A bird day at the refuge!!

Today was quite a bird day at the refuge, just in the short time that I was out there!  Rough-legged hawks, red-tailed hawks, cock pheasants, kestrels, Northern Harriers and kingfishers were the stars of the day for me, along with the multiplicity of ducks that are so easily seen.

Prior to the bird pics, here's a sign that I wanted to share since these three associations are big supporters of the wildlife refuge.  While I don't know all that they do, they are among the sportsmen groups that use and give back, always giving back more than they take.

Pheasants seem to be more populous this year, at least as far as I have seen them.  These two males were attended by one other male and a couple of females eating in the disked area and showing minimal fear of bystanders.  A rough-legged was in the dead trees just a hundred yards away from them and they strutted about as if they were the only ones in the world!  Their beauty is incredible and is always worth the time spent watching them.

Next to arrive was a kingfisher.  I've seen him before, but only at great distances, fishing the waterway that runs by Goose Egg Island.  I came down the hill on the road, stopped to take a picture of a small songbird that I didn't recognize, and this guy shows up in the tree!  Before I could refocus on him sitting there he decided he didn't want to be there and left quickly.  We caught him later on another dead tree farther down the waterway.

On the way out, the northern harriers accompanied us.  This one sat on the fence much longer than I thought he would, and posed quite nicely.  Elegant (like all hawks) and his colorings and lines are a site to feast on.

Last but certainly not least, one of the rough-legged hawks that have been hanging around the fields at the entrance gave us a neat display.  They are teases, it seems, waiting long enough for you to get ready for the shot and then leaving just as you lean out to take it!!  I've tried shooting while the truck is still moving, but don't like the results!

All this activity in just over an hour at the refuge!  This place is an incredible resource for Utahns and any one else that is willing to visit.