LCAS bird walk unites flocks

by Diane Horgan

On Saturday, March 24 of last year nine intrepid souls braved the 7 a.m. departure time and the pending rain clouds to explore the Roseburg area with the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society.

The concept for a Bird Walk with another Audubon chapter evolved when Mary Ann Wilcox, president of Umpqua Valley Audubon, contacted our then Bird Walk coordinator Diane Horgan with the idea of reciprocal trips for our chapters' birders. The benefit of hosting one another's groups became apparent. Birders are introduced to birding spots known only by insiders. Likewise they meet other birders and perhaps see species uncommon at home. Under the able direction of Meredith Jones, trip leader, expectations for the joint walk were exceeded.

Our first stop was the duck ponds behind Fred Meyer where we saw eight species of ducks including the unusual Eurasian Wigeon. The ducks were very close and easy to study. Continuing on the path to our left, we saw Yellow-rumped Warblers, House Finches, Red-winged Blackbirds, chickadees and kinglets in the shrubby growth bordering the pond. The manicured grass of a golf course on our right offered breakfast to a flock of Western Bluebirds. (Directions: Take I-5 south to exit 125. Go right at the stop light at the end of the exit ramp onto Garden Valley Blvd. Fred Meyer will be on your left about a mile from the exit. Take the road that parallels the Fred Meyer parking lot on the far side. The duck ponds and a parking area are at the bottom of the hill.)

At our second stop, trails through the wooded area of a nature study preserve offered Townsend's Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler and Purple Finch. A display of birdhouses, each appropriate for a different species, can be found here. As if sensing human intentions, a flock of Bushtits were busy building their own hanging nest right below the man-made boxes. (Directions: From the first birding area, return to the parking area and walk to your right. Cross a small wooden bridge to enter the nature preserve.)

Our third birding stop was Stewart Park where we walked along a path through an oak woodland. Mating Osprey on a nest, Hutton's Vireo, Common Mergansers and Bewick's Wren were some of the delights. (Directions: Returning to your car, make a left on Garden Valley Blvd. and a second left on Stewart Park Dr. Drive through the park until you see a parking area and rest room. Park here. Then follow the path that parallels the river.)

The fourth stop was Fords Pond. Western Meadowlarks and snipe were in the muddy grasses along the shore. Across the pond lurked an adult Bald Eagle. Tree Swallows lined the telephone wires. (Directions: From Stewart Park, return to I-5 North and take Exit 136. Follow signs to OR-138 West. At Sutherlin, Fords Pond will be on your left, 1.5 miles from the exit. Follow the road around the pond until you see a pull-off area with a view across the pond.)

The final stop of the day was Plat I, (Plat Eye) Reservoir, also in Sutherlin. Double-crested Cormorants, Least Sandpipers and Belted Kingfisher were among the highlights. A collection of numbered Purple Martin houses replete with Martins graced the far shore. After careful study through the scope in heavy rain I came to the momentous decision that real birds don't drip. The birds were plastic! While the real thing should be along presently, don't let the dummies make a dummy out of you as they did me. (Directions: Head east on OR-138. Under I-5 the road changes names to the Nonpareil Rd. About 4 miles east of I-5 turn Rt. on Plat I Rd. Follow signs to the Reservoir.)

Thanks to our Umpqua Audubon birder hosts, the trip totaled 59 species in five hours of very productive birding.