by Heather Gibson
Saturday, July 25th 2026
For birders in the area, July can be a slow period. Sometimes the birds seem to be hiding from us. Field trips aren’t often scheduled for this time of the year. But this year, Rainier Audubon was led on a very good tour of Clark Lake Park by Bob Swain. Twelve of us gathered at the parking lot on the north entrance to Clark Lake at 7:00 am, since the sun rises early this time of year. The weather was fine, a bit overcast, but not too hot. Bob knows the park well, and he lives close enough to be able to walk there from his house. He kindly shared some interesting history about the park with us first thing. As we continued out to the lake on a forested trail, a Downy Woodpecker was seen and the Merlin apps of the group picked up the calls of Red Crossbills.
There wasn’t a lot of activity on Clark Lake itself, but we could find a few beaver lodges on the shores, along with Song Sparrows and some Mallards on the lake. Setting out through the trees around the lake, we viewed Osprey, Red Tail Hawks, Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds, and heard Western and Willow Flycatchers. There was a gathering of several Northern Flickers calling out for attention. As we lingered on the boardwalk a Bald Eagle flew by, while Marsh Wrens and at least three Virginia Rails called.
I’d never walked on the south side of the park, so I was pleased to have that opportunity. There were many birds to be found there, including a lovely sunlit view of a Western Tanager male and a Bullock’s Oriole female. A Savannah Sparrow was in the meadow on the hill. There was a flock of Bushtits flitting about along with Purple and House Finches. Merlin again picked up Red Crossbill, and there were four who were seen and counted. As we came back around to the lake’s viewing dock, there were American Coots and Pied-bill Grebes.
Thank you, Bob, for offering this field trip. A total of 38 species were seen or heard for the morning – quite a good number for a July outing! Thanks to all participants for lending your eyes and ears to the cause. Please join us again on another Rainier Audubon field trip this autumn. Watch for these to appear on our chapter website: rainieraudubon.org.