Only a few steps down the trail proved this was going to be an excellent birding trail. American Robins were almost too numerous to count. A scolding Steller's Jay showed his brilliant blues in the bright morning sun. Wrentits were visible, close and busy in the bushes. At the next bend in the creek Jeanette spotted a Kingfisher, then we dug out our guides to identify two Fox Sparrows.


When we came to one of our favorite spots at the base of a sand dune, I considered fording Tahkenitch Creek. Jeanette volunteered that she would do it, so off came the boots and socks, and away we went.

Once on the other side we had no choice but to climb up the dune.

We continued bare foot accross the top of the dune to the far side where we sat down to dry off our feet and put on our socks and boots. A Bald Eagle kept an eye on us and a Peregrine Falcon watched at a distance. Aftern lunch we took the Oregon Dunes Loop Trail to the beach and then headed south on the beach, which was devoid of all life save for 59 Brown Pelicans flying low over the waves. Once again we encountered Tahkenitch Creek and the required second fording, drying and so forth. A hike back on the Tahkenitch Creek Trail got us back to our car. In all over six miles for the day. I guess we can still do a decent hike.