BOGS Summer walks; Whilamut Area
(East Alton Baker Park)
July 18, 2019

We decided to go to the Whilamut Natural Area section of Alton-Baker Park, south of Leo Harris Pkwy. The weather was overcast and cool.

The paved path from the parking lot to the bridge over the canoe canal was almost entirely devoid of birds. There were a few flocks of crows, a couple of song sparrows and a Green Heron, otherwise it was very quiet.

Soon after we crossed the bridge we began to see Cedar Waxwings in scattered pairs and individually. At least two pairs were gathering nesting material. A couple of Osprey were visible in the distance, over the river. We turned off the paved path eastward into the grassy area and soon started seeing lots of American and Lesser Goldfinches, some feeding juveniles, Lazuli Buntings, House Finches, Song Sparrows and a Chipping Sparrow. White Crowned Sparrows were heard but not seen. At least two Anna's Hummingbirds were seen and once zoomed between people in the group. The Lazuli Buntings were quite vocal and all of the birds were very actively feeding on the blooming teasel and grasses.

As we were leaving ahead of the group, Donna and I saw a pair of Lazuli Buntings mating in a bush near the path.