Jim and Linda,
The Ridgefield NWR can be an exciting place in September, the
water levels in the ponds are dropping and should be attracting more
shorebirds. Last year there were Ruff and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper here at
the same time in September. The wintering waterfowl have started arriving
in pretty good numbers although they are still mostly in eclipse plumage.
At least two Red-shouldered Hawks have been seen during the last couple
of weeks and there are a few Great Egrets here, but at nearby Vancouver
Lake a flock of over 50 egrets have been present for several weeks.
During my visit there last week I counted 7 American Bitterns that were
visible at one time from the south side of Rest Lake. This is the best
spot in the state to view the "slender-billed" race of White-breasted
Nuthatches. You never know what you might come across during migration.

Wilson Cady
Washougal, WA