Salem Audubon Society

08/23/2026

SAS ANKENY NWR FIELD TRIP SUMMARY
August 23, 2026

Today, Tim and I led Salem Audubon’s monthly birding field trip at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. We were joined by 20 enthusiastic birders, making for a lively group. The morning offered ideal birding conditions, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 63°F to 70°F, overcast skies, and winds of 3 to 9 mph. Our route included three stops around the refuge: Ankeny Hill Nature Center, Pintail Marsh, and Eagle Marsh. Collectively, we observed or heard 49 species—one more than the 48 recorded last year and the same number recorded in 2024.

Most notable sightings:

We had an enjoyable stop at Ankeny Hill Nature Center, where we observed 15 species. The large field west of the center was particularly active. A Northern Harrier flew low over the field, with a Red-tailed Hawk nearby. The field also held two Great Egrets, two Great Blue Herons, a Common Raven, and a Killdeer. Near the center, we saw Anna’s Hummingbird, several goldfinches, and a Spotted Towhee. We also heard a Bald Eagle calling nearby.

Our most productive stop was Pintail Marsh, where we tallied 26 species, compared with 40 species last year. The lower total was largely due to a difference in coverage: this year, we did not walk around the marsh, which significantly reduced the area surveyed. Highlights included a Baird’s Sandpiper, a Lesser Yellowlegs, and a close Wilson’s Snipe that provided excellent views. The only ducks detected were Mallards, Gadwalls, and several Cinnamon Teal. The most numerous shorebirds were the Long-billed Dowitcher, with 125 individuals observed. Other waterbirds included Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpipers, and a Great Egret. We also saw a Black Phoebe and heard a Northern Yellow Warbler.

After scanning Pintail Marsh, we made our final stop at Eagle Marsh, where we observed 23 species. Highlights included two Semipalmated Sandpipers and four Green Herons. These birds were seen on the mudflats to the left of the trail along the west side of the marsh, just before the willows began.

Other shorebirds included Least Sandpipers and Western Sandpipers. We observed only three species of ducks: six Wood Ducks, a couple of Gadwalls, and approximately 200 Mallards. Along the western edge of the trail, we heard a Common Yellowthroat, Savannah Sparrow, Black-capped Chickadee, and White-breasted Nuthatch.

Links to the eBird checklists and the eBird Trip Report follow.

The Minto-Brown Island Park bird walk is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, starting at 8:00 AM. Meet us in Parking Lot #3, the park’s last parking lot. The walk is expected to conclude around 10:30 AM. For directions, take River Road South, turn west at the traffic signal onto Minto Island Road, and continue to the final parking lot.

The Keizer Rapids Park bird walk will be held on Tuesday, September 15th, starting at 9:00 AM. Please meet in the far parking lot at the end of the road leading to the boat ramp. Remember to bring water and a snack for the trail. The walk is expected to last approximately two to two and a half hours.

Note: There will be other bird walks in September so check the Kestrel newsletter and our website’s Events Calendar after September 1st.

Mike Unger
Keizer, OR

Ankeny NWR Checklist Summary for August 23, 2026
Number of Species: 49

Checklists included in this summary:
(1): Ankeny NWR--Ankeny Hill Nature Center @ 7:49 AM
(2): Ankeny NWR – Pintail Marsh @ 8:38 AM
(3): Ankeny NWR – Eagle Marsh @ 9:43 AM

Ankeny Hill Nature Center - https://ebird.org/checklist/S386205849
Ankeny NWR – Pintail Marsh - https://ebird.org/checklist/S386233008
Ankeny NWR – Eagle Marsh - https://ebird.org/checklist/S386254663

Follow this link for the eBird Trip Report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/563319

08/11/2026

A timely topic with all the wildfires in Oregon. Birds and Blooms Magazine has a nice recent article entitled, "How does Wildfire Smoke Affect Birds?"

Here is the link:

Wildfire smoke isn't good for anyone — human or bird. Here's how smoke affects your feeder guests, and what you can do to help them.

08/10/2026

SAS Minto-Brown Island Park Bird Walk Report
August 9, 2026

Yesterday, Tim and I led a Salem Audubon bird walk at Minto-Brown Island Park. Twenty enthusiastic birders joined us for a pleasant 2.5-mile outing along the Purple Rabbit and Blue Heron Trails on the park’s west end. Clear skies, light but variable winds of 5–10 mph, and temperatures ranging from 63 to 72°F—according to Salem NWS data—made for comfortable conditions.

Over 2.77 hours, we completed the walk and recorded 38 bird species by sight or sound, up from 34 species on last year’s walk.

