Our excursions on the water have continued to be spectacular. In the past week we have taken a few trips out to Devils Lake and both times have seen incredible wildlife action. We were lucky enough to be able to watch two Ospreys in their hunt for food. We watched as they circled overhead searching for fish. On both occasions we were watching as the Osprey dove towards the water, and come out with a fish. Sadly, cameras were forgotten, but the sight of the Osprey flying overhead with the fish in his claws is something that all spectators will remember for a lifetime. We often see the Osprey hunting for food, however, these were the first and second times this summer that we have seen them come up with food. More often than not, we diligently watch them until they move on and search in alternate areas where we cannot see them.
In addition to our spectacular Osprey encounters we have had some incredible weather. Summer has finally come to the Oregon coast! The sun has been shining and the skies have been clear. It is refreshing to paddle with the sun instead of the dreary clouds. The wind has picked up which has provided a challenge to the end of our paddles, but our customers have been great and responded to the added resistance with vigor.
Join us for your own excursion on the gorgeous waters of the Oregon Coast. For more details about our trips visit our Just For A Day page!

Boy has it been busy here on the Oregon Coast. It has been a week full of kayaking with some fantastic customers and great sightings on the water. Sunday is one that stands out in my mind. The birds were out full force. We spent two hours on Beaver Creek and while the beaver sightings are still few and far between, we were lucky enough to spot two Great Blue Herons, two gorgeous Egrets, as well as an Osprey. It has been sometime since we have seen more than an Osprey while out on the Creek so this was a real treat for us. We had one of the Herons travel with us for a short time, as we moved up the Creek it would fly over head and perch in a tree in front of us. As we passed it, it flew ahead once more. The first spotting of the Egrets was a surprise.  As we rounded a bend there they were, one perched and one flying. Their pristine looks are phenomenal and I hope that they can be spotted by more Beaver Creek visitors.

We have had a few days that have been warm with clear skies on the coast and this has allowed for fantastic paddles. The view from Beaver Creek, as you float on the water and gaze at the ocean was the most rewarding end to a paddle we have had in some time. Clear skies provided us with a phenomenal view of the surf and Ona Beach. It is the weather we love to have but rarely get here on the Coast.

We worked with the Newport Rec Center and were able to get more kids on the water. It is rewarding to see them discover nature and that they can safely be on the water. The most common thing I have heard while working with the kids this summer is “I am nervous.” I always try and stick close to these kids as they first get on the water, and after a few minutes I check in with them by asking them how they feel. I have had only positive responses. It takes them mere moments to know that they are comfortable on the water and that they love to be there. We can only hope that their interest in the outdoors continues and they continue to discover the environments that surround them.

Our moonlight tour is next week! Book your spot today as there are a limited number of seats!

How did you spend your evening of the last full moon? Here at NorthWest EcoExcursions we spent it kayaking on Beaver Creek. A spur of the moment decisions turned into one of the best nights I have had here on the Oregon Coast. The trip was an adventure, unloading and launching in the dark, but it was well worth it once we were on the water. I was in awe of the unruffled beauty, lit solely by the moon. There were no clouds which provided for great visibility, of both the night sky and the creek. The stars were gorgeous and it made me wish I knew more about them so that I could identify more constellations while I had such an extraordinary vantage point.

On a typical trip on Beaver Creek there is a little noise from the nearby Highway 10. It couldn’t have been more different that night. The only noises we heard aside from the wildlife was the ocean. It was stunning to float along the water, listening to the sound of the ocean and watching the moon reflect off the water. It was Beaver Creek in its purest form, and it was absolutely incredible.

I would have been content with the moonlight paddle if it had just been us and the moon. But to our surprise we had a river otter jumping near our boats! I must have jumped a mile high the first time we heard the splash, and I think the kids did too! Throughout the entire trip a few otters playfully swam with us, and teased us by jumping just far enough away that none of us ever spotted them. It was extraordinary to see that they were comfortable with us in their habitat during unusual hours, and that they were willing to jump and play.

Kayaking during daylight is breathtaking, but kayaking by the light of the moon added a bit of magic to the experience. You can join us for our next moonlight excursion. Take a break from your hectic schedule and relax as you paddle and enjoy true serenity. This is a trip you do not want to miss!

The Newport News Times published a story on Tracie and her efforts in the Gulf!

Check out the article: Wildlife rehab specialist to help Gulf oil clean up

Today we went to Beaver Creek with two groups of kids from the local rec centers!! It was great to see the kids on the water discovering how to paddle and that it could be relaxing! Most were scared at first but calmed down after the first few strokes. As they worked out how to paddle they gained confidence and surged ahead of us. As we pulled out of the water their smiles were huge and they were all excited about kayaking. A lucky few got to paddle a second time and you could really see the improvement in such a short time.

We believe in getting everyone on the water, no matter the age! We welcome everyone to be on the water and experience nature from a unique point of view. Bring the whole family for your next kayaking adventure!!

Tracie has been hard at work helping out the oiled birds! She loves working with the animals and seeing them be stabilized, cleaned, and released. The Sun Herald published an article on the current state of the birds. Accompanying the article is a photo of Tracie in action!!!! It is great to see people stepping up and helping out!

Check out the article to see the latest on the Oiled Birds Recover in Gulfport.

Whew! A lot has happened in the last couple of days!

The founder and operator of NorthWest EcoExcursions has left for the Gulf of Mexico to help out with the oil spill. Tracie will be helping with the rehabilitation of the wildlife that have suffered since the spill. We sure miss her at the office but she is doing her part to help clean up the oil and restore the beautiful waters and wildlife of the Gulf.

We have taken a few very exciting trips recently!

The birds are out, and it is a great experience watching them from the water. We  saw a group of turkey vultures out on the water, they must of seen something yummy. We were just hoping it wasn’t us! The osprey have been out hunting for food too. We never saw them get any fish but they came close. Being out on the water and seeing animals is very peaceful. It is the world with no worries, unless you happen to be the food!

While we were out on Devils Lake we saw a family of ducks! When we first saw them they were taking a nap on a log. They were so adorable! Later we saw them on the other side of the lake and the six ducklings were trailing along behind their mom.  She was being protective of her young.  Even with her protectiveness, we were lucky to be able to paddle alongside them for about five minutes.

We want to share these wildlife sightings with you! Come join us on the water!

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