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Spring Bird Walk at Inspiration Garden - May 16, 2026
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Inspiration Garden Bird Walk Report, by Mike Unger (May 16, 2026)
On May 16, 2026, the Luckiamute Watershed Council (LWC) hosted a bird walk at Inspiration Garden in Independence, Oregon. Tim and Mike from the Salem Audubon Society, along with Jordan from LWC, led a group of 10 participants on this enjoyable outing. Over the course of approximately 1.75 hours, we walked about half a mile through the garden and along Ash Creek, exploring a variety of habitats. Highlights included the Bee and Butterfly Garden, the Rose Garden, berry-laden shrubs where Cedar Waxwings were actively feeding, and the riparian corridor. Throughout the walk, we observed a rich diversity of birdlife while also appreciating the surrounding landscape.
It was a beautiful morning, with rain holding off until the very end of the walk, when only a few light sprinkles fell. Skies were mostly cloudy, with temperatures ranging from 48°F to 54°F and light winds up to 9 mph. Bird activity remained strong throughout the outing. In total, we observed 32 species, compared to 27 species recorded during last year’s fall walk.
Many thanks to the OSU Polk County Master Gardeners for their warm hospitality and for opening the Gathering Place for us to assemble before the bird walk. For those who have not visited, Inspiration Garden is a seven-acre demonstration site developed and maintained by the OSU Polk County Master Gardeners in partnership with the City of Independence. As you explore the grounds, you will encounter more than 20 distinct garden areas, each showcasing a variety of plants and design styles. The Master Gardeners have created an impressive and inspiring space.
Bird Walk Highlights
Overall, the walk was highly enjoyable, highlighted by a mix of returning migrants and familiar resident species.
Salem Audubon offers several bird walks each month. Just go to their website at salemaudubon.org and look under the “Coming Events” listing. We would love to have you join us.
Mike Unger
Keizer, OR
It was a beautiful morning, with rain holding off until the very end of the walk, when only a few light sprinkles fell. Skies were mostly cloudy, with temperatures ranging from 48°F to 54°F and light winds up to 9 mph. Bird activity remained strong throughout the outing. In total, we observed 32 species, compared to 27 species recorded during last year’s fall walk.
Many thanks to the OSU Polk County Master Gardeners for their warm hospitality and for opening the Gathering Place for us to assemble before the bird walk. For those who have not visited, Inspiration Garden is a seven-acre demonstration site developed and maintained by the OSU Polk County Master Gardeners in partnership with the City of Independence. As you explore the grounds, you will encounter more than 20 distinct garden areas, each showcasing a variety of plants and design styles. The Master Gardeners have created an impressive and inspiring space.
Bird Walk Highlights
- We had barely left the Gathering Place before identifying seven species. Among them were the previously mentioned Cedar Waxwings, along with Song Sparrow, California Scrub-Jay, and a Black-headed Grosbeak singing in the distance.
- One highlight was a Green Heron observed flying south from the riparian area.
- We detected only two warbler species during the walk--Yellow Warbler and Wilson’s Warbler—and possibly a Common Yellowthroat.
- Two woodpecker species were present: Downy Woodpecker and Northern Flicker. We had excellent views of a Northern Flicker and also watched a male Downy Woodpecker fly in front of us to a nearby shrub.
- On the return toward the garden entrance, we spotted two Lazuli Buntings perched on a distant dead tree. We also observed an American Kestrel feeding on a vole or other small mammal atop a light post. Bob’s spotting scope provided excellent views of several species, including the kestrel.
- The riparian trail was relatively quiet. A group of six Bushtits moved through the willows, while nearby we observed an active American Robin’s nest. It was especially interesting to watch the robin bring nesting material, then settle in and shape the nest. A California Scrub-Jay was also present, though no waterfowl was observed.
- An additional highlight included a Wrentit calling from dense shrubs, and several participants reported brief views of the bird with its long tail cocked upward.
Overall, the walk was highly enjoyable, highlighted by a mix of returning migrants and familiar resident species.
Salem Audubon offers several bird walks each month. Just go to their website at salemaudubon.org and look under the “Coming Events” listing. We would love to have you join us.
Mike Unger
Keizer, OR
Luckiamute Watershed Council (Inspiration Garden) Checklist Summary for May 16, 2026 @ 8:08 AM
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1 Mallard
2 Eurasian Collared-Dove 5 Mourning Dove 2 Vaux's Swift 1 Anna's Hummingbird 1 Green Heron 5 Turkey Vulture 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 American Kestrel 6 California Scrub-Jay 5 American Crow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tree Swallow 2 Violet-green Swallow 2 Barn Swallow 6 Bushtit |
6 Bushtit
1 Wrentit 3 Bewick's Wren 3 European Starling 6 American Robin 5 Cedar Waxwing 3 House Sparrow 2 House Finch 5 American Goldfinch 5 Song Sparrow 2 Spotted Towhee 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 Northern Yellow Warbler 1 Wilson's Warbler 2 Black-headed Grosbeak 2 Lazuli Bunting |
A special thank you to the Polk County Master Gardeners for inviting the LWC to organize this bird walks at Inspiration Garden. Also, we are incredibly grateful to Salem Audubon Society for their leadership and expertise on this bird walk, and to Ash Creek Water Control District for providing funding that made this event free of charge!
