C Berges Photography: For the Birds

I had yesterday off so I loaded up and was out of the house at 8 am with the camera. As I drove down Sunnyside I could see an Osprey hovering over a little pond by the road - it's called Ryder Park - but with the traffic I couldn't get over so hit the interstate and went on north.

My first stop was to check the spot Patty Pickett took me to for the Burrowing Owl. I parked and could see one at the far-away spot but then about half-way between that and me I spotted a pair of Burrowing Owls watching me.

Hoping this pair will produce a family and I can check in on occasion! Over to the left a ground squirrel kept an eye on them.

I watched for a bit but they were getting very sleepy.

When I left I about drove right on by a Golden Eagle sitting just off the road. Couldn't believe he didn't leave when I stopped and he was still there when I left.

From there I went up to Hamer, Idaho to make a visit to Camas which is also a National Wildlife Refuge. I was looking for Short-eared Owls and found quite a few.

I know - it looks like I should straighten my camera out but he's sitting on the side of the road.

Down the road I found some Yellow-headed Blackbirds singing right next to the road.

Back to the south I headed and made a stop at Market Lake. It's still pretty slow there. I did get lucky and find a pair of Sandhill Cranes close to the road. Here's one of them.

I was also lucky and spotted a Porcupine! What a Cutie!!!

There were still some Snow Geese out on the water. The dark one is what's called a "blue-morph" Snow Goose.

There were Red-breasted Mergansers

A nice Ruddy Duck

And a Cinnamon Teal pair floating by a Mallard pair.

Today - Have to work later but since this Ryder Pond is close I drove over this morning with my camera. I was the only one there this morning so just sat in the car and watched the birds.

The Osprey did a fly-over but only stayed a minute and flew off.