Editor’s note: A B-W resident and Portland Audubon Society board member, Patrick was one of the Friends of Wilshire Park volunteers who came both days in early spring to pitch wood chips onto the Wilshire Park jogging trail. His article shares observations (and photos) about birds that feel right at home in Beaumont-Wilshire.
I started out as a gardener. Over the years I removed our lawn and in its place planted shrubs, flowers, trees, and ground covers, focusing on native plants. I began to notice more birds, butterflies, bees, and other creatures in the yard. My wife and I added birdbaths, hummingbird suet, and sunflower feeders, and I began tracking which species of birds I saw from the yard. At first I had low expectations, but to date have counted 51 species—some seasonal, some year round, others rare, and some seen flying overhead.
Several Anna’s hummingbirds frequent the yard year round. In spring we watch their courting ritual; in winter we bring the feeder inside nightly to thaw. A song sparrow nests every year in the barberry. Flickers, downy woodpeckers, juncos, and lesser goldfinches are regulars. Once a valley quail mysteriously appeared; I never understood why it was in the neighborhood. Blue herons and bald eagles have flown overhead. Very rarely a western tanager and lazuli bunting will appear momentarily. My wife once observed a sharp-shinned hawk swoop down upon a feeder, capturing a small bird. Autumn brings varied thrushes that remain until spring, as well as the cedar waxwings that strip our crabapple tree of all its berries.
To attract more birds, remove some lawn, add native plants, feeders, and a bird bath. Buy a good bird book. A pair of binoculars will open up a whole new world. Good sources of information include Backyard Bird Shop and Portland Audubon. Most of all, listen, observe, and enjoy.
Top to bottom: Downy woodpecker, varied thrush, and cedar waxwing. Photos provided by Patrick Slabe