SAS/WKNA Keizer Rapids Park Bird Walk Report

[ung...@gmail.com]

SAS w/ WKNA Keizer Rapids Park Bird Walk Report

September 16, 2025

           

Carolyn and I led a bird walk at Keizer Rapids Park on Tuesday morning, joined by 15 enthusiastic birdwatchers. We covered about two miles, circling much of the park’s perimeter under clear skies with temperatures ranging from 66 to 75 degrees and light winds of up to 7 mph. The walk lasted approximately 2.5 hours. Bird activity was strong throughout the walk, and the group recorded an impressive total of 39 species, either seen or heard.

 

The Salem Audubon Society and the West Keizer Neighborhood Association (WKNA) have partnered on these joint bird walks since 2017, making this the ninth year of a wonderful tradition. Keizer Rapids Park, along with four other city parks located within the WKNA area, all lie along the scenic Willamette River.

                                                              

The highlights were as follows:

·         We observed a variety of birds along the river, including Mallard, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, Double-crested Cormorant, and Great Blue Heron. One highlight of the walk was the remarkable sighting of seven Belted Kingfishers—quite possibly a record number for these outings.

·         Once again, we spotted a Green Heron—one of many seen during this remarkable year for the species. Several birders agreed that 2025 has been exceptional for Green Heron sightings, with as many as five observed at one time on previous walks.

·         Other nice observations included two Red-breasted Nuthatches, a White-breasted Nuthatch, and several Brown Creepers.

·         The most common birds observed were Cedar Waxwing (30), Mallard (15), and American Goldfinch (15).

 The upcoming events include:

 

Saturday, September 20th, 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM – Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge -- Meet at the Ankeny Hill Nature Center off Ankeny Hill Road at 7:30 AM.

Monday, September 29th, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Illahe Hills CC Bird Walk.  Meet in front of the clubhouse located at the end of Country Club Drive SE (3376 Country Club Drive South).  Please contact the leader at paule...@gmail.com to confirm your registration for this trip.

 

Tuesday, October 7th, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Minto-Brown Island Park -- Meet in Parking Lot #3 at the end of Minto Island Road SE.

 

Please join us if you can.

 

Mike Unger

Keizer, OR

Keizer Rapids Park Checklist Summary for September 16, 2025

Identified Species: 39

1 Canada Goose
15 Mallard
1 Northern Pintail
2 Common Merganser
2 Mourning Dove
6 Vaux's Swift
5 Anna's Hummingbird
7 Killdeer
1 Double-crested Cormorant
1 Green Heron
2 Great Blue Heron
3 Turkey Vulture
1 Red-tailed Hawk
7 Belted Kingfisher
2 Downy Woodpecker
2 Northern Flicker
2 American Kestrel
1 Western Wood-Pewee
6 Steller's Jay
5 California Scrub-Jay
7 American Crow
1 Common Raven
6 Black-capped Chickadee
2 Violet-green Swallow
1 Barn Swallow
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
2 Red-breasted Nuthatch
5 Brown Creeper
3 Bewick's Wren
8 European Starling
6 American Robin
30 Cedar Waxwing
1 House Finch
15 American Goldfinch
1 White-crowned Sparrow
9 Song Sparrow
8 Spotted Towhee
1 Red-winged Blackbird
1 Brewer's Blackbird
5 passerine sp.

 

You can see the checklist at https://ebird.org/checklist/S273759385