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Stalking my heart’s desire (warning, this post has gone to the birds)

I found an opportunity today to drive way across town, and end up with a couple hours free in the George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary. I haven’t visited since this last time.

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Oh what luck! This is such a wonderful place, where one can get this close to the birds. Close enough to count the drops on the drake’s back! šŸ˜€

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And the animals are so tame that one doesn’t need a super telephoto lens.

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A marshland/delta/ocean view location, ideal for all sorts of wildlife.

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Like beautiful wood ducks.

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And American wigeon.

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And pintails. Er…excuse me?

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Ah, there you are. šŸ˜€

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And, of course, the ubiquitous Canada geese.

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Who are a bit neurotic and bitchy right now, hissing up a storm.

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This is about the safest distance…unless you have bird seed in your pocket. It may be mating and egg time, but everyone is friendly for the bird seed!

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And the sanctuary provides loads of nest boxes in all kinds of habitats,

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So whether birds like trees, or marsh, or even for the do-it-yourselfers, there’s a nest, or materials for a nest really close at hand.

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And many are already being occupied, like this one in the middle of a pond has been claimed by a pair of purple house martins.

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I climbed up the three story tower to have a good look around.

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It’s 360% from up here!

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And up close and personal down there.

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But the real reason I came, the real object of my heart’s desire, are those magical sandhill cranes.

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A few are resident here. Last year they raised a couple chicks, but sadly the chicks disappeared and never grew to maturity.

The object of my heart

I’m hoping for a better outcome this year.

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Bye for now.

šŸ˜€ OK, now I’m just writing silly lines to justify sticking one more picture into this post. But if only you know how many pictures I want to post and stop myself, you’d be impressed! šŸ˜€

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Comments: 7

  • April 18, 2015
    reply

    thank you V for taking us with through your amazing photos!!
    i would have no problem with enjoying a part two from this visit : ))

    xx

  • April 19, 2015
    reply

    Great photos Veronica – that looks like a magical place. The panoramic views are brilliant too.

  • April 19, 2015
    reply

    I’m sure some of those birds will be immortalized in your paintings!

  • April 19, 2015
    reply

    Gosh I really love those ducks, they look like they are wearing sailor suits with those clean lines.. what a glorious place to visit.. c

  • April 20, 2015
    reply

    I like the intensity of the colors. How crisp and defined they are. Beautiful photos.

  • daryledelstein

    April 22, 2015
    reply

    i particularly like the bird with the ponytail, she’s fabulous

  • April 22, 2015
    reply

    Hey V.. gorgeous pics as usual. Those birds are so photogenic! Love the one of the Drake – very handsome. šŸ˜€

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