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Borrego Springs, CA

Sunday, August 29, 2010

306,000 words

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so today, I guess my photo trip was worth 306,000 words!  (that’s 306 pictures for those mathematically challenged  :))  But, not to worry, after an afternoon editing, I whittled it down to 59.  No, I’m not posting all 59 tonight either, but will choose a few to pepper my post with.  I had to save some for those rainy days, don’t you know.
_MG_4079As Emma and I headed down Sodhouse Lane to Oregon 205, I noticed something in the middle of the road that flew up into the rocks.  It turned out to be a rough-legged hawk.  What an auspicious beginning to a morning’s drive.  :)
_MG_4096To begin with, I was headed for the Narrows pullout where Malheur and Harney lakes meet.  It’s hard to consider them lakes as we normally think of them.  They are really two vast marshes that meet at a narrows.  There were quite a few black-necked stilts at the narrows.  The youngster is in the foreground, with the adult at the top.  The adult was really making a lot of noise!
_MG_4127Lots of white-faced ibis were flying over as well.  Gangly looking things, aren’t they?
IMG_4130 I then back tracked about ten miles to Buena Vista Overlook to take the first half of the auto tour route in reverse order.  It was a nicely paved OR 205 to get there, and then a gravelly drive back to the rig.  You always see things in a different perspective when you reverse your normal route.  :)
_MG_4193What a nice ten point mule deer buck we saw as we drove the gravel road!  It looked like he was starting to rub off some of that velvet from his antlers.  I guess fall is on the way.  Be careful, buddy, it won’t be long before the hunters will be looking for you!
IMG_4138Another sign that summer is on the wane is the rusty color of the marsh grasses.  Just a short time ago they were a lush green.  What a striking contrast it provided…eye candy for sure. 
_MG_4210I’ll try not to overwhelm you with bird photos while I’m here, but I can’t promise.  This refuge is all about the birds, you know.  :)   These are two Northern shovelers.  Can you guess where they get their name?  They use that massive bill to strain plankton and seeds from the water.  I guess the one in the back wasn’t too happy about having her picture taken, and let me know about it.
_MG_4283There was also a young Ruddy duck on one of the ponds.  Those white dots on him are water droplets.  Ruddy’s are diving ducks, and this young one was already good at under water swimming.  If this is a male, next spring his body will be a very rusty red color with a great white patch on his cheek, and a blue bill!  I’ll save the other bird pictures for a later post, so please stay tuned.  :)

As we arrived back at the RV pads, I had to make a sudden swerve with the car.
_MG_4369This charming three foot long reptile was making it’s way across the road.
_MG_4379I don’t know what kind of snake this is, but I’m glad I didn’t run it over!  I’d much rather have snakes around the RV pads, than miserable rodents in the rig!  :)

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

17 comments:

  1. That snake looked pretty thin so I don't think he's been eating too many rodents. Great bird photos!!

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  2. at first I thought it was a chain on the road??..great photos once again Judy..we know all about taking tons of pictures..yesterday was 240..!!

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  3. Lot's of great bird shots, I am looking forward to seeing the rest over time.

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  4. Well those beautiful pics sure saved you an awful lot of typing tonight!

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  5. I never tire of your bird photos. You do capture those beautiful creatures at their best. As for the snake? You could have left that one out. :)

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  6. I think that's a gopher snake (bull snake). He looks like he could use a good rodent meal, as thin as he is.

    Emjay

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  7. I'm glad that you not only post the bird pictures but are able to identify the birds for us. I wouldn't know what they are!

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  8. I'm with you - I'd rather have a resident snake than to worry about mice bothering me and getting inside.

    I saw quite a few snakes when I lived in NC, and Lady didn't bother a one of them. She came upon one on our walk and didn't notice it in time to walk around it, so she sprung up and across it, all 4 paws leaving the ground at once. It was a sight!

    I just love the bird pictures, and never get tired of them. Actually all your wildlife pictures are wonderful.

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  9. Now that is what I call photo editing with gusto. I need to really cull my pictures to get the numbers (and used digital storage space) reduced.

    I hope you took that snake close up with a telephoto lens.

    We saw a dead three foot snake today, but thought it was a bit squashed for a pic.

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  10. I agree with Margie M. I'm terrified of snakes. I know they are good to have around. The bird pics are great!

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  11. As usual, the pictures rock. That snake really has a pretty pattern on it. Will you be able to ask someone there what it is?

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  12. I have never seen a photo of a duck in mid-quack! Very cool, Judy. I always love to have a snake around for the same reason--no or few mice. Did you bring him home with you? Would you say those lakes are like Rice Lake? Perfect for birding. I have never seen an ibis of any face color B4.

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  13. Great photos Judy, loved the duck with his mouth open in mid-quack.

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  14. Once again, OUTSTANDING photos! Thanks for sharing!! Dave & Kay

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  15. Very nice photos of the wildlife..I get accused of taking waaay to many myself....FYI...in my humble opinion, there is NO such thing as a "charming" 3 ft. snake..But, I couldn't have run over him, either..I hate bugs, but I can't squish them with my foot...nope, not me...too messy.

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  16. Great pictures and we love both the birds and the gopher snake.

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  17. Now that I have found your blog I have added it to my follow list and I look forward to seeing more.
    Love the bird photos!!! ;-)

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