Ridgefield NWR, this is the time to visit. (Jan 10, 2015)

[JaniceL]

I took a drive to Ridgefield yesterday. The fields are flooded, and the usual annual visitors have arrived. Even saw four otters, but they were too elusive this time around. I'll catch them next time.

Hmm, what's that down there? by Janice L, on Flickr

I'm watching you. by Janice L, on Flickr

Do I have salad on my teeth? by Janice L, on Flickr

I love ducks. by Janice L, on Flickr

Chickadee, dee, dee by Janice L, on Flickr

 

[BobH]

Yes, the birds are surprisingly active right now. I spotted two Bald Eagles in a snag at the retention pond at the local shopping mall on Saturday. I think they may be getting ready to start migrating back north again.

 

[nancyjwagner]

Very nice set of photos - love all the close-ups!

 

[JaniceL]

Very nice set of photos - love all the close-ups!

Thank you.

 

[JaniceL]

Yes, the birds are surprisingly active right now. I spotted two Bald Eagles in a snag at the retention pond at the local shopping mall on Saturday. I think they may be getting ready to start migrating back north again.

I think Ridgefield has several pairs of eagles, there was some competition going on while we were there. I have been travelling a lot to Eugene lately and nearly every time see Bald Eagles.

 

[Bill Anderson]

I love Ridgefield. I just wish my son were able to drive. That would make it far easier for me to take photos without having to worry about driving off the road into one of the waterways.

 

[Bill Anderson]

I think Ridgefield has several pairs of eagles, there was some competition going on while we were there. I have been travelling a lot to Eugene lately and nearly every time see Bald Eagles.

I have noticed one nest at Ridgefield southeast of the kiosk where you pay the entry fee. The nest is on your right as you near the end of the loop.

 

[retief]

Very nice indeed!

I keep wanting to get down that way, but it just so far away. Have to leave a 4am to make dawn for crying out loud! But when I see these, well, just need to get my butt in gear.

Bill, get one of those Google Autonomous cars!

 

[BobH]

Have to leave a 4am to make dawn for crying out loud! But when I see these, well, just need to get my butt in gear.

Bill, get one of those Google Autonomous cars!

I have the same problem with eagles on the Nooksack. Leaving at 4 and/or fighting Seattle traffic makes it hard to get motivated.

Portland/Vancouver is pretty cool though. Maybe you can do a two day trip and do the early shift the second day before heading home. Maybe stay in Kelso/Longview so you can get a place at a decent rate, or Vancouver may work too.

 

[Bill Anderson]

Portland/Vancouver is pretty cool though. Maybe you can do a two day trip and do the early shift the second day before heading home. Maybe stay in Kelso/Longview so you can get a place at a decent rate, or Vancouver may work too.

Throw in a stop at Nisqually NWR on the way down or back home.

 

[fiznatty]

Nice collection, Janice. I hope to make it down there some day. Otters are tempting...

Max

 

[JaniceL]

That drive keeps me from going to see the snowies up your way.

 

[squirl033]

I have the same problem with eagles on the Nooksack. Leaving at 4 and/or fighting Seattle traffic makes it hard to get motivated.

you don't need to be there by dawn... i didn't get there till almost 10:30 when i went up, and still got some great images. getting through the Seattle traffic... well, can't help you with that, i'm afraid...