I went back to Ridgefield NWR Tuesday to see if I could find the Short-eared
Owl I missed last week and to look for the Swamp Sparrow. While looking for
the sparrow, which I never found, I took a picture of a bird in a puddle
partially obscured by grass. I didn't know what it was but figured to find
out when I got home. It almost went to the recycle bin before I remembered
to bring it into Photoshop to inspect it. Turns out it was a female Rusty
Blackbird. A new bird for me.
The Short-eared Owl did come out and sat on the sign for about 1/2 hour
while I tried to wear out my cameras. I was able to sit within about 25' of
him most of the time. Very accommodating bird.
I also saw and photographed an interesting Red-tailed Hawk. Very slender and
sleek looking.
A very good day, indeed!
Pictures at http://upload.pbase.com/jvhigbee/gallery/ridgefield_nwr

Joseph Higbee
Spanaway, WA
Mailto: jvhigbee at hotmail.com