All I ask is that you bear with me as I take you through my favorites from my Monday’s visit to the wildlife refuge in Oklahoma.
As I was editing my photos, it was fun to go back and re-live the moments I spent there.
It really was a special day.
Up close and personal with the otter. He tried being all big and bad by hissing at me, but it really didn’t scare me that much.
Just made me chuckle and baby talk him all the more.
Lesser Yellowlegs.
Please, if I get the names wrong on some of these birds, let me know.
Even after looking extensively through my Sibley’s Guide to Birds, Peterson’s Field Guid to Birds and Mr. Google,
I’m still not 100% sure on some of these fine feathered creatures.
So speak up if I’ve screwed up.
Juvenile bald eagle.
Great Blue Heron.
I do know this is a heron, even though the stretched out neck through me for a loop.
To me he looked like a Sandhill Crane, which have been seen in the area, although they were rare sightings.
I finally broke down and sent this pic to a couple of good birding guys I know, and they both agreed that this is indeed a Great Blue.
When herons get startled and scared, they fly with their necks stretched way out like this.
This is the way I’m accustomed to seeing herons fly.
They sure do have a heck of a long neck.
Kinda like a giraffe’s.
A couple of Northern Shovelers relaxing.
The same two Northern Shovelers just moments before I took the first one.
This just made me laugh.
Silly ducks.
Common Goldeneyes.
I hope to return to this spot and find a beaver next time I go.
Wouldn’t that be fun to see?
I almost like beavers as much as I like otters.
American Coot, framed by two trees.
Northern Harrier.
He was fascinating to watch hunt over the fields and marshes, swooping then diving into the ground, then rising up and hovering.
Just a beautiful bird.
Thank you for letting me take you through my day.
And thank you for putting up with all these photos.
Hope you all have a great day!
Beautiful photos! Wish I could have been there.
Gosh, don’t know where to start….they’re all so beautiful, but #3 & #8 definitely made me laugh! Silly birds! I can see why you love it there and wanted to share!
Just can’t stop loving that otter.
Such a precious face.
These are wonderful photographs, Kate.
So glad you had such a good time.
These are beautiful. I really like the photo of the otter, but I think my favorites are of the northern harrier – he’s such a beautiful animal.
Absolutely outstanding series of amazing wildlife, I enjoyed these very much! But that otter photo is particulary stunning!
Yes that bird was indeed a great blue heron. :-)
Especially love the close up of the hawk and otter!
Great pictures Katie! I’ll have to add this place to my list of “want to go to”… love the otter! They have been one of my favorite animals since 1st grade!!!
Wow, Katie. These are absolutely incredible. WOW.
What an amazing collection from what looks like an amazing place! You’ve got me wanting to do a bit of research to find out if there is anywhere within driving distance for me to spend a day like this when the weather gets a bit warmer. That otter is adorable and I just love the photo with the ducks coming in for the landing. The one with those orange feet sticking out is really cute.
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Such a fabulous outing you had here. I love how you captured the birds living their lives. The duck image with his legs and wings out all funny is awesome! Great job on ID’ing them. :-)