Since reading Paul Lehman's commentary in the March-April edition of Birding titled Active Field Birders, the Process of Exploring, and the Importance of Status and Distribution, I've been telling myself to get out and find new areas to explore near my home in West Linn.

This post is about birds found in and around the (not often reported on) cove near the confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette Rivers located on the east side of Highway 99E near Clackamette Park in Oregon City. While I was there, I was treated to close views of a flock of approximately 30 Cedar Waxwing that were foraging on berries, seemingly without the slightest concern about the people watching them from just a few feet away. The difference in plumages between individuals in this flock was remarkable.  

Most of the people I talked with said that they rarely see ducks, geese, or other waterfowl in the cove during any season. I was told that if I wanted to see ducks, I should go to the boat ramp in Clackamette Park where people feed them. Nevertheless, I think this cove may be worth keeping an eye on, especially during periods of really bad weather.

Below is a record of my personal track through the area. The trail on the top-half of the image is unimproved.

Cedar Waxwing:

Below are pictures of a few other species photographed on this visit.

A Bewick's Wren giving me (the) look:

Hairy Woodpecker:

Downy Woodpecker:

Northern Flicker: