Whalen Island

On Friday (3-18-2011) we headed north on Highway 101 to Clay Meyers Natural Area on Whalen Island (Tillamook County) where we spent some time last fall.  On the way we had a delightful visit at Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge .  I am now typing this one-handed due to a broken finger I obtained at the next stop of the day (Cape Lookout).

We were apparently a bit early for the spring migration activity, but had a relaxing walk through some beautiful scenery.  The path takes you in a large circle around the island's perimeter -- the following are in order as we walked the island counter-clockwise.

A large number of ROBINS and SPARROWS and a few FLICKERS were busy in the grassy area at the head of the trails.

NORTHERN FLICKER

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW

GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW

I snapped this photo of a GREAT EGRET and a GREAT BLUE HERON, and when I downloaded the picture later, realized that I had captured FOUR herons, not one! 

GREAT EGRET WITH GREAT BLUE HERONS

WHERE THE LOON WAS

Along the way we saw a few waterfowl, including several BUFFLEHEAD and a COMMON LOON, who dove as I was snapping the picture - I kindof liked the result (although a photo of the loon  would have been better).






Finally we enjoyed six RED BREASTED MERGANSERS (three pairs) before we left the park.

RED BREASTED MERGANSER (f)

RED BREASTED MERGANSER (m)

 A beautiful day and a pleasant walk -- we plan to head back in April, when migration should be in full swing!