[birding] Re: Peoria Gnatcatcher

[M & R Campbell]

I had no luck getting a second look at the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher that I saw briefly yesterday.  According to Greg Gilson's "Birds of Linn County" there were only two records of B-G Gnatcatcher in Linn County (prior to 2000).  According to BOGR, post breeding dispersal shouldn't start until mid-August, so it's possible that this bird has been around for awhile.  I don't do much birding in our yard during mid-summer, just pulling weeds and watering, but I think I would have heard a gnatcatcher if it had been hanging around for long.  It could have been spending most of its time somewhere else in Peoria, so walking Main Street and listening for it might be the best bet.  

Peoria is 9 miles south of Hwy. 34 (and Corvallis) on the east side of the Willamette River. It's recognized as a real place by both Google maps and the Delorme atlas.  Anyone coming to bird Peoria in the next few days is welcome to take a turn around our backyard, too, and to walk down to the river.  We live beside the Willamette at 29756 Main Street, at the junction of Main and Stark streets.  That's less than 1/2 mile south of the Peoria Park boat ramp.  We own the yellow Victorian to the south, too.  You're welcome to park in front of the white metal shop that's between those two houses, if you'd like.  The way down to the river is just north of the shop.  The river is the big wet thing sliding downhill to the right.

Free beverages for anyone who finds us a new yard-bird.


Randy Campbell

Peoria

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