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those dwelling in lush, forested areas near
the fort, birders are advised to start by listen-
ing. Many songbirds vocalize a myriad of
distinct calls and songs in the spring, often
from perches at or below eye level. Several
sparrow species will seek protection under
large fern fronds or the thick tangles of native
shrubs. Once homed in on the source vege-
tation, birdwatchers should look for move-
ment, often subtle but occasionally elaborate,
on the forest fl oor. Most small songbirds are
perfectly camoufl aged to their environment.
Spotting them takes a patient eye. Com-
mon spring species include the song sparrow,
house sparrow, and dark-eyed junco.
Raptors
After looking and listening underfoot,
park visitors should head eastward to the
Lewis and Clark River and turn their eyes
upward toward the tallest treetops. Here,
large birds of prey often rest in high branches.
Bald eagles, perhaps the easiest raptors to
locate, impose impressive silhouettes among
the deciduous trees of the river’s eastern
bank.
Ospreys, with distinct angled wings and
delicate whistling calls, often circle the river
in search of fi sh. Birdwatchers willing to
travel south along the fl at Netul River Trail
may be treated to the sight of a peregrine fal-
con. These large birds often hunt in small
meadows near the canoe landing. Advanced
birdwatchers can try their skills by return-
ing to the forest and attempting to locate one
of several owl species, including the northern
saw-whet owl, great horned owl and western
screech owl.
Seabirds and ducks
With tens of miles of river bank and inter-
tidal shoreline, the Lewis and Clark park sys-
tem is an excellent showcase for a diverse
and intriguing lineup of regional seabirds,
ducks and other wet-footed feathered crea-
tures. Gulls, including the Western gull, glau-
cous-winged gull and Heermann’s gull, are
abundant and can often be seen poking at
crevices of the muddy bank.
The vast majority of area ducks spend
time in the park, and springtime visitors are
Photos by Andy Cameron
The lesser scaup, one common duck species within the park.
often treated to sightings of scaups, mallards,
and mergansers lazily fl oating along the tides.
Great blue herons, the ubiquitous denizens
of nearly all Clatsop County waterways, are
often seen standing stoically along the shal-
low waters near the western riverbank.
Logistics
National p ark fees apply for Lewis and
Clark National Historical Park. A seven day
park pass is available for $10, while admis-
sion is free for those 15 and under. The
annual Oregon Pacifi c Coast Passport, avail-
able for $35, covers entry and parking to a
variety of federal and state operated fee sites
along the coast. Binoculars are highly rec-
ommended for birdwatching, as is a lens at
least 300mm in length for those wishing to
document their sightings.
The Best Care for Mom and Baby
LEFT: A pair of mallard ducks swim through a wetland marsh. RIGHT: A great blue heron walks
carefully across seaweed covered rocks.
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022 // 5