On the last weekend of winter I journeyed to the Carty Unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. And, to my pleasant surprise, I was greeted with some sunshine too.
After crossing over a newly-constructed arched foot bridge above a set of railroad tracks, I walked north to a cedar plankhouse. It was built in 2005 as a representative of the 14 plankhouses observed by Lewis & Clark in a nearby Indian village.
This was the beginning of the Oaks to Wetlands Trail, a well-marked path passing several lakes.
Eventually the Trail emerged on a butte overlooking much of the area.
As I walked back to the trailhead, the thickets appeared to be alive with small birds. The ponds were overseen by egrets and great blue herons.
Truly a bird lovers delight.

Egret on the hunt

Brown Moth enjoying a Toothwort flower

Kayakers

Song Sparrow peeking at me

Trout Lily about read to bloom

New footbridge

Fillaree

Spotted Towhee

Great Blue Heron
Leave a Reply