Rare Bird Alert

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Is it the year of the EMPEROR GOOSE? An adult bird was reported from Racoon Point at Sauvie Island this week, fresh on the heels of the juvenile bird that continues at Southridge High School in Beaverton. The Raccoon Point bird has not been refound, which is not surprising given the large amount of inaccessible habitat. Clay-colored Sparrow also seem prevalent this year, with one reported at Wapato Access on Sauvie Island. 

Northern waterfowl are pouring into the region, with reports across the area, most notably of a flock of 48 Surf Scoter at Columbia Point. North of the river, Tundra Swans have returned to Ridgefield

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

A juvenile EMPEROR GOOSE is the bird du jour in the Portland area, showing up near Southridge High School on Tuesday mixed into a flock of Cackling Geese. The bird continues to be seen, occasionally moving to nearby Koll Center wetlands. In Portland proper, all eyes are on the continuing Mandarin Duck at Oaks Bottom. The bird is thought to be the same bird from Crystal Springs last year, which was presumed to be a domestic escapee. 

Also in it for the long haul are the Snowy Egret at Smith & Bybee, and the Common Tern at Hagg Lake. Inthe new arrival department, a first-of-season Rough-legged Hawk was seen at Sauvie Island.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

With shorebird migration winding down, attention turns to our larger bodies of water for returning waterfowl, loons, grebes, and, everyone’s favorite: gulls. Sauvie Island was the site of much of the excitement for the last two weeks, with Parasitic Jaeger being reported from both the Columbia and Multnomah County sides of Sturgeon Lake. Visitors also encountered at least one Franklin’s Gull, and a somewhat late pair of Baird’s Sandpipers were seen at the boat launch. A single Thayer’s Gull (technically referred to as an Iceland Gull) was found at Harborview along the Willamette. 

Along the Columbia, the trickle of water birds has started, with an Eared Grebe at Columbia Point, and a Greater Scaup and Surf Scoter reported from Broughton Beach. Further upriver, four Forster’s Terns were reported from the mouth of the Sandy River.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

The Bird of the Week award goes to Sabine’s Gull this week, as these diminutive Arctic Tundra breeders seem to be popping up everywhere. Multiple birds seemed to stream by Broughton Beach and Columbia Point mid-week (and, as expected, seen from the Washington side of the river as well) while the individual at Hagg Lake continued, and reports continue to come in in from around the state. 

Other local notables include a Common Nighthawk also found at Columbia Point, and a Yellow-headed Blackbird at Fernhill.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Exciting shorebirds continue to drop in to local wetlands, with a Whimbrel visiting Sturgeon Lake on Sauvie Island, where other notables this week included Stilt Sandpiper (also found and seen by many at Fernhill this week) and Common Tern, another of which was spotted flying near the mouth of the Sandy River. The mouth of the Sandy also hosted a Pacific Golden Plover, perhaps marking the first time that two of this species have been reported in Multnomah County in the same year. Nearby, from the Corbett viewpoint on the Columbia, an American Avocet was a first for Multnomah County for the year, although the bird itself was on the Washington side of the river (cue contentious listing rules debate here). Meanwhile, a Sabine’s Gull, not normally known as a long-staying migrant, has been very obliging out at Hagg lake this week. 

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Many birders this week noticed the earnest start to fall migration, with neotropical migrants like Western Tanagers and a variety of warblers being reported from backyards and neighborhood parks. 

A Black Swift was spotted with Vaux’s Swifts at the Willamette Overlook Bluff, while Western Kingbird was observed at Company Lake, and Nashville Warbler and Ruby-crowned Kinglet were seen at Mt. Tabor. A rare fall Swainson’s Hawk was reported from near the airport.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

The Patagonia Picnic Table Effect was in full swing this week at Smith & Bybee, starting with a WIlson’s Phalarope (while common in Washington County, they are much harder to find in Multnomah County). The next day, searchers failed to relocate the Phalarope, finding a Stilt Sandpiper instead. The following day, neither the Sandpiper nor the Phalarope were refound, but instead a Pacific Golden Plover was discovered, a year to the day since the last Multnomah County record. The bird continues to be seen by many. For good measure, the Snowy Egret is back at Smith & Bybee for another year. 

