SAS Willow Lake Bird Walk Report

[ung...@gmail.com]

SAS WILLOW LAKE WTP BIRD WALK SUMMARY 

Today, Dom guided a lively group of 19 bird enthusiasts on a captivating Salem Audubon bird walk at Willow Lake Water Treatment Plant. For three immersive hours, we ventured through the serene wetlands, unfazed by the crisp air hovering between 41 and 48 degrees and gentle winds up to 9 mph beneath a soft blanket of gray clouds. Our 1.01-mile journey rewarded us with the discovery of 39 bird species, outshining last year's total of 36, thanks to keen eyes and ears tuned to nature's subtle symphony.  

The highlight of the day was the striking male Townsend’s Warbler, with its bold black and yellow head stripes and bright yellow breast standing out vividly against the wetlands backdrop. We also heard the elusive Virginia Rail, and several birders were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this secretive marsh dweller. Adding to the excitement, a rare hybrid Northern Flicker made an appearance, delighting the group with its unique plumage blend—an unexpected treat that added to the walk’s memorable moments. 

The bird list and eBird checklist link follows. 

Mike Unger

Keizer, OR  

Willow Lake WTP eBird Checklist for November 24, 2025

Number of Species: 39 

155 Cackling Goose
2 American Wigeon
23 Mallard
2 Hooded Merganser
3 Mourning Dove
3 Anna's Hummingbird
2 Virginia Rail
1 American Coot
3 Killdeer
3 Wilson's Snipe
4 Short-billed Gull
1 American Herring Gull
3 Glaucous-winged Gull
20 gull sp.
2 Double-crested Cormorant
2 Red-tailed Hawk
2 Downy Woodpecker
2 Northern Flicker
1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)
1 American Kestrel
2 Black Phoebe
1 Steller's Jay
9 California Scrub-Jay
6 American Crow
4 Black-capped Chickadee
25 Bushtit
5 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
2 Bewick's Wren
29 European Starling
1 Varied Thrush
10 American Robin
15 House Finch
5 American Goldfinch
3 Fox Sparrow (Sooty)
1 White-crowned Sparrow
10 Golden-crowned Sparrow
4 Song Sparrow
3 Spotted Towhee
35 Red-winged Blackbird
4 Yellow-rumped Warbler
1 Townsend's Warbler 

eBird checklist: 

Willow Lake WTP - https://ebird.org/checklist/S285985254