[birding] Coot chicks (pronounced "cute") at E.E. Wilson

[Joel Geier]

Hi all,

On this morning's dog walk at E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, I found very
few water birds on the NW corner marsh (just a few Mallards plus calling
rails). However, the smaller marsh just east of Coffin Butte had a
mother AMERICAN COOT with three very cute chicks. While the mother
dabbled for food, the chicks swam around picking at the rushes and
cattails with their bright red beaks.

The normal contingent of songbirds was around, including YELLOW,
ORANGE-CROWNED and WILSON'S WARBLERS, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, LAZULI
BUNTING, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS etc. I heard plenty of SWAINSON'S
THRUSHES and saw a couple in patches of riparian growth that seemed too
small for nesting habitat, so I think these were mainly migrants. Also
heard my first-of-year WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, along with several WESTERN
WOOD-PEWEES.

On the way back I ran across some Salem Audubon birdathoners, so look
forward to hearing what they found.

Happy birding,
Joel

--
Joel Geier
Camp Adair area north of Corvallis