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Peak shorebird season is upon us, with lots of reports of expected birds this week (like Red-necked Phalarope, Semipalmated Plover, Baird’s Sandpiper, and Pectoral Sandpiper), as well as a few less-expected visitors. A Dunlin was found on Sauvie Island at the Narrows, a full three weeks ahead of schedule, along with a Franklin’s Gull. Meanwhile, a Black-necked Stilt was found at Shillapoo Lake in Clark County, the site of many good birds this year. 

A surprising find this week was a Common Poorwill vocalizing at dawn near Larch Mountain, where intrepid birders continue to report Black-backed Woodpecker. 

Eastern Kingbirds also seem to be on the move, with reports coming from Columbia County and Clark County. 

Last week, a RED-NECKED STINT was found at Sunset Beach, nabbing top Oregon shorebird honors so far this year.

That’s most of it for this week. For reports, corrections, and tips, email Brodie Cass Talbott at bcasstalbott@audubonportland.org.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Last week we mentioned that a pair of Black Terns was being seen at Smith & Bybee, prompting speculation of potential nesting, but noting the lack of juveniles that would seemingly clinch such theories, and, as if we summoned one with our collective willpower, this week a juvenile was photographed foraging in the same area where the parents have been seen. This species has been known to breed across the Columbia in Clark County, but this would be the first time in the breeding area in decades, at least. 

Other notable Larids this week include a non-breeding plumaged Franklin’s Gull photographed flying by Broughton Beach, where birders have been enjoying the return of Semipalmated Plovers. Further up the Columbia, a Canyon Wren was heard singing near Wahclella Falls. These birds have also caused some speculation of breeding, particularly after the Eagle Creek Fire, but virtually all of the previous reports seemed to come in winter. Nearby, another rare county breeder, Mountain Quail, was found near Larch Mountain.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

A female COSTA’S HUMMINGBIRD was photographed coming to a feeder for what would be an apparent first Columbia County record. Interestingly, the bird was found in the same yard that produced the first county record of Rose-breasted Grosbeak just 6 weeks ago. 

Two Black Terns were reported from Smith & Bybee, marking the third time the species has been seen there this summer, and the first time that two were reported together, leading to speculation that these birds are at least attempting breeding. No reports of juveniles yet…Other continuing birds this week include the Hagg Lake Common Loon, the Ivor Davies Red-shouldered Hawk, and the Shillapoo Lake Redheads

That’s most of it for this week. For reports, corrections, and tips, email Brodie Cass Talbott at bcasstalbott@audubonportland.org.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

While shorebirds continue to trickle into the region, rare birds were hard to come by this week. A Tundra Swan continues at Fernhill, and the Common Loon persists at Hagg Lake, and the Redheads continue at Shillapoo Lake in Clark County.

Most of the rest of our “rarities” reported in the area this week are birds that may be rare at the county level, but are uncommon at best in other counties. Among these are Yellow-headed Blackbirds at Tualatin River NWR, Red-shouldered Hawk in Clark and Clackamas Counties, Glaucous-winged Gull in Clackamas County, and Chipping Sparrows at two different locations in Multnomah County.

That’s most of it for this week. For reports, corrections, and tips, email Brodie Cass Talbott at bcasstalbott@audubonportland.org.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Washington County had the most notable birds of the week, with an early Solitary Sandpiper and a Tundra Swan at Fernhill Wetlands, along with the continuing Common Loon at Hagg Lake. 

It was rather quiet in the rest of the Portland area, with a notable Ruby-crowned Kinglet atop Mt. Tabor. 

Many of Clark County’s rarities, including Redhead, Eastern Kingbird, Sandhill Crane, and, most notably, Wilson’s Phalarope, continue at their respective haunts.

That’s most of it for this week. For reports, corrections, and tips, email Brodie Cass Talbott at bcasstalbott@audubonportland.org.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Just in time to rescue us from the doldrums of summer birding, southbound shorebird migration is under way! A Semipalmated Sandpiper was among the vanguard of peeps hanging out at Vanport Wetlands this week, along with Yellowlegs and others. 

A Black Tern was yet again reported from Smith & Bybee, but was not refound by searchers. Intriguingly, there have been two unconfirmed reports of Black Tern along the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, leading to speculation that a single adult-plumaged bird may be moving around the area. 

