Ridgefield NWR

I dragged my friend back up to Ridgefield yesterday afternoon in hopes of seeing some spring birds and maybe some owlets too.  We were psyched to see the bunnies are back!


In the slough near the owl nest was a lone Hooded Merganser:


And on the nest we were able to see mom as well as an owlet!


Super cute.  On our second trip around the refuge we found a few nice surprises... First off, a Yellow-headed Blackbird!   My first one for the year...


While watching the blackbird I noticed a Surf Scoter in the water!  This is pretty weird for Ridgefield but I remembered seeing a report of a pair hanging out there during the week.


Things got weirder when I noticed a Horned Grebe in the water on the other side of the road from the scoter and blackbird.  I've never seen one at Ridgefield before, let alone one in breeding plumage!!



Later on we passed a tree where a Belted Kingfisher was perched.  Seriously the closest I have ever been to a kingfisher!  It was actively fishing and returning to the same perch.  In a serious shadow.


And it wouldn't be a trip to Ridgefield without a bittern, right?


Good times!!

Comments

  1. You came away with some outstanding shots today Jen. That's the closest I'm seen ANYONE to a Kingfisher. You've got great images of the Horned Grebe too, and of course the Bittern...and the Scoter...and the Merganser...geez what's left to accomplish in life?

    Great post, thanks for sharing.

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  2. wow, some great action shots ya got there! Love the owlet most of all though. Glad to see the Easter bunny is making its way to see you!

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    1. Ha, I did not even connect the bunny to easter... It all makes sense now.

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  3. That grebe is a sexy beast...maybe even a sex beast. Im glad the kingfisher instinctively knew to tempt you with its close proximity, but to stay in the shadows.

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    1. I'm glad too. SO glad. Brimming with gladness.

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  4. Wow, you saw some great stuff. Love the grebe, so cool.

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  5. That's one heck of a Ridgefield outing! Nice work!

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  6. HI JEN, you got some great birds on your Ridgefield visit--dazzling shot of the horned grebe and WOW, that kingfisher was so close you could almost reach out and touch him. CUTE bunny too!! Enjoy your Day!!

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  7. Wow Jen, awesome birds and photos! A cute bunny perfect timing for Easter. Cool shot of the owl and owlet. And I love the Horned Grebe and Scoter. Awesome shot of the Kingfisher and you are so lucky with the bittern sightings. A great day of birding. I am envious! Happy birding and Happy Easter!

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  8. Wow! What a superb set of finds and shots at Ridgefield! Especially the rare Scoter and Grebe! Makes me want to get back there right away! Super post!

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