John Scharff Migratory Bird Festival April 3-5

This week I am preparing to go to the John Scharff Migratory Bird Festival in Burns Oregon from April 2nd - 5th. For me this is a buisness trip my employeer is sending me on. At the same time, I could not be more blessed as I will be able to be in the field tracking customer comments on our products as well as working the show portion of this even Friday thru Sunday.
My excitement to leave is only overcome by my nervousness of being the only person from our factory there. However training and product knowledge will previal on this journey. Hope to see you all there.

Return of the Turkey Vultures

Driving home last night was another great evening of birding. However the biggest suprise was upon entering into the surroundings of McMinnville to spot 2 Turkey Vultures hovering over the fields. Then in downtown Mac there was another over the police station. It has been a long winter without these big guys! Nice to see them back.

Yard Birds Week of March 23

Living in McMinnville I have a great location for birding. My front hedge row provides excellent coverage for birds to hide in and under for feeding wild bird mix, thistle seed, and cracked corn. My backyard for the suet, corn, and sunflower seed. Mix the feeds with the location next to wetlands and the variety of birds is quite interesting.

Seen so far this week,

Scrub Jay,
Dark Eyed Juncos everywhere
Black Capped Chickadee
Red Breasted Nuthatch
Fox Sparrows
Song Sparrows
Golden Crowned Sparrows
House Finch
Purple Finch
Acorn Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker (seen by my wife. Hopefully this life bird for me will stick around.)
Yellow Rumped Warblers
and our Varied Thrush that has been hanging out for the last month is still here.
and heard but not seen is the local Great Horned Owl.

Starting out

Good day everyone. I have decided to grab the world of Blogging and give it a shout. I am an active birder seeing birds all over the state of Oregon. I am excited to start blogging my travels and posting pictures of the birds I find. I have a great yard list growing and in the last year I started a life list and it is growing fast. I have hit the point of spending a day out with no life birds.
I have upcoming journeys to Eastern Oregon for the John Scharff Migratory Bird Festival and will be blogging live from the field as Cell service is available.
I hope you all hop on and enjoy my new wild ride as we travel.
Cheers,
The McMinnville Birder.