The highlights were as follows:
• We saw three Spotted Sandpipers and a Great Blue Heron along Oxbow Slough. Other birds present included Mallards, a Belted Kingfisher, and a Pied-billed Grebe. At the slough’s far eastern end, eight American Goldfinches foraged on the mudflat.
• We observed five raptor species during the walk: Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and American Kestrel. Just as we were preparing to leave the park, we also spotted a Bald Eagle.• The most numerous birds were the American Goldfinch (10) and Black-capped Chickadee (7).
• We observed three of the five expected woodpecker species. We heard several Northern Flickers, observed three Downy Woodpeckers—two seen and one heard—and spotted a Hairy Woodpecker.
• We heard several nuthatches during the walk, including two White-breasted Nuthatches and four Red-breasted Nuthatches. We also observed six Brown Creepers
• Our only warblers of the day were two Northern Yellow Warblers, whose songs were faint.
• Other notable sightings included several Red Crossbills flying overhead, a Green Heron, a Black Phoebe, and a lone Swainson’s Thrush.
• Several species were observed in double digits: Mallard (31), American Robin (15), Black-capped Chickadee (14), Western Wood-Pewee (10), and American Goldfinch (10).

The upcoming events include:

Special Birding Evening – Common Nighthawks – Tonight - Monday, August 10, 2026, at 7:00 AM. Meet in Parking Lot #3 at Minto-Brown Island Park.

Illahe Hills CC Bird Walk, Monday, August 17, 2026, at 8:00 AM. Meet in front of the clubhouse. Park in the main parking area, not opposite the clubhouse! Please contact the leader at [email protected] to confirm your registration for this trip.

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 8:00 AM. Meet at the Ankeny Hill Nature Center off Ankeny Hill Road SE at 8:00 am.

Please join us if you can.

Mike Unger
Keizer, OR

Minto-Brown Island Park Checklist Summary for August 9, 2026
Identified Species: 38
View this checklist online at:

Submitted by Mike Unger.

08/04/2026

Hello everyone,

Due to unhealthy smoke and particulate levels in the air, the Common Nighthawk bird walk scheduled for Thursday, August 6, at Minto-Brown Island Park has been rescheduled. We want to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

The event will now take place on Monday, August 10, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at Minto-Brown Island Park. As usual, please meet in Parking Lot #3.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Mike

07/27/2026

I'm a small shorebird, about the size of an American robin. My name is fitting, considering how my breeding plumage mimics the sand of my preferred beach habitat. Who am I?

07/07/2026

Nice article on Why do Birds Stand on One Leg? by Birds and Blooms Magazine.

Discover the way birds keep their balance even in strong winds and while they're sleeping.

07/07/2026

I am the smallest bird seen in the U.S., weighing about the same as a table tennis ball. I sport glossy, bright green plumage on my head and back, with stripes of magenta along my throat. Who am I?

Hint: I am find in central Oregon during late spring and summer.

06/26/2026

Keizer Rapids Park Bird Walk Report
June 25, 2026

Yesterday morning, I had the pleasure of leading a bird walk at Keizer Rapids Park. A group of 21 enthusiastic birdwatchers joined me as we followed a 1.05 mile route that led west along the park’s trails, down to the river, and through a beautiful, forested area. The morning was mostly cloudy, with comfortable temperatures of 63–64 degrees and a gentle breeze of 3–8 miles per hour, and our walk lasted 2.70 hours. Bird activity was excellent throughout, and we identified a total of 41 species, either seen or heard, an increase from the 34 species recorded on last year’s walk.

The highlights were as follows:

The highlight of the morning was a Great Horned Owl in the forested area. One member of our group noticed an agitated flurry of bird activity in the trees and went to investigate the source of the commotion. As she carefully scanned the canopy, she spotted an owl in the distance, staring directly back at her. The group quickly gathered to share this incredible sight and appreciate a rare, intimate look at this magnificent bird.

The river was bustling with avian activity during our walk. Highlights included Spotted Sandpiper, Mallard, and Great Blue Heron, each contributing to the lively scene along the water. Cedar Waxwings and three swallow species were actively foraging for insects over the river, putting on a wonderful aerial display. Many in the group also heard a Bald Eagle and a Belted Kingfisher calling nearby. This rich mix of species made the riverside portion of our outing especially rewarding.

Warbler activity was notably low; we detected only a single Yellow Warbler singing during the walk. Vireos were similarly scarce, as we did not observe or hear any vireo species.

Raptor activity was fair, highlighted by the Great Horned Owl noted above, along with a Bald Eagle, several Turkey Vultures, and two American Kestrels perched in trees at the west end of the park.

Several species were present in notably high numbers, with six species reaching double digits, including 23 Mallards. American Goldfinches were especially abundant in the southeast portion of the park, where we counted 20 individuals. We also tallied 13 American Robins, 12 Cedar Waxwings, 10 Song Sparrows, and 10 Mourning Doves.

The next bird walk is at Minto-Brown Island Park on Tuesday, July 7th at 8:00 AM. (Note the new time!) Meet in Parking Lot #3. The following bird walk is Birding Along Highway 22 on Thursday, July 16th at 8:00 a.m. See the Kestrel newsletter or on our website for details.

Please join us if you can.

