E.E. Wilson frogs, snake, and raptors on a sunny February day

[Joel Geier]

Hi folks,

I did my "walking raptor route" around E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area this afternoon (a 7.5 mile, zig-zaggy loop). The temperature was 46 F when I started and up to 56 F as I came into the home stretch around 3 PM.

I could hear Pacific Chorus-frog singing from all of the wetlands that have at least a bit of water or mud. 

Over on the SW side of the wildlife area, I saw a young Red-tailed Hawk fly up from the grass, carrying a blueish snake which appeared to be a Racer. As the hawk flew to a perch in a small tree and started to dine, a California Scrub-Jay came in close, hoping for scraps.

I saw two Red-shouldered Hawks along the route. The first one, down in the SW corner, flushed off the ground as I came around a corner. I don't often see them on the ground -- I suppose it might have had prey. Then just north of the World War II memorial park off Camp Adair Road, another Red-shouldered Hawk was getting chased by a Raven, making evasive maneuvers as the raven stayed close behind, within 1 to 2 feet but never making contact. I wonder what that was about?

It sure didn't feel like early February out there today!

--

Joel Geier

Tampico Ridge north of Corvallis