May 3, 2015
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
We were met by a guard bird:
There are a couple of nice trails created just for humans at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, but many areas are reserved for the critters we're supposed to be sharing this planet with. It's possible to observe and take a few photos without straying from the paths.
More photos lightboxed (but with few comments offered) for your listening pleasure below the little orange nest.
The Backyard Science group regularly publishes The Daily Bucket, which features observations of the world around us. Insects, weather, meteorites, climate, birds, flowers, anything natural or unusual, and PHOTOS are worthy additions to the Bucket and its comments. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment. Include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located.
Painted Turtle:
Redwing blackbird:
Cliff swallows:
Close up of the plumage on a cliff swallow:
Great Blue Heron and terns:
Yellow-headed Blackbird(!):
Hawk (feel free to identify the type of hawk--not my strong suit):
Canadian geese goslings (these little guys were everywhere):
Canadian geese way up in a tree--I envied them their view:
Coot:
Crabs and other sea life out on the puddles in the mudflats (seen from the boardwalk -- the tide was out):
Tree swallow perched on the side of a barn:
We also saw a Great Horned owl hopping around way off in the tops of the trees. It was pointed out to us by a guy who obviously spends lots of time at the Refuge and knows where to look. He also had the perfect lens for capturing those sorts of photos that I will never get with the equipment I have. We all thought the owl was awfully active for someone who was supposed to be in bed.
It's a busy time of year out at the Refuge (maybe all the activity was keeping the owl awake). I hope you've enjoyed this small sample of who you can find out there.
Your Turn: What's going on in your corner of the world?
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