Thursday's Bird Watch!

The Western Meadowlark is Oregon's State Bird.  However, due mainly to urban sprawl their numbers have radically declined here in the Willamette Valley. Fortunately for us at Dallas Retirement Village we are only minutes away from the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, and there within the hundreds of acres of protected habitat the Western Meadowlarks are flourishing. This photo was taken while hiking the Rich Guadagno Trail on October 10th.  Their sweet piercing song rings out clear, and always puts a smile on my face.  I was lucky enough to catch this Meadowlark in mid-song.