Today while out doing errands I stopped by Beaverton Creek Wetlands to see what was happening and take a quick walk in the drizzly weather. I haven't been there in a couple of years, and it's amazing how much the trees and shrubs have grown up, largely blocking the view of the wetlands from the path. I only turned up 13 species in the half hour I was there, but the highlight was right at my turn-around point where there was a mixed flock of house finches and American goldfinches (115):
It's interesting to me that I hadn't seen American goldfinches yet this year, while I had seen lesser goldfinches on several occasions. In the past, I considered lesser goldfinches a real rarity. A recent discussion on the local bird-watching listserv focused on the recent rise of lesser goldfinches in the area, so this seems to be a general trend in the region.
At the other end of the park several red-winged blackbirds were singing, including this male who was flashing his bright shoulder patches:
At the other end of the park several red-winged blackbirds were singing, including this male who was flashing his bright shoulder patches:
Hi Monika,
ReplyDeleteOver here we call a flock of Goldfinch's a 'Charm' Is that what you know them by ?
I haven't heard that before, but I like it!
ReplyDelete