Wildlife viewing

We decided to take a drive down to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex that is located between Willows and Maxwell. Four refuges and one wildlife management area make up the refuge complex. These refuges were created to provide wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds and reduce crop damage. Approximately 44% of the Pacific Flyway's waterfowl population winters in the Sacramento Valley. Three million ducks and over one million geese migrate here every year.

The refuge is made up of several seasonal marshes, grasslands and permanent ponds. As a former duck hunter, John was well aware of what these refuges look like but even John was taken with the number and different types of waterfowl. He was naming off several different types while I recognized only a few.

Here is a picture of Snow Geese as they were coming in to land in one of the marshes.
Here is a better shot of some Snow Geese coming in for a landing - so very beautiful.

Here is a beautiful shot of the coastal mountains in the background and a mixture of waterfowl in just one of the many marshes.

We were driving on the auto route when John saw a Northern Harrier and wanted a picture. I told him we had a lot of Northern Harrier pictures so don't get crazy (forgot they were digital). Imagine our surprise when we got home and downloaded the pictures to the computer and discovered that the shot he took was not a Northern Harrier.

Instead of a Northern Harrier, John got a shot of a short-eared owl. Just click on the picture to enlarge the photo. We were thrilled with the surprise photo. Our bird books said that this owl is commonly mistaken as a Northern Harrier - no kidding!

While we were watching the waterfowl, we were treated to a couple of viewings of Golden Eagles. This is not the best shot but it does show the beautiful bird from its underside.

We spent a lot more time there than we had originally thought and we didn't even get to visit the Visitor's Center . . . . next time. We have already decided that we want to go back before we head for Sacramento because there will be even more waterfowl.

Later that evening, we tried to end the day with a dip in the spa but the gates were locked. What's up with that? The pool/spa area is suppose to be open until 9 p.m. and it was only 8:20 p.m. We headed back home disappointed. We've got to find out what is going on tomorrow.