Signs of Spring

I now have daffodils blooming in my garden and the birds are singing indicating that Spring is right around the corner. Spring is also when birds are trying to impress their mates and display beautiful plumage. I created a video featuring some local birds that you can see in Portland Oregon this time of year.

Featured Birds of Oaks Bottom in the Spring

Northern Shovelers are a familiar sight during the colder months and the beginning of spring at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. With their distinctive shovel-shaped bills and vibrant plumage, these ducks add a splash of color to the serene wetlands. As they gracefully glide across the water, they mesmerize onlookers with their elegant movements. Whether you’re a seasoned bird enthusiast or just beginning to appreciate nature’s wonders, encountering Northern Shovelers at Oaks Bottom is a truly enchanting experience.

Ruby Crowned Kinglets are a familiar sight in the lush wooded regions of Oaks Bottom. One captivating behavior of the male Ruby Crowned Kinglet is its tendency to reveal a stunning flash of its red ruby crown when filled with excitement or when seeking to capture the attention and admiration of a potential mate.

Discover the remarkable California Scrub Jays, frequent visitors of the picturesque meadow area in Oaks Bottom. Belonging to the Corvid family alongside the esteemed Crows and Ravens, these intelligent birds are revered for their adept problem-solving skills and remarkable tool usage.

American Bushtits are a familiar sight in Oaks Bottom, where they form tight-knit social groups that move together in harmony. Their constant motion makes capturing them in a photograph a delightful challenge

These birds are known for their strong social bonds, often traveling in groups and communicating through soft calls and subtle movements.

While males and females share a striking resemblance, a keen observer can distinguish them by the color of their eyes. The females’ yellow eyes contrast with the dark eyes of the males, adding a touch of uniqueness to these charming avian companions.

The House Sparrow, known for its beauty, features a colorful male with a stunning pink plumage during the spring mating season. It is a popular songbird frequently sighted in Oaks Bottom.

The Spotted Towhee is a large sparrow that can often be spotted scavenging for food amidst the lush forest floor.

During the mating season, the male Spotted Towhees, adorned in vibrant colors, emerge from the dense bushes with a loud and captivating call, drawing attention to themselves as they perch boldly on the outer branches of trees and shrubs.

The Bewick’s Wren, commonly found in the forested areas of Oaks Bottom, may be small in size, only 14cm long, but possesses a remarkable ability to create a big sound with its small body. They can be found in the thickets and underbrush.