2026
Oregon finally decided to trade the clouds for a few days of brilliant sunshine, so we packed up and headed straight for the Lower Klamath Basin. It turned out to be the right call—the sky and the poles were absolutely teeming with birds of prey. While navigating the auto tour route, we spotted this magnificent Red-tailed Hawk perched on a pole just a few feet from the vehicle. We crept up at a snail's pace, trying our best not to disturb its hunt. To our surprise, it stayed perfectly still, allowing us to capture this intimate, high-detail portrait.
Golden Hour Eye-to-Eye
Spotted this vibrantly colored Ring-necked Pheasant along the auto tour route at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. While these birds are often heard "crowing" in the distance or seen scurrying into the brush, it’s rare to get such a clear, detailed look at their intricate feather patterns. The contrast between the deep iridescent greens, the bright white collar, and the fiery red wattles is truly a photographer's dream. It’s a wonderful reminder that the refuge holds much more than just migratory waterfowl; there is beauty tucked into every corner of the upland habitat.
Technicolor in the Grass: Ring-necked Pheasant
A female Northern Shoveler glides through the calm waters of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, captured during a serene afternoon on the auto tour route. The low sun highlights the intricate patterns of her plumage and the distinct, spatula-shaped bill that defines the species. Her clear reflection in the blue water adds a sense of stillness to the scene, showcasing the quiet beauty of California’s wintering waterfowl in their natural habitat.