April Trip Report
Birding By Kayak
Osprey,Pandion haliaetus, are back and their nesting season has begun. Gray and windy today. I am paddling from Scappoose Bay in Oregon, down the Multnomah Channel to St. Helens and Sand Island across from the justice dispensing courthouse on a kayaking birding trip across the Columbia River, up Lake River to Ridgefield Washington and return.
Osprey are rebuilding their nest on pilings at Scappoose Bay Marina, another nesting pair come into view on top of the tall, green tower above the abandoned, blue boat house caught in a sunken lurch into the water. Too quick to identify, a cluster of shorebirds burst out of the grasses and reeds disturbed by my kayak's passing. A Belted Kingfisher, Ceryle alcyon, clatters and flys ahead, perches on a branch hanging over the water and flies ahead again as I catch up. The kingfisher and I dance
down the bay. Great Blue Herons, Ardea herodias, pass overhead croaking in their distinctive way; occasionally a mature Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocrphalus. Eagles are nesting at Cunningham Slough. Later I will spot anotherEagle nest at the Lewis River entrance to the Columbia River.
The rain has begun, obscuring the numerous boats fishing for salmon. More fishermen than salmon, the salmon run is poor this season. Near the bow of my kayak a sea lion pops out of the water for a look at me before gliding back under water. Intelligent and resourceful sea lions are swimmming up the Columbia River further than ever before feasting on the salmon blocked at the dams across the river.
Crossinig the Columbia the wind is stronger and colder blowng from the east as I paddle at a sharp current compensating angle. The same weather front is creating much needed spring snow in the Cascde Mountains. My Outdoor Research waterproof hat with fleece ear warmers keeps my head warm. If needed I will put on my Patagonia lightweight neoprene cap underneath the hat. This combination of hat and cap is versitile and light. I take it paddling, backpacking and snowshoeing.
The river banks of Lake River on the way to Ridgefield are steep and sandy. Perfect sites for bank side nests of Kingfishers and Bank Swallows. Noting promising sites I will return later in the season to photograph the Kingfisher and Swallow families.
If all your birding is from land rent a kayak or canoe and paddle the bays, rivers and lakes near you for a new look into the lives of our feathered friends.
Bill@birdingquide.com
