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Fall Bird Walk at Inspiration Garden - September 14, 2025
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LWC Inspiration Garden Bird Walk Report, by Mike Unger (September 14, 2025)
This morning, the Luckiamute Watershed Council (LWC) hosted a bird walk at Inspiration Garden in Mt. Fir Park, Independence. Twenty-three participants joined the event, including walk leaders from the Salem Audubon Society and Jordan and Suzanne from LWC. The weather turned pleasant after an early morning rain, with overcast skies, calm winds, and a steady temperature of 63 degrees. A light mist passed through briefly, but conditions remained comfortable for birding. The group divided into two teams, starting from opposite ends of the garden. Group A recorded 27 species, Group B tallied 28 species, and together they identified a total of 36 species.
Mt. Fir Park and Inspiration Garden provide a peaceful retreat in Independence, combining natural beauty with a keen sense of community. The park offers open spaces for relaxation, while the Inspiration Garden highlights vibrant plantings, themed sections, and educational displays. Covering just over seven acres and bordered by the south fork of Ash Creek, the garden is an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or quiet reflection. This hidden gem reflects the city’s commitment to both nature and community connection. Thanks to the dedication of the OSU Polk County Master Gardeners, in partnership with the City of Independence, the garden has been thoughtfully developed and beautifully maintained.
Group A’s highlight was a Green Heron spotted along Ash Creek. Numerous swallows were seen overhead, the majority being Barn Swallows. The most abundant birds of the day for this group were the California Scrub-Jay and the House Sparrow, with 13 individuals of each recorded. A memorable non-bird sighting included a family of five Black-tailed Deer grazing along the path.
Group B enjoyed several highlights, including sightings of two Hairy Woodpeckers and the call of a Red-shouldered Hawk. This group also observed the Green Heron, along with both White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches. Another notable find was a Yellow-rumped Warbler.
A few participants heard, and later saw, a Belted Kingfisher along Ash Creek after most people had already left.
The bird walk was a remarkable success, and we look forward to hosting it again next year.
Prepared by Mike Unger
Salem Audubon Society
eBird ckecklist links:
Group A: https://ebird.org/checklist/S273393609
Group B: https://ebird.org/checklist/S273395542
Mt. Fir Park and Inspiration Garden provide a peaceful retreat in Independence, combining natural beauty with a keen sense of community. The park offers open spaces for relaxation, while the Inspiration Garden highlights vibrant plantings, themed sections, and educational displays. Covering just over seven acres and bordered by the south fork of Ash Creek, the garden is an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or quiet reflection. This hidden gem reflects the city’s commitment to both nature and community connection. Thanks to the dedication of the OSU Polk County Master Gardeners, in partnership with the City of Independence, the garden has been thoughtfully developed and beautifully maintained.
Group A’s highlight was a Green Heron spotted along Ash Creek. Numerous swallows were seen overhead, the majority being Barn Swallows. The most abundant birds of the day for this group were the California Scrub-Jay and the House Sparrow, with 13 individuals of each recorded. A memorable non-bird sighting included a family of five Black-tailed Deer grazing along the path.
Group B enjoyed several highlights, including sightings of two Hairy Woodpeckers and the call of a Red-shouldered Hawk. This group also observed the Green Heron, along with both White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches. Another notable find was a Yellow-rumped Warbler.
A few participants heard, and later saw, a Belted Kingfisher along Ash Creek after most people had already left.
The bird walk was a remarkable success, and we look forward to hosting it again next year.
Prepared by Mike Unger
Salem Audubon Society
eBird ckecklist links:
Group A: https://ebird.org/checklist/S273393609
Group B: https://ebird.org/checklist/S273395542
Inspiration Garden Bird Sighting Spreadsheet
