I spent Friday and Saturday at Ridgefield NWR in hopes of getting some
raptor images. It was very cold with most of the water areas frozen in the
mornings but thawing some during the day. Red-tailed hawks were in abundance
as well as tundra swans and many species of ducks. I saw only 2 rough-legged
hawks and could not locate the red-shoulder (one of my target birds). There
was one male harrier and I was fortunate to get a nice image of him. Three
river otters entertained me both days as they played a caught fish while
many people watched and photographed them. Blue herons were busy catching
and eating voles, as were the harriers and rough-legs. It is a dangerous
neighborhood for a vole! I expected to see more eagles but did witness a
five minute aerial dog fight between a juvenile and a northern harrier. I
was amazed at how acrobatic the eagle was.



I think I was a bit early in the season for the best photos. As the newly
arriving birds get used to the vehicle traffic they should be much more
approachable. I added several images to the last uploads album of my website
for those who might want to take a peek.



www.photos.rlkimages.com <http://www.photos.rlkimages.com/>



Bob Kothenbeutel

Woodinville