Another intriguing bird reported this week was a heard-only AMERICAN REDSTART at the Sandy River Delta. While the bird was reported by an experienced observer, it was not refound. 

Continuing birds this week include the Hagg Lake Common Loon  and the Sandhill Cranes and Eastern Kingbirds that have been reported recently in Clark County. 

That’s most of it for this week. For reports, corrections, and tips, email Brodie Cass Talbott at bcasstalbott@audubonportland.org.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Rare birds continued to be rare this week, and the all-important factor of observer output may have lagged a little as well, due to the unprecedented heat spell that likely claimed many birds, and some of our human community as well. 

An adult Chipping Sparrow was found at Company Lake on the last day of June, making it the latest eBird record for that species in Multnomah County. A Common Loon continues at Hagg Lake. 

Clark County boasted continuing Redhead and Wilson’s Phalarope at Shillapoo Lake.

That’s most of it for this week. For reports, corrections, and tips, email Brodie Cass Talbott at bcasstalbott@audubonportland.org.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Rare birds continue to be hard to find, as is typical of the heart of breeding season. An American Avocet at Fernhill was certainly a highlight: this is only the second June record for the Portland metro area, per eBird. The bird has been confiding and long-staying. Other birds more often seen in migration than during the breeding season include Redhead reported from Shilllapoo Lake in Clark County, and a singing Lincoln’s Sparrow on Larch Mountain (these birds breed in certain mountain locations, but not typically in Multnomah County). Nearby, Black-backed Woodpecker was once again reported. 

A White-throated Sparrow has also been reported singing in Beaverton, one of the latest records in the state for that bird. Could Oregon get its first July record? He’ll have to survive the heat wave first…

That’s most of it for this week. For reports, corrections, and tips, email Brodie Cass Talbott at bcasstalbott@audubonportland.org.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Its gotten markedly quieter in recent days as birds turn in earnest to raising young, and migration slows down. The migration highlights this week were definitely concentrated around Columbia riparian areas, and we’ll start with birds on the north side of the river, where a WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER was found along River Road west of Vancouver by keen-eyed observers. Rare across the Pacific Northwest, this is perhaps the first record for the Portland area. Observers also found a very surprising American Golden Plover, Wilson’s Phalarope, and Red-necked Phalarope at the same location. Black Tern and Eastern Kingbird were seen in the area, cementing Clark County as the top spot for migrants this week.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

A few short weeks ago, slow migration was all that local birders could talk about, but those complaints have evaporated with the sustained onslaught of surprising rare birds. 

Starting the rush was the possible first Multnomah county record of Black-chinned Hummingbird, photographed at a feeder in SE Portland (and unfortunately never refound). Next up was a Black-throated Sparrow found in a developing lot in Troutdale where a number of rare dryside birds have turned up over the years. This bird was much more obliging, remaining for several days and seen by many. One of those chasers noticed some interesting buteos on his return along Marine Drive, which ended up being three Swainson’s Hawks, one of which remained for several days. While reports of this migratory raptor have increased over the last few years, having a number of hunting birds is remarkable, and likely related to the rain that came in. 

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

All eyes were on Baskett Slough this last week after a male GARGANEY was spotted. This Eurasian duck is a very rare visitor to the state, with thelast record occurring 15 years ago. The bird stayed for two days, allowing scores of birders distant views, before disappearing for good sometime before Monday morning. 

The other highest profile migrants statewide this week have been the bountiful RED KNOTS that have been seen all along the coast, but in staggering numbers at the mouth of the Columbia, where perhaps 1,000 birds were staging on their epic northward migration. Double digits are generally considered a large number for Oregon of this handsome shorebird.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Are migrants simply late this year? That’s an emerging hypothesis as migration seemed to ramp up a notch over the last two weeks. Top of line were two different reports of White-faced Ibis, one from the Reeder Road observation platform, and the other of a flyover at Vanport Wetlands, both of which were observed by the same birder who was participating in a bicycle “Big Day.” An impressive feat to see that species in either Multnomah or Columbia County, where combined there were possibly less than a dozen records. For the same birder to do both in the same day is truly impressive, as was his tally of 109 species. 

