Bandon Field Trip '09

With the weather forecast to be rainy, 16 birders accompanied Fred Ramsey on ASC’s annual Bandon adventure and collected 109 species, including 3 additions to the historical list: Ross’ Goose, Rough-legged Hawk and Thayer’s gull. Good omens started on the OSU campus as Acorn Woodpeckers were spotted and eagle eye Jessie Leach found a bluebird of happiness on the tennis court fence. The first day’s highlight was a gorgeous Red-shouldered Hawk who showed off his colors for all to enjoy. Although van #1 was advised to look for a White-tailed Kite in trees along the road to Myrtle Point, once again it was Jessie, in the trailing position, who spotted the bird. It patiently waited for us all to turn around and set up the scopes. The Emperor Goose was still around the little residential lake near the south jetty of Bandon. Its head was tucked until Cheryl played the goose’s call.

On Saturday, we had some good practice with Fred’s recent gull ID tips…besides the expected Western and Glaucous-winged representatives, we found Thayer’s, Glaucous, Ring-billed and Mew. Saving pancakes , popcorn and french fries from meals is a great way to entice gull cooperation.

Sunday started with a downpour, but the sun came out at Simpson Reef as Elephant Seals were spotted and about 6 tagged pups were found in the next cove. Wrentits chattered along the road, but the real treat was a Wrentit and Townsend Warbler display at .Cape Arago. Unfortunately, cameras were not available as the Wrentits hopped around on the grass, giving everyone a great view. Good thing they had been well photographed at Bullard’s Beach Park .

With blue skies and sun, Cheryl notched up another lifer on the Siltcoos dunes… Snowy Plover. Although the first two birders didn’t spot them immediately, two birds cooperated for photos and viewing by all.

Thanks, Fred for a wonderful trip and getting so many great birds to cooperate.

Group members: Karl Fairchild, Jim Faulkner, Greg Fink, Mary Garrard, Ulo Kiigemagi, Jeannine and Gil Lawrence, Jessie Leach, Barbara and Jack Mykrtantz, Tom Prenpraze, Barrett Reeve, Cheryl Whelchel; as well as Fred Ramsey and myself.

Link to Cheryl's photos: www.flickr.com

Audubon Society of Corvallis
PO Box 148
Corvallis, OR 97339
Email: Audubon.Corvallis@gmail.com