On Monday, the 6th of May, i was privileged to accompany the children of Emerson School in Portland on their field trip to Smith-Bybee Lakes. Below is a brief recap and photo essay of the day.
The kids chose to study birds for the current section of their school year — how COOL is that! Earlier in the month they graciously hosted me for an hour at the school to put up a slide show of local birds, and hand out a list of local yard birds that was put together by local expert, Greg Gillson. (Pacific NW Birder. Use by permission fide personal communication). Yesterday they took to the field.
I was impressed by their retention of bird facts and enthusiasm for field craft. It was truly a pleasure to be in their company. They have another trip planned for later in the month to Oaks Bottoms. Unfortunately, i will be at Malheur NWR at that time so kids, if you’re reading this; remember that the most important asset out in the field is — your EARS!
Of note; i was impressed that a number of parents were in attendance as chaperones. It was very encouraging to see their involvement with the children’s education. Mega respect and kudos and to them!
Thanks Olivia, Tiffany, Ariel and Maureen! It was a blast and i am deeply honored to have been given the opportunity to share my time with the children of Emerson.
First some pictures followed by a list of birds for the day: (click on any image for a slide show presentation)
List of birds seen and/or heard:
| Species Name |
| Canada Goose |
| Pied-billed Grebe |
| Great Blue Heron |
| Osprey |
| Bald Eagle |
| American Coot |
| Rock Pigeon |
| Mourning Dove |
| Belted Kingfisher |
| Downy Woodpecker |
| Western Scrub-Jay |
| American Crow |
| Tree Swallow |
| Violet-green Swallow |
| Barn Swallow |
| Cliff Swallow |
| Black-capped Chickadee |
| Brown Creeper |
| Marsh Wren |
| Bewick’s Wren |
| American Robin |
| European Starling |
| Orange-crowned Warbler |
| Common Yellowthroat |
| Yellow Warbler |
| Wilson’s Warbler |
| Spotted Towhee |
| Song Sparrow |
| White-crowned Sparrow |
| Black-headed Grosbeak |
| Red-winged Blackbird |
| Brewer’s Blackbird |
| Brown-headed Cowbird |
| House Finch |
Also seen, plants in flower:
Lupine
Osier Dogwood
Ball-head Waterleaf
Bedstraw – that was a blast!
Yellow Flag (Water Iris — unfortunately an invasive specie)
Wild Rose
Black Cottonwood
Water Speedwell
Blue Elderberry
Buttercup sp.
Hedge Nettle
Odonata (Dragonflys an Damselflys):
Pacific Forktail
California Darner
