Local birder and natural history author Harry Fuller shares what birds are up to in the Salem area in his “Some Fascinating Things About Birds” column.
Tag: BIRDS IN SALEM
COLUMN: The mysterious origin of breeding Canada geese in the Willamette Valley
A family of Canada geese in the Lowe’s parking lot in Salem (Harry Fuller/Special to Salem Reporter) The common name “Canada” goose connects directly to the Latin scientific binomial Branta canadensis. Both are geographically inaccurate like Nashville warbler, Philadelphia vireo or California quail (found in six states and three nations). The Canada[Read More…]
COLUMN: A duck rescue ends well for all involved
Domestic ducks captured by Harry Fuller at a south Salem park on Feb. 16, 2022 (Harry Fuller/Special to Salem Reporter) This little adventure began as a minor mystery, became a challenging puzzle, concluded with all concerned parties happy. Our dog and I often walk to the 7-acre Clark Creek Park[Read More…]
COLUMN: How woodpeckers drum to send messages
A sapsucker on top of pole, drumming, on Jan. 28, 2022 in Salem (Harry Fuller/Special to Salem Reporter) The days are longer, nature is responding. Plants like crocus, violets and hellebore are blooming. Many bare trees are budding. Ducks are now in bright plumage and pairing up. And we shall be hearing that familiar[Read More…]
COLUMN: Birds begin their shift to spring clothes
Goldfinches in Salem in their spring best. A lot of us living creatures change our outer layers. Dogs and horses shed as seasons change, new fur grows in. Our species changes clothes. Birds molt. Old feathers wear and fade. The sharpness and tightness of plumage is crucial for insulation, waterproofing[Read More…]
COLUMN: Birdie, it’s cold outside
An eagle and tundra swans amid the ice in the Klamath Basin (Courtesy/Kirk Gooding) This season you might, from your home, your vehicle, even a sleeping bag, look outside and wonder: how can they survive? Birds are small, with higher body temperatures than ours, bare feet, bare beak, forced to[Read More…]