SAS Minto-Brown Island Park Bird Walk Report

[ung...@gmail.com]

SAS Minto-Brown Island Park Bird Walk Report

March 8, 2026 

This morning, Tim and I led the Salem Audubon Minto-Brown Island Park bird walk. Fourteen other birders joined us. It was cool with temperatures ranging from 46 to 52 degrees but the wind the wind chill was 40 degrees. It was mostly cloudy but there was no rain.  The wind was 8 – 18 mph. with gusts to 26 mph.  We walked 1.82 miles along the trails at the east end of the park near the eagle’s nest.  But before heading to the east we went down to look at the Oxbow Slough then walked down the main path to the river. We observed (saw or heard) 41 species. 

Highlights from the Walk: 

The outing began with a memorable sighting—three Red-breasted Sapsuckers gathered in a tree near parking lot #3 by the restroom pod. Over the course of the walk, we observed all five of the park’s expected woodpecker species, including hearing Pileated Woodpeckers calling twice from different areas. 

The Oxbow Slough was lively, featuring Mallards, Buffleheads, Ring-necked Ducks, and Green-winged Teal. At the far west end, three Common Mergansers were resting on the water, and a Belted Kingfisher was heard nearby. 

Although the river was a bit high and quiet, two Bald Eagles were spotted perched in a tree along the western trail. The trail leading toward the river, however, offered excellent activity—American Robin, Bewick’s Wren, Black-capped Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, and Purple Finch. The kinglets were especially vocal and energetic. 

The raptor count built slowly, starting with only the Bald Eagles. Later, we added a Cooper’s Hawk, American Kestrel, and a surprising Northern Harrier. The Cooper’s Hawk gave an extended aerial show, circling above us several times. 

Several times along the northern edge of the main trail, we encountered mixed flocks feeding in the trees and on the ground, featuring chickadees, kinglets, creepers, sparrows, and woodpeckers. A standout moment was seeing three Brown Creepers together—photos of them should be added to the checklist soon. 

Near the Bald Eagle nest, another unexpected sight greeted us: four Wood Ducks perched high in a tree, their silhouettes initially causing a double take. 

The bird of the day was the American Robin, abundant and active throughout the park. 

The upcoming events include:

Ankeny NWR Field Trip, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM.  Meet at the Ankeny Hill Nature Center parking lot off Ankeny Hill Road. 

Please join us if you can. 

Mike Unger

Keizer, OR

Minto-Brown Island Park Checklist Summary for March 8, 2026

Identified Species: 41

6 Canada Goose
4 Wood Duck -- Perched high in a tree along the river
12 Mallard
2 Green-winged Teal
7 Ring-necked Duck
10 Bufflehead
2 Hooded Merganser
3 Common Merganser
2 California Quail
5 Mourning Dove
4 Anna's Hummingbird
1 Cooper's Hawk
1 Northern Harrier
2 Bald Eagle
2 Belted Kingfisher
3 Red-breasted Sapsucker
3 Downy Woodpecker
1 Hairy Woodpecker
2 Pileated Woodpecker
4 Northern Flicker
1 American Kestrel
2 Steller's Jay
3 California Scrub-Jay
8 American Crow
8 Black-capped Chickadee
1 Tree Swallow
5 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
1 Red-breasted Nuthatch
3 Brown Creeper
5 Bewick's Wren
20 European Starling
42 American Robin
4 House Finch
1 Purple Finch
2 Lesser Goldfinch
2 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)
1 White-crowned Sparrow
14 Song Sparrow
7 Spotted Towhee
3 Red-winged Blackbird
1 Yellow-rumped Warbler

View these checklists online at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S307324665