Have you ever tried to decode bird language? Wondered which birds flock together and which birds squabble over air space? Well this is the forum for you! Scappoose Bay Watershed Council is hosting an online forum for bird lovers on July 9th from 4 – 6 pm via Zoom. The forum will feature talks fromContinue reading “July Bird Forum with the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council”
Tag Archives: wildlife viewing
The scientific basis for “Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians”
We’re close to finishing our survey, and thought it would be a good time to share the video we presented last year to the Northwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (NW PARC). This video explains in depth how we set up the project and what we hope to get out of it. Since weContinue reading “The scientific basis for “Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians””
Peace, Porcupines, and Stream Ecology at Clear Creek
Have you spotted a Porcupine in the woods? Still looking for your first Western Terrestrial Garter Snake? Want to see a sprawling Beaver pond? Clear Creek Road has blessed us with these unusual finds. Tucked away on Columbia County’s southern border, Clear Creek is primarily frequented by rockhounds and elk hunters. It’s a Weyerhaeuser property,Continue reading “Peace, Porcupines, and Stream Ecology at Clear Creek”
Beaches of Columbia County
Now that we’ve entered summer, we’re doing a run-down of our most accessible local beaches. Most people will just want to hang out, but I’ve included some wildlife possibilities as well. Have fun! Pixie Park Pixie Park is at 1816 The Strand, Columbia City. It’s a small beach with nice views of the mountains, islands,Continue reading “Beaches of Columbia County”
An eventful backcountry waterfall hike
Some time ago, Jon and I lumbered through the wilderness to reach one of the highest and most unique waterfalls in Columbia County. The off-trail route was steeped in bushwacking and a steady drumbeat of wildlife sightings, including the coolest shed elk antler we’ve ever found. Unfortunately, the property status has changed and the fallsContinue reading “An eventful backcountry waterfall hike”
Be on the lookout for these special reptiles
You may have noticed that snakes, turtles, lizards, and frogs are all out right now. There are several rare species in our county that we would love for you keep an eye out for. Sighting any of these, especially with a picture, would be a huge help for our study of reptiles and amphibians inContinue reading “Be on the lookout for these special reptiles”
Do you have kids who want to go herping with other kids?
Parents have asked us for group outings where kids can find salamanders, frogs, lizards, snakes, and turtles together. Unfortunately, both Matt and Jon are working outside the county and aren’t able to lead trips at the moment. But we think it’s a great idea! We are putting together a contact list for parents with childrenContinue reading “Do you have kids who want to go herping with other kids?”
Kauppi Lake and Weyerhaeuser permits
We’ve lost a lot of access to forest land over the last ten years. Many places I grew up exploring have been restricted or made off limits. But you can still find nice spots out there if you know the right route. This week, we’re showing you the way to Kauppi Lake. No matter howContinue reading “Kauppi Lake and Weyerhaeuser permits”
Everybody can herp!
“Herping” is the art of searching for reptiles and amphibians. It’s like birding, only you look down instead of up. Our daughter Sophia has been herping for as long as she’s been walking. As Sophia’s gotten older, it’s been wonderful to observe her joy in finding reptiles and amphibians when we spend time in theContinue reading “Everybody can herp!”
2022 Wildlife Photos
Just a little compilation of some of the wildlife photos that Matt, Jon, and Luke took in Columbia County this year. Enjoy! Note – The Liberty Hill depicted in the above photo is once again in danger of being destroyed for the purposes of commercial crushed rock. More information on what makes Liberty Hill specialContinue reading “2022 Wildlife Photos”
Wild Columbia County 