Monday, July 24, 2017

Oregon trip July 15-22, Part 1: Mount Hood and Columbia Gorge

Mount Hood from plane, OR, July 15, 2017
Mount hood from Lost Lake, Mt Hood NF, OR, July 17, 2017
We just spent the last week or so out in Oregon on a little getaway. Although not a birding trip I nonetheless still managed to get some birding in most days. We flew out to Portland on July 15 and then drove east out to the Hood River area where we spent three nights before driving out to the coast for four nights. We had fantastic weather throughout with sunny skies and pleasant temperatures.
Bewick's Wren, River Rush Ranch, Odell, OR, July 16, 2017
Mule Deer, River Rush Ranch, Odell, OR, July 16, 2017
Bridal Veil Falls, Bridal Falls State Scenic Area, OR, July 16, 2017
Multnomah Falls, OR, July 16, 2017
The first full day was spent along the Columbia Gorge exploring various parks as well as a few wineries and pick your own fruit farms...some damn good raspberries and cherries were obtained and quickly consumed. Before venturing down to the gorge I spent a couple of hours first thing in the morning around the 125+ acre ranch we were staying at. Nothing too unexpected but a nice selection of expected species.
Mount Hood viewed from Lost Lake, Mount Hood NF, OR, July 17, 2017
Hermit Warbler, Lost Lake, Mount Hood NF, OR, July 17, 2017
Steller's Jay, Lost Lake, Mount Hood NF, OR, July 17, 2017
Red breasted Sapsucker, Lost Lake, Mount Hood NF, OR, July 17, 2017
On our second day we headed up toward Mount Hood to hit some higher elevation areas. We began bright and early with a trip up to Lost Lake which provided some great birds as well as spectacular views of Mount Hood. We walked around the lake before many people began to stir for the day so we had it mostly to ourselves. Nothing too unusual but some good stuff nonetheless...full eBird checklist here:  Lost Lake eBird list
Mount Hood, viewed from Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood NF, OR, July 17, 2017
By late morning we stopped to grab an early lunch before heading out to drive up to the Timberline Lodge to get some up close views of the mountain and hopefully some new birds. The lodges area was very busy but did indeed provide some great views of the mountains south slope plus a few higher elevation birds including Clark's Nutcracker and Mountain Chickadee.
MacGillivray's Warbler, River Rush ranch, Odell, OR, July 18, 2017
MacGillivray's Warbler, River Rush ranch, Odell, OR, July 18, 2017
American Dipper, River Rush ranch, Odell, OR, July 18, 2017
Western Tanager,  River Rush ranch, Odell, OR, July 18, 2017
California Quail, River Rush ranch, Odell, OR, July 18, 2017
Latourell Falls, Guy Talbott SP, OR, July 18, 2017
On Tuesday we drove out to the coast after a midday stop in the Portland area to catch up with my uncle but before making it over there around I spent a few hours at first light exploring the area of the River Rush Ranch. Mostly the same species there once again but a couple American Dippers along the Hood River were a nice addition.  Also got some better looks (and photos) of species seen the first morning there...full list with additional photos here: River Ranch eBird list. We also made another waterfall stop along the way through the gorge which was at the stunning (and quiet) Latourell Falls.

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