After being flat on my back for the last twelve days due to a
nasty leg infection I took advantage of a visit to the doctor's office to
make a swing through the River "S" unit of the Ridgefield NWR. Despite it
being the first day of the season where you can get out of your vehicle
on the Auto tour route, I couldn't do that.
As my wife and I started down through the entrance canyon the
sound of scolding jays led us to a BARRED OWL perched in the cedars.
Along the road there were many CINNAMON TEAL and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS
were sounding off from the cattail patches. YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were
in every type of habitat and we did spot one male WILSON'S WARBLER. Nice
to be back in the field since there haven't been much in the way of
movement of migrants at our home, elevation 1,200'. The best yard bird we
have been having is a male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD.

Wilson Cady
Washougal, WA