Ruddy Ducks?

Another wonderful day in the valley and the refuge welcomed us this morning.  Pheasant season opened yesterday and we saw a classic site of two hunters and their dogs out in the tall grasses.  The only pheasant we saw this time was before we got into the refuge - always wonder if they know!

The first bald eagle of the season, for us, was sitting in it's 'throne' tree!  It was good to see them back, altho it seems a bit early.  Northern harriers were patrolling the landscape, with the kestrels hunting in the areas closer to their boxes.

Meadowlarks are in evidence just before Goose Egg Island - I had not seen any for at least a month, so wonder if they are migrating back through!





While stopping to sneak up on the first stream bridge in case there were herons or whatever there, I spotted what looked like a bufflehead duck on the shoreline.  Further investigation on the computer and research in bird books, and I believe it is a ruddy duck in it's non-breeding plumage!

Murphy and I are headed back out for the sunset time to see what we can see!  Visiting the refuge is always a surprise - whether it's a bird we see or just the interplay of the wind and sun on the grasses or the incredible vista - just great to be out and to not have to drive so far to get there.