Also from Sauvie Island this week came two reports of Swainson’s Hawk, which photos and timing indicate could have been the same bird. Two more were photographed from nearby Scappoose Bottoms the following day, and another was reported as a flyover in North Portland, for an impressive movement of these rare dryside Buteos.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

While theories abound for why, the consensus seems to be growing that this year has been a slower migration season than recent years, possibly because the nice weather encourages migrants to just keep pushing north, rather than stop to rest and forage. 

The most unusual find this week was a Common Poorwill photographed roosting in the Mt. Tabor area, where they have been reported a number of years in the past in this timeframe, but  rarely seen. 

Other notable finds of the week were in the shorebird and raptor families. On Sauvie Island, both a Long-billed Curlew and Whimbrel were reported by multiple observers at multiple locations along Sturgeon Lake. At the nearby Crown Zellerbach trail, a migrating Swainson’s Hawk was photographed, and Golden Eagles were reported at the Sandy River Delta, and photographed in Gaston.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Everyone’s newest favorite wetland, the mitigation wetland on 158th and NE Airport Way, this week added not one but three Solitary Sandpipers, joining the continuing Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, and assorted waterfowl. The nearby Blue-winged Teal pair also continued in the slough behind the Kinco warehouse. A Black-crowned Night-heron was also reported in the same slough.

On Mt. Tabor, Nashville Warbler was the headliner this week, joined by Cassin’s Vireo, Pacific Slope-flycatcher, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Evening Grosbeak, Wilson’s Warbler, and Townsend’s Solitaire, which was also reported at Rocky Butte. A Black-headed Grosbeak was slightly early in the Scapoose area, while Western Tanagers were reported in several areas.

A Swainson’s Hawk was reported from Cooper Mountain, while a Golden Eagle was reported from Forest Grove.

That’s most of it for this week. For reports, corrections, and tips, email Brodie Cass Talbott at bcasstalbott@audubonportland.org.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Spring migration is well underway, bringing a few notable migrants to the region. A drake Blue-winged Teal was seen keeping company with two drake Cinnamon Teal in a slough pond near NE 187th, and nearby on NE 156th, a wetland mitigation project is hosting a number of shorebirds including a single Lesser Yellowlegs. At least one if not two Swainson’s Hawks were also seen flying north, first at Mt. Tabor and then at Rose City Cemetery, which was visited often this week by birders in search of a long-staying group of Chipping Sparrows. 

Early birds this week included a couple reports of Hammond’s Flycatcher, Western Tanager, Swainson’s Thrush, and Pacific-slope Flycatcher. Late birds include Snow Geese on Sauvie Island, as well as Swamp Sparrow at Jackson Bottom. 

Meanwhile, Mountain Bluebirds are still being seen at Powell Butte, and Canyon Wren was reported from Wahclella Falls.

That’s most of it for this week. For reports, corrections, and tips, email Brodie Cass Talbott at bcasstalbott@audubonportland.org.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

The topline bird of the week is the YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER reported from Scappoose on Wednesday afternoon, the second Columbia County record for the species. Other notable Columbia county birds this week include early Black-throated Gray Warbler and Purple Martin (both of which were reported sparingly across the region), as well as a late Swamp Sparrow that continues on Rentenaar Road. 

Other early birds include Vaux’s Swifts a couple weeks ahead of schedule at Oaks Bottom, where the same birder last saw them in November, a shockingly late date for these aerial insectivores. Yellow-headed Blackbird has returned to Vanport Wetlands, one of their few local breeding locations. Meanwhile, “McGrackle,” the Great-tailed Grackle residing at the Columbia Blvd McDonald’s, continues his watch.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Migration seems to be heating up, with several notable reports of short-staying birds, including an impressive combo of Brant (one day) and Black-bellied Plover (less than one day) being reported from Broughton Beach, and a Black-necked Stilt pair showing up at Fernhill (one day). A also showed up at Vanport Wetlands. 

Early returners this week include a Yellow-headed Blackbird at Vanport Wetlands; Cliff Swallows in Washington County; and a Common Yellowthroat at Reed College. Reports also came in of a Black-throated Gray Warbler but, rather than being an early migrant, is said to have been visiting a feeder in Oregon City for the last two months, one of only a small handful of wintering records. 

