Cowlitz County Bird List - 2026 June Update
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By Russ Koppendrayer
We've reached the halfway point in the year here at the end of June, where we added two new species to our list in that month. Instead of my usual remarks about the latest additions, I've decided to reference the species we frequently have recorded by this time, but are missing this year. We have four species that are considered annual in Cowlitz County but not seen as of yet. We obviously do have a full six months left for them to surface.
The first two are shorebirds in the sandpiper family, Lesser Yellowlegs and Long-billed Dowitcher. Lesser Yellowlegs is typically seen in either spring or fall migration. Shorebird fall migration has already begun and we could see one anytime between now and the end of September, after which they become much less likely. Long-billed Dowitchers on the other hand mostly migrate through, but some do over winter in western Washington so we could see them up to the end of December.
The other two species are both grebes, Red-necked Grebe and Western Grebe. Western Grebe is a wintering species in western Washington that seems to be found in smaller numbers over recent years. Red-necked Grebe we primarily find in late fall passing through along the Columbia River, but they do appear at other more random winter occasions.
Time to keep an eye out for these birds as well as any of the less frequently reported species in he last half of 2026.
Download the pdf here.
WHAS 2026 Summer Picnic Invitation
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Saturday, August 16, 2025, 02:00pm - 05:00pm
Our annual WHAS picnic is coming up on Saturday, Aug 8, from 2-5 PM at the Turner residence in Rose Valley. Attendees are asked to bring one covered dish (a salad, entree, dessert or snack) to feed 4 to 6 people. Each person should bring their own plates, cups and tableware. Ice, water, iced tea, napkins, paper towels, tables and chairs will be provided. We will have tables, chairs and sun (or rain) protection.
The Turner residence is about 8 miles up into Rose Valley, elevation 500 feet. To get to the Turner house from Longview take Tennant Way east towards I-5. Stay in the left lane to head towards Seattle & Kelso Drive. Then continue in the left lane (towards Kelso Drive) to the roundabout.
Take the first "exit" South (not counting the freeway entrance into the roundabout) on to Highway 99 south. In one mile take a left on Rose Valley Rd. After 5.1 mles on winding Rose Valley Road, turn right [slight uphill right] on South Goble Creek Road and wind your way about a mile until you pass a large white barn on the right; then turn right on very steep Zillig Rd. After 0.4 miles, turn left on Jensen Rd - we'll have a black on yellow "TURNER" sign on the mailbox. We are the second driveway on the right. There should be quite adequate room to park on the pavement.
We look forward to seeing you
Cowlitz County Bird List - 2026 May Update
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By Russ Koppendrayer
Spring migration continued on with new species arriving in spurts throughout the month of May. We found species that move through and some that arrive to nest in large numbers. Nothing really rare for the county list was recorded, but a couple finds were at an unusual time of the year.
A Red-breasted Merganser was found roosting on the sand bar at the end of Sportsman's Club Road at Kalama, a species that primarily prefers to over winter in salt water. We get occasional birds that are found for a short stay in the Columbia River between the last week in October until the first week of April. Our first one this year was found in early May, setting a new late spring date by a month.
The second species seen at an odd time of year was a Pectoral Sandpiper, found at the same end of Sportsman's Club Road location a couple weeks later. We typically only see hatch year birds in the fall in Washington. Adults go south from their extreme northern Alaska and Canada breeding grounds east of the Rocky Mountains. For the return trip in the spring all individuals use the central states pathway. So not only was the timing unusual, but the few who saw the bird got to witness one in breeding plumage here in Cowlitz County.
Download the pdf here.
Summer 2026 Willapa Whistler is available
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The Summer 2026 Willapa Whistler is available now.
Read more of its content:
- WHAS Summer Picnic Invitation
- Audubon SW Washington Regional Meeting
- Membership Form
- NW Birding Events
- Help With an Audubon Field Trip
- 2026 Earthday Recap
- Secretive Bird Survey
- Birds of the 4/26 Fieldtrip to Oysterville West Approach and Leadbetter State Park
- The Forest’s Construction Crew: Woodpeckers
Cowlitz County Bird List - 2026 April Update
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By Russ Koppendrayer
Here at the end of April we are right in the midst of active spring migration with new species showing up nearly every day. The past five to ten years has seen a large jump in the active birders in Cowlitz County who are reporting their findings. This naturally has led to a more robust bird list at this juncture in time.Thanks to all who are involved in some way.
Along with all the expected species there were a number of less expected species found in Cowlitz County in the last half of April. The rarest of these was a third ever county record of Long-billed Curlew that was heard calling as it flew over Barlow Point Road and a little later found on the ground along Industrial Way. Amazingly this bird was joined within minutes by a flock of eleven Whimbrels of which the county has only a handful of records. Unfortunately the views of these spectacular large sandpipers with long decurved bills were not shared as they had left before other birders arrived.
Just as rare for the past eighteen years was a White-tailed Kite, also found at Barlow Point Road and enjoyed by many birders over a few days. Once a resident species and breeder, they are now a rare visitor with many years between appearances. Another great find was a couple Brown Pelicans in the Lewis River at the Woodland Bottoms. Very unusual for this species to be away from salt water in Washington, these two immature birds were found fishing and roosting in the area in mid April and have continued to the present writing in early May.
