On the way to a family get-together in Portland, I had a few hours to spare. What better way to use them, then do some wildlife watching.

I visited Ridgefield NWR, and drove the River S Loop twice. There were some real surprises along the way, including a TREE SWALLOW
(Tachycineta bicolor). Just one by its lonesome. Can't ever recall seeing a swallow in WA state in December! I have a mediocre photo of it in the link below.


Also, there were 2 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS(Buteo lineatus) which are always an exciting species to see in WA state. There were also quite a few red-tailed hawks, and I observed some chasing behavior by the resident birds as they pursued the visiting winter birds. Along with the hawks, 3 bald eagles were seen. Two of them were hunting waterfowl in pairs. Sandhill cranes were heard calling from the hunting area to the West.

Many different kinds of waterfowl were observed, especially tons of coots. There were also some pintail, cinnamon teal, green-winged teal, pied-billed grebes, northern shovelers, trumpeter swan, and cackling geese. Great blue herons were in abundance, and there was 1 or 2 GREAT EGRETS (Ardea alba).

Also, there was a family of NORTHERN HARRIERS (Circus cyaneus). There were 4 juveniles spread out across the grassy areas of the refuge. I wondered if they were a late batch of chicks, as they were still not hunting for themselves, just following mom around and begging.

Here is a link to some of the highlights in photo form:

https://picasaweb.google.com/100915453220076262526/RidgefieldNWR122412#

In addition, there was a great photo session with a American bittern right by the road. It beautifully demonstrated its camouflage skills by hiding in the reed grass along the road, and moving like the grass as it waved in the breeze. Here is a video I shot of the bittern doings its cryptic behavior:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mRqsteDQk70

Happy Holidays!

Hope you are getting to enjoy the natural world during this winter season...


Filip Tkaczyk
Seattle, WA

mailto: pathwithaheart at hotmail.com