BOGS Skinner Butte April 12, 2016
Trip Report / Photos

Bird list for bird walk on Thursday, May 12, 2016, along Willamette River by the Campbell Center, east side of Skinner’s Butte, and around the top of the butte.
Weather was sunny and very warm.
--- bird list compiled by Doris Wimber

While birding / waiting at the top of the Butte I heard many more birds than I saw. All of those which I only heard were on the main group's list except they saw most of them as well: Orange-crowned Warbler
House Finch
Goldfinch
Bewick's Wren
Black-Headed Grossbeak
Northern Flicker

The few birds which I actually saw were a Spotted Towhee, Cedar Waxwing, three Turkey Vultures, several Robins, and Swallows (Violet-Green?). The Cedar Waxwing was the only bird which I saw but which was not seen by the rest of the group. I did get photos of it too.

Don was walking up the Butte with the main group so all photos except the Cedar Waxwing and Turkey Vultures were taken by him .Here is a nice close-up of a Red-breasted Sapsucker.

The Bald Eagle nest can be seen from the park on the North side of the Butte - down on the low ground near the river. Don snapped this photo of an adult Eagle in the nest from down there.

My favorite picture of this entire set is Don's capture of this Fledgling Song Sparrow. An excellent shot all around.

This next recently fledged Song Sparrow has especially brilliant plumage.

Robins too were already fledging some young.

And Don told me this Bewick's Wren was unwilling to leave the area as he photographed it. Perhaps there was a nest nearby.

This Bushtit nest still seems to be in pretty good shape. They usually look pretty ragged by the time the young birds leave these flimsy sack-like nests.

It was unfortunate that the young and rapidly growing Eaglet chick was sleeping while our group was visiting. Only it's general body shape can be seen on the left side of the nest.

If you especially enjoy following the growth of the Eaglet chick there is a facebook group where some folks with very expensive camera post their photos every day. Go into Facebook and search "Skinner Butte Eagles." You only have to ask to join and you will be allowed to follow their postings on your own facebook page.

This House Finch was singing up a storm all morning. He finally came out of hiding when our main group arrived.

The best sighting I had was of this Cedar Waxwing up in the very top of a tree. These are just now arriving in the Valley.

These three Turkey Vultures were all together on top of this snag. Every time I've gone to Skinner Butte this Spring, there have been two Turkey Vultures on the south side near the parking area, either flying around low in that area or else perched in an older Oak tree.

Generally if you want to know what is happening next at BOGS, or want to see the latest photos/reports,
you can find these on the HOME page:
http://priscillanhk.com/index.html
Enjoy!
Priscilla