Leader: Mike Unger (503)930-8998, (Paul Evans (317)922-7908

This large Salem City Park provides access to a variety of habitat attracting birds and wildlife. The connection of the Peter Courtney Bridge from downtown Salem to the north conservation basin of Minto-Brown Park gives additional opportunity for winter wildlife to be viewed from the water areas. A variety of birding loops begin in the Park proper, from parking lot #3. Leafless woodland trees have allowed good viewing of winter birds and we will see signs of spring budding in Indian Plum, Service Berry and Fringecup. Cavity openings in the numerous snags provide homes for owls, American Kestrel, 5 woodpecker species, chickadees, and nuthatches. Western Screech-Owl and Great Horned Owl have been recorded on evening walks, with Barred Owl and Northern Pygmy Owl recorded on occasion in the day hours. Wintering warblers, sparrows and kinglets have joined the resident birds and will begin more spring song as migration starts. Into March, hummingbirds, Brown Creeper, Bushtit, chickadees, American Robin, Bewick’s and Pacific Wrens, Song Sparrow and towhees will be announcing with more elaborate songs and displays. Join us for this time of seasonal change.

Meet at 9:00 AM at Parking Lot #3 (the last parking lot in the park). Dress for weather, bring water, snacks, and binoculars! Trails may be uneven so wear appropriate footwear and plan for considerable walking. We plan to be finished around noon.

Directions: From River Road South, turn west at the signal at Minto Island Road and proceed to the last parking lot. Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle and confirm anything inside is out of sight.