For many years I’ve been coming to this suburban park not far from where I live.
I love to walk, watch birds, observe the the changing seasons and the creek that abuts the park.
During the pandemic I was even more grateful for this local treasure!
One morning, this amber jewel was dangling from a branch at the entrance to the J. B. Lookout.
It sparkled in the autumn sunlight waiting for its rightful owner to come back and retrieve it.
The Lookout is usually quiet since most people just rush past or only glance at the creek.
For those who stop in for more then just a moment, the trees and creek come alive.
And when the berries ripened here in the fall the birds came out …
… shy hermit thrushes …
… cute squirrels …
… American Robins …
… and white-throated sparrows, all indulging in the plentiful fruit growing on the vines.
Some days I see this red-breasted sapsucker at work,
drilling holes into the tree and lapping up the sap.
Rarely do I see hooded mergansers there, but on a lucky day I might see them …
… hanging out with some …
… incredibly beautiful wood ducks.
I had heard that wood ducks live here,
but a lifelong local stated that I’d be lucky to see any at all.
Well, I’ve seen them several times now.
Patience always pays off!
And yes, fancy ducks are perhaps more exciting than a pair of regular mallards,
but aren’t they beautiful too in their simple familiar appearance?
Much of the year both sides of the creek are lush with many varieties of native plants.
Whenever I visit here I just quietly listen to the creek and wonder
what kind of creature will make an appearance that day …
… because there’s always is something to see!
One morning last fall I heard an incredibly loud swooshing sound coming from the creek.
The surface of the water started to ripple and move like I’d never seen there before.
Then I spotted a brownish, good-sized critter weaving through the water …
… and pop up directly in front of me.
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I realized that I was looking at a river otter!!
And just as quickly as this fellow appeared, he or she disappeared.
Lucky for me I got a couple of (not so very good) photos.
I’ve shared this sighting with a few regulars at the park who now stop there every time they visit.
I hope that some day they too get to see this incredible animal.
As to how this spot became the Justin Bieber Lookout
you’ll have to wait until the next post.
😉
in cahoots with muddy boots 
This is really the most amazing park. It does take time and patience to really get to know how special a place is. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
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I’ve certainly enjoyed my visits there and will continue to explore this place over time. I’m glad you enjoyed this post! 🙂
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What a beautiful park you have shown us Sabine. The berries sure are a draw for birds and that cute squirrel as well. The necklace was beautiful, an unlikely surprise to encounter. I envy you for the variety of birds you see in your garden and when out and about in parks, but also the ducks. Yes, the Mallards are beautiful – I agree, but seeing the Hooded Merganser, Wood Duck and Bofflehead sure were a treat to see in this post. You are on top of it Sabine as you must have your eyes up/down/all around as soon as you get out in nature to fully immerse yourself in it. I’ll be looking forward to the next post that you have “teased” us about. 🙂
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Thanks Linda! I do enjoy coming here very much. It’s the right mix of wildlife, a beautiful natural setting and a few (but not too many) friendly people during the pandemic. 🙂
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It was a beautiful setting Sabine … I would enjoy it. I’m looking forward to Part 2. 🙂
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I’m working on it! I know you’ll like it! 😉
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What a great place to walk – and so close to home. Seeing an otter like that must have been a special treat.
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The otter really was a treat since I had no idea that they live in this creek and also because I had never seen one in the wild. The park has made all the restrictions easier to content with for me.
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What a wonderful spot to visit and walk. I’ve noticed, on my own daily walks, that the birds seem abundant and their songs invigorating. It’s like they know it’s springtime.
A couple of years ago, we were hiking at Smith Rock and had the pleasure of seeing river otters. They are such funny little creatures to watch. They always seem to be playing! It was cold the day we saw them, and they were sliding around on the ice by the shore, and would then dive into the river. Have a great weekend, and enjoy the outdoors!
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Oh Missy, you were lucky to see those river otters play! I’ll have to google Smith Rock since I’m not familiar with it. A guy at the park mentioned that he was a retired geologist and used to go to Southern Oregon for work where he always stopped at a spot with lots of otters. I’ll have to get directions from him. And yes, spring is definitely on the way here, but today it’s raining. Enjoy your walks too and stay safe!
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Smith Rocks is a gorgeous spot on the Deschutes River. It’s about a half hour drive for us. You stay safe as well!
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I might have been there, come to think of it! 🙋♀️
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