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Voices of Spencer Creek Valley
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There was a definite party atmosphere as the writer's group set off on our first
official field trip: to view the nests in a huge cottonwood tree by the Willamette
River where herons have nested for at least 15 seasons.
We parked our vehicles in the shade and set off the few hundred yards along the bike
path to where a bench is conveniently placed with a good view of the tree top now
bearing three big nests. We were delighted to find the bench vacant and soon it was
well-filled by five eager bird watchers.
It was a slightly cool but radiantly sunny morning. We hoped to see parent birds
coming and going with food for their young.
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Human voices from the nearby park and passersby kept us company. In fact, the five of us lined up on that bench seemed to afford much enjoyment to many of the passersby. We waited for someone friendly to take our picture and shared our snacks with them as a "thanks."
In one nest a couple of half-grown fledglings stood up and looked around. An adult bird got off another nest and stepped to a nearby branch, stretching and preening. There was movement from the third nest, as well. We were disappointed not to see a bird coming or going from the nests during the time we were there, but we had a wonderful time otherwise, enjoying our lunch as we waited. I rate our first field trip a great success.
© Margie Ferguson May 2002
Margie Ferguson is the usual hostess for the monthly gathering of her local writers group. She lives south of Eugene ,Oregon , on the sunny side of Spencer Butte, in a lovely log house at the edge of "her famed Margie's Garden" a where she hosts afternoon teas with seasonal themes. Ms. Ferguson also gives craft classes several times a year.