks, I've taken little walks around our house, and stopped here and there on my way to jobs and other appointments to see what I can see.... A little over a week ago I followed our local ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER around to get these photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewghunter/14101750830/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewghunter/14288375585/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewghunter/14101706109/ Last Saturday, Jay Walters and I took a walk around the Eastwood Elementary Nature Trail where we saw a couple YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS: https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewghunter/14288376515/ Today I had WILLOW FLYCATCHERS at two locations, near the Wilbur Cemetery and off DeCosta Lane (which is off Cole Rd., which is off of Fort McKay Rd.) between Umpqua and Sutherlin. Also today on my way to a job west of Sutherlin I stopped at Ford's Pond where a large female PEREGRINE FALCON was just starting an assent. It soared and flapped and soared quite high until I lost it. It had a few primaries missing in its right wing (or an injury?). I'm curious to know if anyone has seen this bird elsewhere recently (not sure how long this wing configuration has been like this or will last). See photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewghunter/14101743148/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewghunter/14265258006/ Also at Ford's Pond, the TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS are still there. I have not walked out there as there are "no trespassing" signs on a utility pole, but I can hear the birds and this female was actually near the road where I was parked: https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewghunter/14101750340/ Enjoying this time of year. Matt Hunter Melrose, OR
