My son and I managed to make it to the Oregon Coast yesterday to see the common scoter that is hanging out at Lincoln City. This is a Code 5 ABA rarity, the highest rating for rare species. It is normally not found east of central Siberia and is only the 2nd sighting ever of this bird in North America. Birders from all over the continent have made the pilgrimage here to see it!
It was a ways out from the shore, so the photo isn't great, but I wanted to share nonetheless.
7D2_5442 by Scrumhalf, on FlickrWe also saw the tropical kingbird that has been spotted there and sure enough, it was still there. This is uncommon, although there a few that somehow make it to the PNW every year. Strangely enough, we see more of the tropical kingbirds west of the Cascades, rather than the western kingbirds that are found in Eastern Oregon. I guess coming up from the south is easier than crossing the mountains to the west. Got a couple of decent shots of the bird.
7D2_5498 by Scrumhalf, on Flickr
7D2_5471 by Scrumhalf, on FlickrFinally, we saw lots of red phalaropes at Boiler Bay. They are of course not in breeding plumage at this time. The best shots were in the grassy areas next to the parking lot!
7D2_5401 by Scrumhalf, on FlickrAll were shot with the 7D2 and the 500/4 II with a 1.4X III. Thanks for looking!