Here's to more great birding as spring migration continues to heat up through May.
Download the pdf here.
Cowlitz County Bird List - 2026 March Update
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By Russ Koppendrayer
Migration continued bringing new species throughout the month of March into Cowlitz County. Twelve new species were added to our composite year list. Nine expected species were bookended by three code 4 species on the first and last days of the month. Code 4 means that these species have been found more than five times in the county, but are seen less than annually. On March 1st a Swainson's Hawk was found in the Woodland Bottoms. This bird was in an unusual plumage that may have been a young bird just molting into its adult plumage. Also unusual was the date this bird was found. Either incredibly early or trying to overwinter, it belonged either farther south or in eastern Washington habitats. This species does incorrectly show as Code 5 on the current list, but that is wrong as there have been at least seven previous records. I'll try to have that corrected for the 2027 list.
Also found on March 1st was a Swamp Sparrow at Canal Road. A species that winters in Washington in small numbers, it likes to skulk in weedy, brushy wet places. A nice find by residents in that area.
And finally thirty days later on March 31st an American Goshawk was seen in flight in the foothills in the eastern part of the county. Quite possibly a migrating bird as this species is more prevalent east of the Cascades and farther north into Canada and Alaska. Certainly not impossible that it is a resident bird however.
Keep your eyes and ears open as migration will continue to ramp up over the next couple months.
Download the pdf here.
Message from our new Field Trip Coordinator David Slater
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Hello everyone,
I’m pleased to introduce myself as the new Field Trips Coordinator for our Audubon chapter. I’m looking forward to helping create fun, educational and inclusive birding experiences.
Birding is most rewarding to me as a collaborative activity. Every participant—whether beginner or expert—brings unique observations, skills, and perspectives. A key goal of mine is to foster an environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute: helping to spot birds (and even plants and other animals), sharing insights, and asking questions. Every contribution matters, and working together makes the experience richer for the entire group.
I am also seeking individuals who may be interested in leading, co-leading, or helping with field trips, as well as those who would like to learn how to become leaders. Support and mentorship are available, and enthusiasm and willingness to work with the group is far more important than expertise. Please reach out to me by
We have birding trips planned for April 25, May 2 and May 22. Please see our website calendar or read the Whistler to learn more about the field trips and to sign up.
I look forward to seeing you in the field!
Spring 2026 Willapa Whistler is available
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The Spring 2026 Willapa Whistler is available now.
Read more of its content:
- Invitation to the Annual Meeting, Banquet, and Program
- 2025 Christmas Bird Counts Results
- Membership Form
- NW Birding Events
- A Message to our national members
- Call for Earth Day volunteers
- Tiny Dynamos: The Clever Adaptations of Warblers
- Wahkiakum Wild Bird Fest 2027
- Field Trip: Oysterville West Beach Access and Leadbetter Point State Park
- Field Trip: Julia Butler Refuge
Cowlitz County Bird List - 2026 January Update
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By Russ Koppendrayer
While we didn't find any super rarities in the first month of 2026, we did come across some very interesting birds. A White-winged Scoter at the Woodland Bottoms and a couple Yellow-headed Blackbirds on the Kalama waterfront were the only species found that were less than annual, but each has numerous records of occurrence.
We also had a few species seen that are not typically viewed as winter species. First was a Sora found at Canal Road that liked a spot out in the open and was seen repeatedly and by a number of birders. While most individuals of this species migrate farther south in the winter there have been winter records in the past. Many of these records are from birders who comment that the bird was silent. As they can be quite skulky and more frequently heard than seen, is it possible that there are more wintering individuals than we believe?
A species that seems to have an odd pattern of being present in western Washington winters is Barn Swallow. After their nesting season they seem to be entirely gone by late September. Increasingly over the years they reappear in small numbers around the first of December and continue to be found until late January. then rarely spotted again until late March when they begin to arrive in bigger numbers. If these are indeed birds trying to overwinter, where do they go in the windows of time they are not seen? What explains this pattern if they are not spending the winter?
Always more to learn about birds.
Download the pdf here.
Cowlitz County Bird List - 2025 Final Update
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By Russ Koppendrayer
We had a productive last three months of 2025. In addition to picking up a few of our missing annual species, we managed to locate White-winged Scoter, Eared Grebe and Swamp Sparrow, all of which are less than annual in Cowlitz County.
But the stars of the period were a pair of Black Scoters that graced the Columbia River at the Woodland Bottoms for a few days in mid November. A first ever record for the county, the male and female were together and seen by many observers. This was the second new addition to our county's bird list in 2025, with the other being the Parasitic Jaeger found in September.
We are now off and running with a new year of birding. Here's to a great 2026.
Download the pdf here.
- Winter 2025 Whistler is available
- Cowlitz County Bird List - 2025 September Update
- Fall 2025 Whistler is available
- See the Fall Migration of Vaux's Swifts in Rainier Ore
- Cowlitz County Bird List - 2025 June Update
- Summer 2025 Whistler is available
- Cowlitz County Bird List - 2025 April Update
- See the Vaux's Swifts in Rainier Oregon in 2025
- Cowlitz PUD Osprey Cam 2025
- Cowlitz County Bird List - 2025 March Update