Stirred into action to visit Grand Island in Yamhill count by recent reports of uncommon birds there now and rarities discovered in the past; Jill, Remy, and I made our inaugural visit late this morning.

If you want to develop your ability to bird by ear, you will be delighted by a visit to Grand Island.  The only ambient noise is birds - which is hard to find in the neighboring greater Portland metropolitan area. 

We ran into two people working on the trail to keep access open to the deep fishing holes located in the bend of the nearby river channel.

NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW

AMERICAN GOLDFINCH

ENJOYING THE WATER AND SOLITUDE

PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE

Our modest report of birds encountered on this visit https://ebird.org/checklist/S91322252

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Go early.  Mid-morning is too late. 

Don't miss Hildebrandt Cherry Orchards - there are more varieties of cherries in this very large orchard than we knew existed.