Driving some back roads

Fall migration has begun, and for the next two months more and more waterfowl will be making their way to the Klamath Basin.  The other day, I took a ride on some of the back roads of the refuge to see what I could see.

Many acres of Tule Lake NWR are leased by farmers for organic grain production.  After harvest some of those fields are flooded.

                                       A flooded grain field is like a magnet for ducks and geese.

                                   There were literally thousands of waterfowl in this flooded field.

The regular hunt season doesn’t begin until Oct. 10 on the refuge, but there is a special youth hunt coming up this weekend.  The youngsters will get the first crack at filling their limit.

                I, of course, only hunt with my camera.  It was simply a gorgeous day to be out and about.

A large flock of about a hundred sandhill cranes was also taking advantage of the fields.  It made me wonder if these birds were on their way to Bosque del Apache NWR.  Maybe they’ll see Lynne down there if that’s where they’re headed.

It won’t be too long before the black-crowned night herons are also on their way south.  With all these comings and goings, I’m also getting anxious to be on my way.  I’ve got about three weeks left before I make my way down to my new home base at Jojoba Hills. 

Perhaps you remember when intern Katie and I put up all of those area closed signs a couple of weeks ago?  Well, tomorrow I have to go back and take all those signs down.  That area, with Mt. Shasta in the background will be open for the youth hunt on Saturday.  I’m not sure why those signs had to go up for two weeks only to be taken down again.  Mine is not to reason why…

I’m a sucker for hay bales, and who could pass up a chance for a picture with the snow capped mountain in the distance?  I will certainly remember the beautiful sights I’ve seen while at this refuge.

                                                                             THE END!!

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy