Newport Historic Bay Front

Last weekend we took a drive on the bay front road (Bay Boulevard) to see what we could see (in the pouring rain).  I hadn't thought of the Newport Bay Front as a place to do much birdwatching; but, on a whim, we decided to stop there.
  

NEWPORT HISTORIC BAY FRONT

We parked near the area where the crab boats tie up -- and what a variety of waterfowl we saw -- including the largest COMMON LOON I've ever seen!

COMMON LOON BY CRAB BOATS

So this Saturday we returned in the sunshine to see if the ducks and other birds were still in place.  They did not let us down!

COMMON LOON

The beautiful, huge loon emerged from the water close to the pier where we stood.

BLACK TURNSTONE

While I was watching the loon, my husband spotted a BLACK TURNSTONE on the pier near me.  The bird ignored us while I approached to get a better shot, then made a noisy getaway when I got too close! 

Some of the ducks we saw: 

SURF SCOTER

COMMON GOLDENEYE

BUFFLEHEAD

Some of the gulls we saw:

MEW GULL

GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL

 

HORNED GREBES

There were several HORNED GREBES and a couple of EARED GREBES.









Each of the Eared Grebes we saw were hanging around with a COMMON GOLDENEYE -- what funny looking pairs they made!

The iridescence of this PELAGIC CORMORANT was evident as he surfaced in the bright sunlight.

PELAGIC CORMORANT

More cormorants groomed themselves near the base of the jetty wall.

SEA LIONS

While the resident SEA LIONS made a racket nearby.










If you've never visited the Newport Historic Bay Front you'll be sure to enjoy the many shops, restaurants and other attractions such as the Undersea Gardens and Ripley's Believe It Or Not.   Worth a visit, rain or shine!

Gleneden Beach Wayside (State Recreation Area)

Last month we wandered through the Gleneden Beach community looking (in vain) for a small county park we had seen on Google Maps.  We were not disappointed though, finding instead the Gleneden Beach State Recreation Area, a small wayside with trees, picnic tables and easy beach access.

HERMIT THRUSH

A large plaque says that the park is dedicated to Norman Howard, a former Oregon Legislator and supporter of conservation efforts in the state.









Saving the ocean view for last, we followed the paved paths through a wooded area where a HERMIT THRUSH was busy foraging in the grass. 

After walking the short trail through a picnic area with a small gazebo, we turned back toward the ocean, pausing to enjoy the view through the trees.

NORTHERN FLICKERS AND A VIEW OF THE OCEAN

 


As we walked toward the viewing area, three or four NORTHERN FLICKERS greeted us, then flew off silently to watch us from the trees nearby. 

We followed the trail past the viewing area to the beach below - the sight of the crashing waves was beautiful!

We didn't walk along the beach this time, but I understand that if you walk to the north, it will take you to the tip of the Salishan Spit, where SEA LIONS are usually found sunning themselves on the sandy beach.

Although we had hoped to see more birds, the lovely scenery and nice weather made the visit well worth it.  Looking at the map, it seems that the park is larger than the area we walked - we plan on returning to discover new hidden treasures! 

The park is located on Wesler Street in Gleneden Beach.  It has lots of parking, picnic facilities including a covered picnic area, and restrooms.  Unless you plan to hike on the beach, there is no hiking trail per se, but the paths are paved and easy to use.