Limping Across The Finish Line

My cross country coach used to implore us to "run through the finish line".  Unfortunately, that advice seemed to fall on deaf ears with respect to this blog post.  I have been able to get to the refuge several times.  I just couldn't seem to find the time to process the photos and post the results.

It always seemed that there was some other activity that was taking precedence...finishing painting the shed, winterizing the house, doing battle with the leaves, cleaning up after the "hurricane", and even helping out with the election.  When I did get some time, I was more interested in taking more photos than sitting in front of a computer processing the ones I already had.

So that's a long way to apologize.  I will try to clear up the backlog in the near future.  Here's the first installment.

I often go to the refuge in the morning.  I find it quieter and more peaceful.  But on occasion, you can find me there in the evening.



Sun setting over the upper impoundment


Early morning light is generally warm and inviting.  It makes even the most common of subjects look better.


It lights up the Robin's breast

Illuminates the common Song Sparrow

Turns dying Lotus plants into a golden background for a Great Blue Heron

Makes a pleasant background for the Green-winged Teal

One Monday during the bird census an unusual visitor dropped by.  The Snow Goose is a nice change of pace from our numerous Canada Geese.




Elsewhere around the refuge you can find the usual suspects.



For several days you could find feeding flocks of Goldfinches feasting on the seeds of the Evening Primrose plants.  They would get so focused on the food, that you could get closer than usual.  You could spend quite a long time composing and taking your shots.  Here are a few of my favorites from those days.  Which ones do you like?








While photographing the goldfinches, I happened to notice the harrier doing its impression of an Osprey.


Look for the next installment in the next couple of days.  Hopefully, there is enough here to tide you over until then.  If not, check out this link on the etymology of the phrase "to tide you over"