A Weekend Window of Sunshine

We have been watching the weather forecast everyday hoping for a couple of dry days in this seemingly endless pattern of rain. Finally, this week we noticed that Saturday and Sunday were predicted to be dry and warmer on the Oregon Coast.  We set our sights on a visit to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, south of Florence, where our friend Glenn who is currently working as a volunteer at the Driftwood II Campground. It was a good decision, and we enjoyed bright sunshine and some great birding.

Glenn points out recent changes in the beach

We connected with Glenn on Saturday morning and immediately took off for a bird walk on the Siltcoos River estuary and beach. Major changes have occurred this winter with huge storms piling up sand, causing changes in the river's route, even to one point entirely blocking the river's access to the ocean. 

Bonaparte's Gull, as shown here, and lots of Western Gulls were busy at the mouth of the river feeding and bathing, until a Bald Eagle appeared, and they all scattered.

 

The wonderful weather brought out all kinds of sightseers, including this low flying airplane. 

Over a hundred Sanderlings scurried along the waterline looking for little tidbits. You can see our observation list of the river and beach here.

After lunch the three of us drove to Carter Lake for an afternoon bird walk. This Common Loon was a great find, in fact it was the first to be reported to e-Bird at this location as well a flock of Canada Jays that we also saw. You can see our observation list here. We concluded our day at Darling's Marina & RV Resort enjoying dinner and the sun setting across Siltcoos Lake.

Both the Lagoon and Waxmyrtle Campgrounds are closed due to highwater flooding. Driftwood II Campground, where Glenn works, and stays is still open. Click on this map to get a closer look at the area.  

We have enjoyed this area for many years, camping, birding, and volunteering in the Snowy Plover Protection Program.  In fact, we first met Glenn while camping here at Waxmytle Campground around five years ago. We have continued to share in adventures with Glenn, not only here, but throughout Oregon, California and Arizona.