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