SAS Ankeny NWR Field Trip Report

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Jul 19, 2025, 4:20:26 PMJul 19

to Mid-Valley Nature

Salem Audubon Society: Ankeny NWR Field Trip Report

Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Salem Audubon held its monthly birding trip to Ankeny NWR today. Tim, Paul, and I were joined by 13 others for a group of 16 birders.

We enjoyed mostly clear skies, mild temperatures (61–68°F), and light winds (3–8 mph). Our stops included the Nature Center, Pintail and Mohoff Marshes, and the Pintail Boardwalk.

We identified 50 bird species by sight or sound. Thanks to all who joined us!

Duck Sightings

We observed more ducks than usual, with five species recorded—most on Pintail Marsh. Highlights included approximately 75 Mallards, and on Mohoff Marsh: 1 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Blue-winged Teal, 2 Ring-necked Ducks, and a Hooded Merganser.

Nature Center Highlights

We observed 12 species. At or near the feeder, we saw 2 Rufous Hummingbirds and several Anna’s Hummingbirds. In the trees and recently harvested fields west of the center, we spotted 2 American Kestrels, a Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Great Blue Herons, and 11 American Crows.

Pintail and Mohoff Marshes Highlights

We recorded 39 species at Pintail and Mohoff Marshes during the field trip.

Noteworthy Sightings:

American White Pelicans: Three were present on Pintail Marsh at arrival; later observed soaring above the refuge.
Long-billed Dowitchers: 20 seen on the far side of Pintail Marsh.
Greater Yellowlegs: Several observed alongside dowitchers.
Green Herons: Two spotted from the parking lot, including one remarkably close in.
Belted Kingfishers: Two seen in the area.
Bald Eagles: Multiple individuals observed flying overhead and perched.
Wilson’s Snipe: One seen at the marshes.
Warblers: Seven Common Yellowthroat and two Yellow Warblers were the only warbler species for the day.

Overall, the variety of birds—including waders, raptors, and songbirds made this a rewarding morning at the marshes.

Pintail Boardwalk Observations

During our walk along Pintail Boardwalk, we observed nine species. The most frequently encountered birds were:

Swainson’s Thrush (4 individuals)
Spotted Towhee (3 individuals)

We also spotted a Black Phoebe, a species commonly found near water and known for its distinctive tail-wagging behavior.

These highlights reflect the diversity and activity along the boardwalk, with both thicket-loving sparrows and wetland flycatchers making their presence known.

A link to a complete list of today's birds follows.

Upcoming SAS Bird Walks

Willamette Mission State Park

Date & Time: Monday, July 28th, 7:30 a.m.

· Meeting Location: First parking lot (turn right immediately after the fee station) Note: A state parks pass is required. Single-day permits are available for $10 from the fee station at the entrance.

Common Nighthawk Walk at Minto-Brown Island Park

· Date & Time: Thursday, August 7th, 7:00 p.m.

· Meeting Location: Parking lot #3 (last parking lot)

Monthly Minto-Brown Island Park Bird Walk

· Date & Time: Sunday, August 10th, 7:30 a.m.

· Meeting Location: Parking lot #3 (last parking lot)

If you have any questions about locations or pass, please let us know. We look forward to birding with you!

Mike Unger

Keizer, OR

Ankeny NWR Checklist Summary for July 19, 2025

Number of Species: 50

Checklists included in this summary: 3

Checklists included in this summary: