April Fool’s Day had arrived. A well-deserved break in the non-stop rain (Portland set an all-time record for rain in March with 7 3/4 inches). An opportunity to spot migratory waterfowl and a few miles of hiking. It had all the makings of an interesting trip to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge near the Columbia River. Closing my eyes, I thought about the rigors Lewis and Clark faced while camping there over 200 years ago.

Oh well – – – the best laid plans of mice and men. The rain came back in earnest as I parked at the trailhead. The water was so high that I ended up doing a pleasant, but rainy, two-mile loop hike. There were a few wildflowers scattered about, some small birds trying to stay dry, great blue herons hunting in the fields and a few ducks swimming in the ponds to round off the mix.

Great Blue Heron

Toothwort

American Coot, the beauty queen of ducks

Fawn Lily about ready to bloom

Northern Shoveler Ducks

Great Blue Heron with a tasty snack