Archive for the ‘tohee’ Category

Bandon, Oregon

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Moved a little south to Bullards State Park in Bandon, Oregon. It is really nice staying at the Oregon coast state campgrounds this time of year—there are no crowds. The downside is, it’s cold! The temps are in the 50-60’s during the day, but the wind chill makes it feel a lot colder.

There are two chestnut-backed chickadees (bird shown above) working on enlarging a hole in a tree for a nest across from where I’m camped. For such a small bird with a small beak, they are really working hard.

Cranberries are the main crop grown in the area.

New River is managed by the BLM as an area of critical environmental concern. The river is “new” because it was formed around 120 years ago. It runs parallel to the ocean. There is a beautiful circular trail that takes you through woods, wetlands, and dunes. Dry sandy areas and the dunes are off limits in the summer to protect snowy plover nesting sites.

Saw the azalea below growing wild on the New River trail.

Below, Steller’s jay and a spotted tohee.

Posted in Bandon, Bureau of Land Management, State, chickadee, jay, tohee | No Comments »

Rainy Oregon

Monday, April 13th, 2009

Have been in Oregon for the past week, at an Escapee park. Need new truck tires and wanted to get them here, where there is no sales tax. Also, got my bike in Eugene and want to have it serviced. It has been rainy here, but I am enjoying it. Would not feel this way if I had been here 5 months or so, but it is a nice change after being in desert areas so much.

A lot of Oregon dark-eyed junco’s here (top picture). Put some sunflower seeds out for birds where I can watch them. Bottom two pictures were taken through my rv window. The first one is a young Oregon dark-eyed junco; the second, a spotted tohee.

The way here: Took highway 1 to Morro Bay State Park where I stopped for the night. It was really crowded due to spring break. Crossed over to highway 101 until going back to highway 1 through Santa Cruz. Wanted to stop for the night at Half Moon Bay State Park, but it was full. Ended up stopping in a pullout near Stinson Beach on highway 1. There was so much traffic and I was so tired, I had to stop. Next day crossed back over to good ole highway 101. Pressed on to a rest stop in Oregon for the night, arriving at my destination the next day.

Wish California would have more rest stops along highway 101. Driving from the Los Angeles area to Santa Barbara, there are none. The first one is in the Gaviota Beach area and it is usually full.

Would like to circle back to the Eureka area (pictured below) for a couple of weeks when I am through here. Spring break should be over then!

Posted in Escapee, Eugene, Eureka, Sutherlin, junco, tohee | 2 Comments »