Mike Unger
Keizer, OR

Keizer Rapids Park Checklist Summary for June 25, 2026 @ 8:58AM

Identified Species: 41

23 Mallard
10 Mourning Dove
1 Vaux’s Swift
1 Anna’s Hummingbird
1 Killdeer
1 Spotted Sandpiper
3 Great Blue Heron
7 Turkey Vulture
1 Bald Eagle
1 Great Horned Owl
1 Belted Kingfisher
2 Downy Woodpecker
2 Northern Flicker
2 American Kestrel
7 Western Wood-Pewee
2 Steller's Jay
5 California Scrub-Jay
6 American Crow
3 Black-capped Chickadee
2 Tree Swallow
5 Violet-green Swallow
3 Barn Swallow
8 Bushtit
3 White-breasted Nuthatch
5 Brown Creeper
4 Bewick's Wren
7 European Starling
3 Swainson's Thrush
13 American Robin
12 Cedar Waxwing
3 House Finch
1 Purple Finch
5 Lesser Goldfinch
20 American Goldfinch
9 White-crowned Sparrow
10 Song Sparrow
8 Spotted Towhee
3 Brown-headed Cowbird
1 Northern Yellow Warbler
2 Western Tanager
1 Black-headed Grosbeak

eBird checklist link:

06/17/2026

SAS ANKENY NWR FIELD TRIP SUMMARY
June 16, 2026

Today, Tim and I led our Salem Audubon monthly birding field trip to Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. We were joined by 19 other birders, including a family with several young birders. It was a lovely morning with clear skies, temperatures between 66°F and 75°F, and light winds of 5–9 mph.

We made two stops around the refuge: Ankeny Hill Nature Center and Eagle Marsh. Across both locations, we observed (saw or heard) 43 bird species. That is up from 39 species in June 2024 but slightly down from 46 species last June.

Observations at Ankeny Hill Nature

During our visit to the Ankeny Hill Nature Center, we observed a total of 12 bird species. A highlight was spotting a Western Bluebird using a nestbox just below the center. We did not notice any other unusual observations at the center. For a complete list of all species observed during the trip, please refer to the eBird checklist linked at the end of this report.

Eagle Marsh Birding Highlights

During our visit to Eagle Marsh, we recorded an impressive 39 bird species as we looped around the west and south sides before returning to the parking lot. We ventured out as far as Teal and Willow Marshes, but there was little activity due to the lack of water and dense plant material covering the marshes. The early morning was filled with birdsong: American Robin, Black-headed Grosbeak, Swainson's Thrush, Song Sparrow, Marsh Wren, Western Warbling Vireo, and several warbler species were all singing actively throughout our walk.

Notable Sightings
• Raptors: We observed only two raptor species: the Bald Eagle and the American Kestrel. Surprisingly, we did not see a Red-tailed Hawk or a Turkey Vulture.
• Woodpeckers: We spotted only two woodpecker species: the Downy Woodpecker and the Northern Flicker. Many in the group got good looks at a male Downy Woodpecker.
• Flycatchers: The first flycatchers to catch our eye were a pair of Black Phoebes on the west side of the marsh. One of the phoebes perched on a metal pole, sallying back and forth to catch insects. Western Wood-Pewees were very vocal throughout the walk, and we also heard a Willow Flycatcher.
• Wrens and Warblers: There were a few Marsh and Bewick's Wrens around the marsh. But the warblers especially caught our attention with their constant singing, particularly the Northern Yellow Warbler and the Common Yellowthroat. We also heard a Wilson's Warbler and spotted a male Common Yellowthroat before it quickly disappeared into the willows.

Abundant Species

Five species reached double-digit counts in individual observations, reflecting the rich bird life along the trail this morning. The Mallard was the top species with 31 individuals. Other double-digit species included the American Robin (22), Swainson's Thrush (18), Western Wood-Pewee (14), and Song Sparrow (13).

For a detailed checklist of all species observed, please refer to the eBird checklist link at the end of this report.

Species Highlights
• Green Heron: A Green Heron was seen on Eagle Marsh and then flew by us later on the walk.
• American Bittern: We observed an American Bittern when it gave its signature “oong-KA-chunk” call next to Willow Marsh. We never got to see the bittern.
• Bushtit: A family of Bushtits were seen on the west side of the trail along Eagle Marsh.

A link to our eBird checklists and Trip Report follows.

Our next bird walks are as follows:

Baskett Slough NWR – Friday, June 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM. Meet at the Rich Guadagno Trailhead Parking Lot on Coville Road.

Illahe Hills Country Club - Monday, June 22, 2026, at 8:00 AM. Park in the main parking area, not in front of the clubhouse! Please contact the leader at [email protected] to confirm your registration for this trip.

Keizer Rapids Park – Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 9:00 AM. Meet in the last parking lot near the boat ramp.
Please join us if you can.
Mike Unger
Keizer, OR

Ankeny NWR Checklist Summary for June 16, 2026

Number of Species: 43

Checklists included in this summary:
(1): Ankeny NWR--Ankeny Hill Nature Center @ 7:32 AM
(2): Ankeny NWR – Eagle Marsh @ 8:04 AM
Follow these links for the eBird lists:

(1) https://ebird.org/checklist/S358285736

(2) https://ebird.org/checklist/S358350798

Here is the link for the Trip Report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/539837

16 Jun, 2026. Created by Mike Unger