Kicked off the new year at Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge

New Years day turned out sunny and mild, so we decided to go for a walk in the Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge. Large numbers of waterfowl were wintering in and we say large numbers of Canadian Geese including Western (common) Dusky and Cackler sub-species. A white gose was mixed in with the flock that we thought might be a snow goose, but it lacked the black wing tips – we determined it was a feral domestic goose, probably akin to a commercial Embden.

Apparently an emperor goose has been seen on the ponds in past days, but no sign of it today.

Large numbers of ducks were on the ponds, predominantly mallards, Northern Pintails, American Widgeon, Ruddy Ducks and Buffleheads. 6 Eurasian widgeons were near the viewing area near the center. There were others out there, but we didn't take the scope, just binocs today.

Passerines we saw included Spotted Towhee, American Robin, Ruby-Crowned Kiglet and song sparrows.

A small acceptor was working the shoreline and brush lines trying to scare up birds. He caused quite a ruckus with the ducks and geese although he wasn't a threat. Later we watched him perch after a sweep, so we were able to get a good look and determined it was a Cooper's hawk. A red-tailed hawk was also wheeling overhead, but no osprey or Bald Eagles were spotted that day.

We also saw one Great Blue Heron and several double crested cormorants on the ponds.

It was a beautiful day out, but the place was really crowded and there were a lot of really noisy groups on the trails. Many of the birds were pulled back from the near shores.

Weather was in the low 50's with high, hazy clouds and sun. At one point a band of low clouds swept through and kicked up a pretty good wind for 30 minutes, then passed.

Posted on 02 January, 2012 21:08 by loren