It’s always interesting to visit one of the National Wildlife Refuges. One that I had not explored before was the Ankeny NWR south of Salem near the Santiam River.

On a sunny afternoon I stopped for a break and took the 1.9 mile loop on the Rail Trail. What fun! The wetlands and fields were chock a block with Canada geese, cinnamon teal, mallards, great blue herons and red-winged blackbirds.

The Northern Red-breasted Sapsucker is thinking – – – My bill hurts!

Boardwalk

Canada Geese Coming in for a landing

Canada Geese getting closer to landing (red-winged blackbird enjoying the show)

Canada Geese walking on the water

Wetlands

Dogwood

Red-winged blackbird