SAS Ankeny NWR Field Trip Report

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SAS ANKENY NWR FIELD TRIP SUMMARY

May 17, 2026 

Today, Tim, Paul, and I had the pleasure of leading the Salem Audubon Society’s monthly birding field trip at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, joined by 21 enthusiastic birders. 

The weather cooperated nicely, with mostly cloudy skies, no rain, and temperatures ranging from 45 to 54 degrees. A light breeze of 0 to 10 mph added a bit of chill, especially toward the end of the walk. 

Our outing included stops at both the Ankeny Hill Nature Center—a hub for environmental education and wildlife observation—and the Rail Trail, known for its excellent birding opportunities. Altogether, we observed or heard 57 bird species, surpassing last May’s total by three; in 2024, we recorded 51 species. 

Most notable sightings:

·    During our visit to Ankeny Hill Nature Center, we recorded 14 bird species. Highlights included two Western Bluebirds near nest boxes in the field below the nature center and a pair of Tree Swallows associated with another nest box. We also observed a male American Kestrel perched in a nearby tree and a Lazuli Bunting singing from another tree.

·   Next, we went to the Rail Trail where we followed the edges of the trail, weaving past thickets of willows and other trees, where bird activity surrounded us at every turn. Common Yellowthroats popped up frequently, flashing their masks before disappearing again, while a Western Wood-Pewee repeatedly sallied out from a branch, deftly catching insects’ midair. Marsh Wrens filled the air with their lively chatter, and from deeper in the marsh came the unmistakable calls of nine Soras and several Virginia Rails. The true soundtrack of the walk, though, was the constant, bright song of Northern Yellow Warblers, echoing all around us. Adding to the excitement, a few fortunate birders watched an American Bittern suddenly lift from the marsh, its broad wings carrying it low over the reeds before dropping back into cover.  We also heard the drumming of a Red-breasted Sapsucker.

·    The Rail Trail itself was on the quiet side.  But on the trail leading to the boardwalk, we saw four Brown Creepers with some on tree trunks and the others flitting around.  There were a few Song Sparrows as well as Bewick’s Wrens.  We did hear a Hutton’s Vireo as we were returning to the parking lot.

·       We observed a lively mix of swallows flying along the way including Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, and Violet-green Swallow. Their agile flight and constant activity added to the vibrant atmosphere above the marsh, with each species displaying its distinctive flight style and markings.

·    Other notable sightings included Band-tailed Pigeon, Northern Harrier, Hairy Woodpecker, and Purple Martin. We also heard Western Tanager.

Links to the eBird checklists and the eBird Trip Report follow.  

Our next SAS bird walk will be at Champoeg State Park on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 9:00 am. See the Kestrel or our website: salemaudubon.org for details.

The Minto-Brown Island Park bird walk is on Sunday, June 7 at 7:30 am (note the time change). Meet in Parking Lot #3 (the last parking lot in the park). We plan to be finished around 10:30 AM. Directions: From River Road South, turn west at the signal at Minto Island Road and proceed to the last parking lot.

Mike Unger

Keizer, OR 

Ankeny NWR Checklist Summary for May 17, 2026

Number of Species: 57 

Checklists included in this summary:
(1): Ankeny NWR--Ankeny Hill Nature Center @ 8:00 AM
(2): Ankeny NWR – Rail Trail @ 8:33 AM

Ankeny Hill Nature Center - https://ebird.org/checklist/S341010585

Rail Trail - https://ebird.org/checklist/S341164858

Follow this link for the eBird Trip Report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/524061