This Morning on Coxcomb Hill
(home of the Astor Column)
 
 
Coxcomb Hill is the highest point in Astoria, Clatsop Co. OREGON.  As such, it is regularly the place where migrating birds fallout after a night of travelling.  The hill was completely forested except for the Astor Column Park at the top until about 1992 when most of the south and west sides were clearcut (it's a long story).  The west area was  cleared and re-planted with grasses; the southern edge re-planted with native shrubs (salal and evergreen huckleberry mostly). 

The migratory fallouts can be quite spectactular in the fall when 100's of warblers, vireos and sparrows are moving along the scrubby southern edge.  The best way to bird the column is to arrive near sunrise and walk the road from the park down to the lower trail.

Three year trend
Year 2000 results (.pdf)