10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

Imagine waking up to the call of thousands of ducks, geese, and every kind of marsh bird you can imagine. By the time we left, I had recorded one new Lifer, 12 New Year Birds, and a total of 76 species. As I walked along the trails, and water control dikes, I got to enjoy birds just about everywhere. Now that is a first.

Blackbirds 128

Blackbirds Mules Beavers Wildlife 128

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 27, 2017

With shore side access limited to the northern end of the lake, that protection allows for a large population of water based birds. This is a bird that I have no memory of when I was a kid growing up here. In a 3 mile stretch of grassland, with sprinklers flowing, I counted well over 100 of these dark birds.

Dogs 107

Dogs Mules Deer Oregon 107

10,000 Birds

JUNE 3, 2011

But when you’re moving closer to great birding, there are some consolations. Brewer’s Blackbirds and House Finches were carting nesting material to and fro. Things were quiet at first as I headed upwards, until I startled two Mule Deer. Moving is a tribulation, even when you’re just moving across town.

Landlord 177

Landlord Bald Eagle Mules Nashville 177

10,000 Birds

JUNE 17, 2011

Besides the American bison that the refuge was founded to protect, there are pronghorns, elk, bighorn sheep, mule and white-tailed deer, and black bears. There are also rattlesnakes, amazing views, fascinating tales of history and prehistory, and of course, many birds. It’s hard to say.

Rattlesnake 165

Rattlesnake Bald Eagle Mules Mammals 165