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

The slow trickle of early migration continues, with multiple reports of Black-throated Gray Warbler and a couple reports of Barn Swallow. A Bonaparte’s Gull was reported from the mouth of the Sandy River, representing a very rare spring find for the species. 

Other new notables for the week include a Say’s Phoebe along Pleasant Valley Rd. where the Northern Mockingbird continues. 

A Vesper Sparrow continues to keep the Harris’ Sparrow company on Rentenaar Rd, while the Canyon Wren continues to be heard and seen on the Multnomah Falls trail, and the Great-tailed Grackle continues at the Columbia Blvd. McDonald’s.

That’s most of it for this week. For reports, corrections, and tips, email Brodie Cass Talbott at bcasstalbott@audubonportland.org.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

The most unusual find of the week goes to the Prairie Falcon photographed at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday, one of only a handful of records for Washington County.

In the “right on schedule” department,  Mountain Bluebird was reported from the Sandy River Delta on March 16. In the “way ahead of schedule” department, a dark morph Swainson’s Hawk was reported flying over a SE Portland home this week, possibly six weeks early for this most strongly-migratory member of the Buteo family. Other northbound migrants reported this week included a slightly early Common Yellowthroat from Clark County.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Mid-March is the traditional time for migrant Say’s Phoebes to pass through the region (although this year has seen two birds uncharacteristically winter in the area), and, right on time, one was found at Scappoose Bottoms. A Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk was also seen in the area. 

In the Columbia Gorge, a Red-breasted Merganser was found at Rooster Rock, while a Canyon Wren was heard along the Wahclella Falls trail. They seem to be becoming more reliable in the area in winter. In North Portland, Yellow-headed Blackbird continue at Rivergate, while the Great-tailed Grackle continues on Columbia Blvd, and Black-crowned Night Heron continue their dusk transit through the St. John’s neighborhood.

Harris’s Sparrow and American White Pelican continue to be seen on Sauvie Island.

That’s most of it for this week. For reports, corrections, and tips, email Brodie Cass Talbott at bcasstalbott@audubonportland.org.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

Early spring migrants continue to trickle in, including widespread reports of Turkey Vulture and Rufous Hummingbird, and a report of Western Bluebirds at their traditional location of Powell Butte on their traditional date of March 1. Rare birds were hard to find this locally this week, but many overwintering rarities continued, including American White Pelicans on Sauvie Island; Harris’s Sparrow and Vesper Sparrow on Rentenaar Road; the nightly Black-crowned Night Heron flyovers in St. John’s; the Smith & Bybee Sora; the Great-tailed Grackle at the Columbia Blvd. McDonald’s; and sporadic reports of Townsend’s Solitaire.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

While not rare, much of the excitement this week has been the early returning migrants, including reports of Rufous Hummingbird, Turkey Vulture, and Violet Green Swallows. Spring is imminent! 

True rarities were harder to find this week, but Black-bellied Plover were reported from Fern Hill Road in Washington County. On Sauvie Island, American White Pelicans continue to be reported, as does the continuing Harris’s Sparrow on Rentenaar Road, and a few Ring-necked Pheasant, which are released annually on the island for hunting. 

Many of our rare wintering birds continue, including the Smith & Bybee Sora; the Eared Grebe at the mouth of the Sandy; the Great-tailed Grackle at the Columbia Blvd. McDonald’s; and a Townsend’s Solitaire on NE 24th Ave. 

That’s most of it for this week. For reports, corrections, and tips, email Brodie Cass Talbott at bcasstalbott@audubonportland.org.

Notes on Sightings

Bold: Local rarity | CAPS: Statewide rarity

For most birders, just seeing any birds was enough for this week, which saw some of the most extreme winter weather in decades in the region. One NE Portland birder did make the most of the Great Backyard Bird Count, reporting a SNOWY OWL flying over her house, being harassed by a large group of crows. It was not photographed, unfortunately, and has not been refound. 

The Ross’s Geese reported last week at Sauvie Island have not been refound after the snow. A single Red-breasted Merganser was reported from Broughton Beach, while the Eared Grebe continued near the mouth of the Sandy River. Townsend’s Solitaire continues to be reported from the Laurelhurst neighborhood. Noticeably absent this week were reports of both the Orchard Oriole and Great-tailed Grackle.