Tillamook Bay Wetlands (2)

Thursday forecast was cloudy but little rain, so I took a chance and headed up to Rain River. Spent most of the day getting muddy, tired, and hungry but having a great time checking out over 44 different species of birds. Walked 1.48 of the four miles, then turned back - however I ran into a guy who said he thought I'd walked more than half way (almost to the blue barn-thing), so still not sure if I should have kept going.  Another time :o)

Here's a few photos of the habitat in the new area I explored (see my previous blog for the first mile or so of habitat).  Also see Walt's Camera World blog for a map and more information.

You can see the muddy, wet trail - I keep telling my hubby my Okibashi's (flip flops) are water proof but he doesn't buy it!









I was actually glad I turned back, because I had gotten a brief glimpse at what I thought was a NORTHERN SHRIKE (new bird for me) but hadn't been able to get photos.  Coming back, there he was on a post right by the trail - I couldn't get too close, but did get one that's not too bad.

Northern Shrike

Other birds included:

Fox Sparrow (several)

Common Merganser

Red-tailed Hawk

Each time I've been, there have been a number of raptors, with the majority being RED-TAILED HAWKS.  This visit, there were 4 Red-tails, 2 BALD EAGLE (adults), a WHITE-TAILED KITE, two NORTHERN HARRIERS, and an AMERICAN KESTREL.  No owls this trip though.







On the drive home I had some more good sightings with a gorgeous male NORTHERN HARRIER at Tillamook River and eight GREAT EGRETS on a farm near Whalen Island. At Whalen Island I stopped in for a quick look and was excited to see a very early OSPREY! He was harassing (or being harassed by) a juvenile BALD EAGLE. There was a WESTERN GULL involved in the fray as well. Very cool to watch! They all eventually flew off in different directions with no actual contact.

A very good day!