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: 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: 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…]