Just outside the refuge boundary, I collected some cattail fluff for the tipi. I need more, so I'll have to ask if I can collect on the refuge where it's more accessible. Also could use some teasel!
I stopped at the trailhead that led through a mature stand of cottonwoods, and alongside a wide stream. Walked out about a mile or so, then turned around and headed back. There are small white flowers that I thought might be either Showy Daisy or Fleabane, but couldn't tell which (if either). I caught a flash of movement out of the corner of my eye, and looked to find a White-breasted Nuthatch had landed on a log about eight feet away! It sat looking at me for a minute or two, then hopped to the end of the log and in typical nuthatch fashion, worked its way head first, down the cut edge of the log. I got some great photos of it.
A Bufflehead swam in from a side channel, and I hid behind a fence so as not to scare it off.
Next stop was along the grain field to try and get photos of a Great Blue Heron that was hunting voles. I did watch it snag a few tasty tidbits, but again I was too far away. Further on down the road was a large fresh water pond and marsh. The Coots, or Mudhens, were the majority on the pond, but there was also a small raft of about 15 Red-Necked Grebes, two of which were making a feeble attempt at a courtship "dance" by running across the water. They may have been immatures because they appeared pretty clumsy at it.
Next stop was along the grain field to try and get photos of a Great Blue Heron that was hunting voles. I did watch it snag a few tasty tidbits, but again I was too far away. Further on down the road was a large fresh water pond and marsh. The Coots, or Mudhens, were the majority on the pond, but there was also a small raft of about 15 Red-Necked Grebes, two of which were making a feeble attempt at a courtship "dance" by running across the water. They may have been immatures because they appeared pretty clumsy at it.
There were a few Red-head Ducks, some Mallards, and what appeared to be Ruddy Ducks, although I was not able to get a positive ID on them - again, they may be immatures.
The Red-winged Blackbirds were everywhere, darting about in the cattails. The females look like large sparrows but have a little bit of red on their wings. There were also quite a few Yellow-headed blackbirds, who prefer the water's edge, unlike the Red-winged, which will also occupy pastures and thickets, as long as there is water nearby.
Drove slowly around the pond, stopping to get photos, then turned and headed back. At the far end there was a Muskrat in the shallow water, nibbling on reeds. In the distance dark clouds started rolling in, but the sun still shone on the snow capped peaks of the Bitterroot Mountains. The low light made for some dramatic pictures and I took several.
I headed home at around 6:30 or so, and as I drove out of the refuge, a Red-tail Hawk perched on a fence post just ahead of me. When I stopped to photograph it, it flew off the post. I quickly pressed the shutter and hoped I got something...
I was so pleased with the great photos I was able to get, and feeling pretty happy to be able to spend the afternoon outside. It was a good day!
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