The River S Unit of Ridgefield NWR is closed through Wednesday for
road improvements, but that hasn't stopped bird activity. The White-
fronted Goose migration that others have reported was the biggest
spectacle today with at least 700 resting south of Rest Lake around 10
a.m., and more coming in as late as 3:30 over the Carty Unit. I heard
them flying over the Salmon Creek area last night. Also, Alex
Chmielewski spotted an (the?) immature Northern Goshawk in the same
general area this morning, and I relocated it on Bachelor Island and
later on River S Unit near Bachelor Slough. Red-shouldered Hawk
continues near the Kiwa Trail, and at least one Black Phoebe along
Bower Slough north of the auto tour route (there were two last
weekend). Sandhill Cranes have moved in and can be heard most of the
day, with a few scattered small groups visible near the tour route.
American Pipits and Pectoral Sandpipers are using Rest Lake. There is
very little water in Rest Lake, but we hope to have a little more when
the area opens again Thursday. A reminder that on October 1 the River
S goes into sanctuary mode where viewing is from vehicle only
(exception is the observation blind) and the Kiwa Trail is closed.

Randy Hill
Ridgefield