Jonathan Swanson - Jonswan Productions

The Artic Blast has been very difficult for both people and wildlife here in Portland Oregon. Temperatures have reached record lows and the city of Portland has declared a state of emergency. Close to 100 warming stations have been established and volunteers are needed for these shelters. Today was a break from the wind and blizzard conditions. The sun came out and allowed people to go out and explore. I decided to explore Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. The temperature state below freezing most of the

American Bushtits

jgustav71 January 14, 2024January 14, 2024

Bushtits are small, active birds that are found throughout North America. They are a common bird found all year round in Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a round body, long tail, and small, pointed bill. Despite their small size, bushtits are highly social birds that live in large flocks and work together to build intricate nests. The females are identifiable by their yellow eyes. The males have fully dark eyes. One of the most interesting aspects of bushtits

The Common Merganser

jgustav71 January 12, 2024January 12, 2024

Introduction: Oak Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a flourishing ecosystem located in northern California, renowned for its diverse range of avian species. Among the notable inhabitants of this refuge is the common merganser (Mergus merganser), a captivating waterfowl species that plays a vital role in the ecosystem. This essay aims to explore the habitat, behavior, and conservation of the common merganser in Oak Bottom Wildlife Refuge, shedding light on the importance of preserving this species and its environment. Habitat: The common merganser is predominantly found in

Comedy in Nature

jgustav71 January 10, 2024January 11, 2024

I believe God has a sense of humor and created it so we can all can laugh to ease the burden of our human condition. Walt Disney was famous for bringing animals to life with his early animations. Here are some of my first attempts to give animals dramatic and comedic sound effects. Here are a few short videos that I created. Turn on your sound to hear the drama! Duck Drama Duck Fight Pied Billed Grebe Squirrel Fight Please consider becoming a member to

A Field Guide to Oaks Bottom

jgustav71 January 8, 2024January 8, 2024

Most of my pictures and posts are from Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Eventually I will create downloadable pdf and a link to purchase a field guide to oaks bottom that will include information and descriptions of wildlife. Currently I have categories,that Members can select to find various posts. I have been adding detailed descriptions to my posts that will eventually be used for my field guide book. Some of the categories and sub categories include Bees, Birds, Shore Birds, Mammals, General Posts, Raptors, Ducks, Herons,

Oaks Bottom in January 2024

jgustav71 January 6, 2024January 6, 2024

In the Winter, there is a wide variety of wildlife that takes refuge in Oaks Bottom wildlife refuge. Here is a video showing some of the thriving wildlife....

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JonSwan Blog

Comprehensive Study of Duck Species in Oaksbottom: Ecological Significance and Conservation ImplicationsThe Ducks of Oaks Bottom

jgustav71 January 4, 2024January 4, 2024

Oaksbottom Wildlife Refuge, located in Portland, Oregon, is a unique and biodiverse ecosystem that serves as a habitat for numerous bird species, including a diverse array of duck species. Ducks, belonging to the family Anatidae, are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of aquatic environments. There are many duck species found in Oaksbottom and this post will discuss their ecological significance and the implications for their conservation. Duck Species Diversity: Oaksbottom Wildlife Refuge is home to a remarkable diversity of duck species, each

JonSwan Blog

The Ingenious Use of Sticks: How Herons and Egrets Attract Fish

jgustav71 December 31, 2023December 31, 2023

In Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge in Portland Oregon, I have observed Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Green Herons using sticks and twigs as a lure to attract fish. The remarkable adaptability and intelligence of animals never cease to amaze us. One such fascinating behavior can be observed in herons and egrets, as they employ an ingenious technique of using sticks to attract fish. Here I will explain the evolutionary significance, behavioral aspects, and potential benefits of this unique strategy employed by these avian predators.

Birds, Jonswan Nature Blog, Song Birds

Ruby Crowned Kinglet

jgustav71 December 24, 2023February 13, 2024

Introduction: The Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, located in the heart of a diverse ecosystem, is home to a plethora of plant and animal species. Among these fascinating creatures is the Ruby Crown Kinglet (Regulus calendula), a small yet remarkable bird that captivates researchers and nature enthusiasts alike. This essay aims to shed light on the significance of the Ruby Crown Kinglet within the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, exploring its ecological role, unique characteristics, and conservation efforts. Ecological Role: The Ruby Crown Kinglet plays a crucial

Great Egrets

jgustav71 December 22, 2023December 22, 2023

Great egrets are large, elegant birds found in various parts of the world, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are known for their majestic appearance, with long, slender bodies, long necks, and bright white plumage. Great egrets have a wingspan of around 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) and can reach a height of about 3.3 to 3.7 feet (1 to 1.2 meters). These birds primarily inhabit wetland areas, such as marshes, swamps, and coastal regions. They are skilled

Author: Jonathan Swanson

The Arctic Blast