[obol] American Pipit Flock & an Owl

[sandyleapt at comcast.net]

Hi OBOLees,

Today I walked the bike trail that runs along NE Marine Drive in Portland north of Portland International Airport.  I walked from the Sea Scout Base, east, until I got tired (about a mile west of the 205 bridge).  I had my usual good fortune and found a flock of what I believe to be American Pipits.  I tried to count hem but the move around a lot.  There were between 12 and 24 birds.  Many of them were in the rip rap on the levee, they spent time on the bike path and the short grass along either side of the bike path.  Not particularly wary and fun to watch.  I was also able to get some nice pictures.  Some were quite colorful in a buffy yellowish sort of way.  It was fun to watch the funny, sort of jerky way they lower their tails.  Some were squabbling and chasing, others were feeding quietly.  Some were very, very spotted.  Some had little yellow-orange legs.  Some pictures are better than others if you are interested in seeing them I'm happy to share.

I don't know what kind of Owl I saw.  I did get some pictures of it on the wing.  I shall have some lunch and look through my bird books.  Again, if you are interested I will be happy to share the pictures.

Such a nice day for a walk.

Sandy Leaptrott
NE Portland