SAS Keizer Rapids Park Bird Walk Report

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Keizer Rapids Park Bird Walk Report

June 25, 2026           

            Yesterday morning, I had the pleasure of leading a bird walk at Keizer Rapids Park. A group of 21 enthusiastic birdwatchers joined me as we followed a 1.05‑mile route that led west along the park’s trails, down to the river, and through a beautiful, forested area. The morning was mostly cloudy, with comfortable temperatures of 63–64 degrees and a gentle breeze of 3–8 miles per hour, and our walk lasted 2.70 hours. Bird activity was excellent throughout, and we identified a total of 41 species, either seen or heard, an increase from the 34 species recorded on last year’s walk.           

The highlights were as follows:

 

The highlight of the morning was a Great Horned Owl in the forested area. One member of our group noticed an agitated flurry of bird activity in the trees and went to investigate the source of the commotion. As she carefully scanned the canopy, she spotted an owl in the distance, staring directly back at her. The group quickly gathered to share this incredible sight and appreciate a rare, intimate look at this magnificent bird.

 

The river was bustling with avian activity during our walk. Highlights included Spotted Sandpiper, Mallard, and Great Blue Heron, each contributing to the lively scene along the water. Cedar Waxwings and three swallow species were actively foraging for insects over the river, putting on a wonderful aerial display. Many in the group also heard a Bald Eagle and a Belted Kingfisher calling nearby. This rich mix of species made the riverside portion of our outing especially rewarding.

 

Warbler activity was notably low; we detected only a single Yellow Warbler singing during the walk. Vireos were similarly scarce, as we did not observe or hear any vireo species.

 

Raptor activity was fair, highlighted by the Great Horned Owl noted above, along with a Bald Eagle, several Turkey Vultures, and two American Kestrels perched in trees at the west end of the park.

 

Several species were present in notably high numbers, with six species reaching double digits, including 23 Mallards. American Goldfinches were especially abundant in the southeast portion of the park, where we counted 20 individuals. We also tallied 13 American Robins, 12 Cedar Waxwings, 10 Song Sparrows, and 10 Mourning Doves. 

The next bird walk is at Minto-Brown Island Park on Tuesday, July 7th at 8:00 AM.  (Note the new time!) Meet in Parking Lot #3.  The following bird walk is Birding Along Highway 22 on Thursday, July 16th at 8:00 a.m.   See the Kestrel newsletter or on our website for details.   

Please join us if you can. 

Mike Unger

Keizer, OR 

Keizer Rapids Park Checklist Summary for June 25, 2026 @ 8:58AM

Identified Species: 41 

23 Mallard
10 Mourning Dove

1 Vaux’s Swift

1 Anna’s Hummingbird

1 Killdeer
1 Spotted Sandpiper
3 Great Blue Heron
7 Turkey Vulture
1 Bald Eagle
1 Great Horned Owl
1 Belted Kingfisher
2 Downy Woodpecker
2 Northern Flicker
2 American Kestrel
7 Western Wood-Pewee
2 Steller's Jay

5 California Scrub-Jay

6 American Crow
3 Black-capped Chickadee
2 Tree Swallow
5 Violet-green Swallow

3 Barn Swallow
8 Bushtit

3 White-breasted Nuthatch
5 Brown Creeper
4 Bewick's Wren

7 European Starling
3 Swainson's Thrush
13 American Robin
12 Cedar Waxwing

3 House Finch
1 Purple Finch

5 Lesser Goldfinch
20 American Goldfinch
9 White-crowned Sparrow
10 Song Sparrow
8 Spotted Towhee
3 Brown-headed Cowbird
1 Northern Yellow Warbler

2 Western Tanager
1 Black-headed Grosbeak

eBird checklist link: https://ebird.org/checklist/S363251648