Chick out these birding walks

Photo by Ruth Shelly

Common murres push their flightless chicks off of rocky outcrops into the ocean before they can fly, and then the father, not the mother, sticks around to catch fish for the baby until it has fledged. It takes less work to bring fish just to the ocean surface instead of to the top of the rocks, and the chick is a little safer there from predators.

Help celebrate other good dads this weekend with the Seven Capes Bird Alliance during guided walks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 13 through 15.

Friday, June 13

Hostetler Park and Devils Lake Campground, Lincoln City

Join a walk through diverse habitats along the D River, crossing a hidden boardwalk through unique wetlands, then on through the campgrounds to Devils Lake to look for birds like Swainson’s thrush, sparrows and waterfowl.

The group will meet at 9 am at the NE 1st Street parking area on the east side of Highway 101.

Saturday, June 14

Ona Beach and Beaver Creek State Natural Area, Newport

The walk will wind through the woods along the creek all the way to the beach, looking for nesting birds including warblers and swallows, along with resident wading birds and songbirds. If time permits, the group will tackle a second walk after a short drive to Beaver Creek. The group will meet at 8:30 am at the Ona Beach parking area, part of Brian Booth State Park.

Sunday, June 15

Tidepool walk, location TBD

Join Fawn Custer, a highly experienced environmental marine science educator, in discovering spectacular tidepools and shorebirds. Extreme low tides promise excellent exploration, but wear rubber boots or water shoes to wade in. Group size is limited and pre-registration is required by going to sevencapes.org/bringdadtothebeach. The location of the walk will be sent with your registration confirmation.

All Seven Capes Bird Alliance bird walks are free, family-friendly, easy to moderately easy and, unless noted, no pre-registration or experience is required. Binoculars and guidebooks are provided. Walks are held rain or shine; dress appropriately for coastal weather and muddy trails. For more information, go to sevencapes.org.