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Pelican group attack (grebe in a watch) |
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pelican’s fishing net |
There were still quite a few birds around, such as ducks, geese, terns, pelicans, grebes, egrets, herons, avocets, stilts, downy woodpeckers, ibis, and bald eagles. Lots of grebes on the water, but we did not dare our luck to see the dance right at the moment. We are just occasional wildlife hobbyists.
Pelicans meanwhile surprised us with their fishing show. Usually, we spotted one or two egrets by the water bank and this time, there were at least 15 or 20. They followed the pelican’s trail and fished along. Both are large birds and it is fun to watch their march, it is comical. I also had my first experience watching pelicans swallow multiple fish in one attempt and consume them gradually after that.
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Cedar Waxwing |
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Pheasant |
are such gorgeous-looking birds, but I have not seen them since. We spotted Pheasants a couple times at the refuges, but I have not been able to ‘pull the trigger’ before they disappeared. California Quails are quite common and they are around in the neighborhood, too. They have a curving crest called plume droops to the front, made of six feathers, black for males and brown for females. I often saw them in distance. When the father sensed the threat of human existence, he would stand on higher ground and assure all his babies safely retreated before she took off herself. I like them because of their unique appearance and beautiful feather.
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California Quail |
Pictures of the month posted on the entrance of the refuge are Bald eagles and Barred Owls. Other than those seen at the raptor center, I have only seen an owl once by John Day River and I have been longing to see more.
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Great Horn Owl |
We were walking on a secluded path outside the golf course early in the evening. Somehow I instinctively turned my head to the left and I saw this Great Horned Owl standing on a tree stump, still. At first I thought it was a wood carving, then, I kind of feeling it moved. I zoomed in my lens and saw its back. At that point, I was sure it is a live creature. Its body color has no different from the tree behind. I did not know why I suddenly turned my head. And, while I was suspicious, the owl turned its head. Otherwise, I would just walk away thinking it was just a piece of wood.
Completely unexpected, I ran into all of them in one day. Either outside the hotel room, on the walking path, or inside the refuge. I did not use our longest lens and the zoomed images are not sharp, but they are my ‘trophies’ and most of all, I cannot believe that I saw all of them on this trip! I was too excited. I ran and I shot without giving much thought to the settings. I should have used our 500mm, but I did not want to carry the weight. I was given the opportunities, but I did not make my best effort. I reaped what I’d sowed.
My bird shots are not good on the first day, I switched my attention to the landscape. I seemed to hear a voice by my ear. “I know you like birds and flowers, but I have created so many beautiful things for you to enjoy, why only birds and flowers?” “This is a whole wild world, look away, look further and see.” The voice sounded authoritative and I began to look around.
Sun was up bright sunray sparkled on the water. A lonely ibis was standing on the bank. Its long and pointed beak and slender long legs seem to post an interesting silhouette for me.

I think there is a reason why my bird shots are not too good. If they are good, I might not look away otherwise and discovered the gorgeous Mount Shasta, the layers of colors on the swamp, and the white reflection.
Sometimes I was so occupied with small details, I overlooked the big picture.
Better yet, when we came home, I found my favorite House Finch and Gold Finch (American Canary) were in our backyard singing the welcome home song…
I have not seen them since last year and I have been thinking of them. Other than Robin, House Finch and Gold Finch has the crispest and most pleasant voice. If they are around, my day is surely merry and my heart is light.
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house finch, male |
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goldfinch, male |
I believe we are furnished to live a good life. We just need to hold on to that key, lock and unlock it at right time and with the right mind.