Of course, the big news for February was the YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER that turned up in Seaside. This would be the 5th state record and the first documented for the state of Oregon west of the Cascades. It was still being seen as of yesterday (March 2).
LONG-TAILED DUCKS remained unusually conspicuous off the South Jetty of the Columbia River. A YELLOW-BILLED LOON and a GYRFALCON were both reported from the Fort Stevens area, as well.
A MOUNTAIN PLOVER was found in late-February on the beach south of Leadbetter State Park on the Washington side of the estuary.
HORNED PUFFINS and SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS were found washed-up dead or dying along Clatsop Beach throughout the month in significant numbers. The cause is always hard to figure, but it was probably related to the weird, warm and dry weather. A flock of SNOW BUNTINGS has been routinely seen working Clatsop Beach between Seaside and Del Rey.
RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS arrived ahead of average arrival dates; genuine migrant hummingbirds were reported as early as the first week in February. TREE SWALLOWS showed up just about on time.
Posted by mbalame at March 3, 2005 2:43 PM