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Borrego Springs, CA

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Sunset Serenade

Today was my last day on the job at the Visitor’s Center, and I believe the first full day of fall after the autumnal equinox.  My calendar shows the equinox as tomorrow, but today is close enough.  I think the birds may somehow know this.
_MG_5584Overnight, thousands of sandhill cranes migrated into this oasis in the high desert from places far North.  The moon is full, and the winds must have been right!  Almost everyone that came into the VC reported seeing large flocks of cranes in the fields.  I’m sure they were fueling up after their long flight.  They are joining the 200+ pairs and their young that nest here.
_MG_5582I was happy to see an Osprey pull one of the carp out of the pond below the VC this morning.  The refuge needs all the help it can get in eliminating this invasive species of fish!
_MG_5583As I took this picture of the departing Osprey with it’s booty, I was able to capture a bit of Malheur Lake in the background.  The lake is about 40,000 acres this year, and this is about the only way you can see it unless you have an airplane.  There are no access roads open to the public.  Those cranes in the first photo were flying over the VC and headed to the field area between the pond and the lake. 

I had 79 visitors today, so I was pretty busy from opening to closing, and didn’t get much of a chance to get outside.  :(  It certainly made the day go faster as compared to only 7 visitors when I started here!

So, what about the sunset serenade?  Well, as Emma and I sat outside this evening just before sunset, there was suddenly a great loud ruckus going on.  All those thousands of sandhill cranes were descending upon Malheur Lake to roost for the night.  They generally roost in water to make them safer from predation by the coyotes…and no one can call sandhill cranes quiet!  Wow!  Even though the lake is about a mile away, you just couldn’t help but hear all those cranes whooping it up.  :)  I just love the sound of cranes, and when you get thousands of them all jabbering away at the same time, it is just something I will never forget!  After about ten minutes, they all quieted down, and then the great horned owl decided to chime in with it’s hoots adding bass notes to the symphony!  Not to be outdone, the coyotes added their mournful alto and soprano tones as well.  The Chicago Symphony would have a hard time competing with the wonderful wild concert I was listening to tonight.  What a fantastic musical send off for our time here at Malheur!  Is it any wonder that I continue to volunteer at National Wildlife Refuges?

Thanks for stopping by….talk to you later,  Judy   

16 comments:

  1. Those sounds of the cranes and the owl may have been loud, but it sure beats the sounds of heavy traffic on a freeway or trains going by every 30 minutes. :)

    That was a terrific pic of the Osprey with the carp. Judy...you are amazing!

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  2. Sounds lovely! Nature always gives us the best of everything, music included.

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  3. Any day of my life I would prefer the sights of your eyes today and the symphony of your ears tonight to any city's offerings!

    BTW, we are home from our summer's adventure and maybe one day I will do a blog... or not. But I will follow along with you!

    Be safe!

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  4. What a beautiful ending to a short stay at Malheur. I wouldn't mind trying work at a wildlife refuge after reading of your experiences. That is, if I ever get back on the road!

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  5. I'm going to miss all of your great pictures of Malheur and the birds!

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  6. Aww, what a musical treat! I wonder what critter was playing the role as conductor? :)

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  7. Perhaps the symphonic crane and owl serendade was performed just for you...and anyone else who was listening at the time. What a great way to wrap up your volunteer stint at Malheur. I wouldn't consider myself a "bird lady" like you, but I have enjoyed your stories and pictures of your time at Malheur NWR!

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  8. What you describe is one of the reasons we prefer boondocking as far & away from human noise as we can get. While at the ranch in southeast Arizona the air overhead is filled with the weebling sounds of Sand Hill Cranes daily. It's always hard for me to understand why more people wouldn't want to get themselves away from those crowded RV Parks & enjoy the sights, sounds & beauty of nature. But, in hindsite I guess it's best they don't or things might get a little crowded in the countryside.

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  9. What a great evening you must have had.

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  10. Great photos Judy, I love the sandhills that come to visit us in the summer--I look forward to hearing their call every year. Travel safe.

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  11. I love The calming sounds of nature.

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  12. Wow, I have never seen more then a dozen Sandhill Cranes together so what an amazing sight to see so many.
    Super post!!!

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  13. Your month there has seemed to zip by. I do so prefer the sounds of nature to the human ones.

    Crickets and tree frogs are still strong here.

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  14. What a wonderful night for you. I am so envious, but glad you are able to share it with us. The picture of the bird with the fish is fantastic.

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  15. It would be great if all the birds would just go for the carp.
    Another manmade 'improvement' gone awry!
    When will 'they' learn not to mess with Mother Nature.
    Gorgeous pictures, as always, thanks.
    Happy Trails, Penny, TX

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