Winter in the Columbia River Gorge

My best winter news:  I won best in Wildlife in Friends of the Gorge annual photo contest for the above photo!

It was the first time I entered and I also took away an honorable mention for my adorable Pika!!

AND an honorable mention for my smoky sunset!  My prize for ‘First’ in Wildlife was a gift certificate to Pro Photo and a fabulous new Columbia backpack!

Feet back on the ground, on the first day of Winter I hiked out my back door to see who I might find.  Nuthatches!  White-breasted and…

…Red-breasted Nuthatch.

After that first sunny day of winter, we had a bit of snow.  I stayed close to home & watched Chickadees in my garden.

New Year’s Eve I went with a couple of young birders to High Prairie where they showed me a Great Horned Owl.

The younger birder has a great eye and spotted a Rough-legged Hawk in the distance and we were thrilled at how close it flew to us while hunting.

Alas my fellow birders couldn’t stay long, but I wasn’t ready to leave.  Lucky me I watched a Northern Harrier with lunch!

My winter raptor survey is in full swing and I loved finding this pair of Bald Eagles near sunset.

A few days later I drove along the Columbia just because the sun came out!  Saw eagles chasing eagles….

 A beautiful Great Blue Heron flew past.

And I passed a gorgeous Kestrel sunning at the top of a snag.

Back at the Bingen Marina I checked on our Tundra Swans.  Yep, still there.  They arrive and depart about the same time as migrating Bald Eagles.

I believe this is a Horned Grebe soaking up the sun, but I always mix it up with an Eared Grebe.

I took a couple of friends from Portland out hunting for Bald Eagles here in the Gorge and lucky us, we found some.

We watched a few juvenile eagles with an adult bathing in the Columbia, hiked into Balfour Park, then headed further east.

We found this beauty near The Dalles Dam where I was heading the very next week for Eagle Festival.

Eagle Festival at The Dalles Dam occurs every January when the Bald Eagle population is at its fullest.

I arrived super early hoping for a sunrise shot, but alas it was a gray morning.  However, because of my early arrival I had a pretty nice spot for watching eagles fish.

I ran into many of my birding friends there, especially after the sun came out!

California sea lions also came to the party at The Dalles Dam!

It was truly a glorious day.

I like taking long scenic drives to see what I can find.  This abandoned house had a young bald eagle perched at the top of a craggy old tree next to it.

The Klickitat River runs through many little towns in our area.

You can get down right next to it or view it from a great height.

This time of year it might be snowing or the clouds below so thick that the river is hidden.

You can almost always find a Bald Eagle near the Klickitat River.

That about sums it up, I think we’re caught up now.  Well except …

We put in a trail cam and now know what eats our bird seed every night!

Oh, and my really big winter news is I’m going to NORWAY where my paternal ancestors came from!!  I didn’t know I wanted to go until invited by a loved one.  I’m working overtime selling my remaining art glass to fund this surprise trip.  More about that in an upcoming post!

How I Spent Autumn in the Columbia River Gorge

Autumn sunrise on Burdoin Mountain. Easier to get up for fall & winter sunrise!

Pears ripen during autumn in the Columbia River Gorge and attract all sorts of critters, including a Downy Woodpecker.

Woodpeckers seem to come out in the open like this pair of  Northern Flickers in the Soda Springs area.

Maybe we can see them easier with less foliage.  An Acorn Woodpecker sits on a snag in the Klickitat Wildlife area.

I also spotted a Coyote while in the Klickitat Wildlife area!

I love being on the Klickitat River this time of year.

We headed to the Bend area where my husband’s buddy from high school showed us where they fished together on the Crooked River.

While in that the Bend area I found a River Otter lunching on the Deschutes River.

And a sweet little Ruby-crowned Kinglet munching on flies in a spider web at Cline Falls State Park.

A trio of cygnets (one thinks he is hiding underwater) at Sun River Nature Center.  Sadly their father, Chuck was illegally shot and killed not long after my visit.  There is a substantial reward, if you have any info contact the Oregon State Police.

Ridgefield NWR is one of my favorite stops, and you can usually find a Great Blue Heron at the first pond (and around every corner). 

Mt. Adams reflecting in a pond at Conboy Lake NWR, my ‘backyard refuge’.

Lucky me, while at Conboy Lake NWR I caught a rainbow over the little town of Glenwood!

An old friend traveled through from Alaska, seeking the sun. We went to some of my favorite waterfalls.  Lower Lewis River Falls…

….and Curly Creek Falls among them.

That night we had an Aurora prediction, so yep, I stayed up for this ‘Tiny Aurora Borealis’ behind Mt. Adams.

Speaking of tiny, I found a little Golden-crowned Kinglet in my backyard.

Another friend (& fellow photographer) & I went hiking along the Lewis River to Upper Lewis River Falls.

I can’t believe in November I still had Hummingbirds dipping into my feeders!

Thanks to a friend’s invitation, we headed back to Bend to watch the mule deer Rut.  I have way too many photos to share, so this favorite one will have to suffice.

My raptor surveys started back up for East Cascades Audubon Winter Raptor Survey.  I truly love participating.

Our Tundra Swans return to Bingen Pond….

As do the American Wigeon….

…and the Pied-billed Grebes.

Bald Eagles begin migrating to the Columbia River Gorge each year around Thanksgiving.

Steller’s Jays take over my feeders.  Chickadees, Juncos and Nuthatches have to elbow their way in.

A chipmunk visits my garden for the first time this fall!  At least the first that showed himself to me in over 30 years!

The next day he found a feeder!  Isn’t he CUTE???

I was lucky to catch a Bald Eagle flying fast over the Little White Salmon River.

A friend intrigued me with a rare bird, so I had to go check it out!  Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Commonwealth Lake near Portland.

While there, a Sharp-shinned Hawk landed in a nearby tree with lunch!

My last hike of the season, Falls Creek Falls.  It’s now closed until April 1st.

Our Bald Eagle population continues to increase in the Columbia River Gorge.  Trio of juveniles fighting over food.

During a visit to Ridgefield NWR, I found a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk looking down at me….

…and a Red-shouldered Hawk calling….yes, he MUST have called me over to him!!

Back at Conboy Lake NWR I caught a Northern Shrike hovering.  At first I thought he was a Kestrel because I hadn’t seen a shrike hover like this before.

While there I also found a White-breasted Nuthatch, another favorite.

I’ll leave you with this Columbia River Gorge sunset from the Spring Creek Fish Hatchery entrance.

If not tomorrow, then soon … I’ll fill you in on my wonderful Winter.

She’s BACK!

I think I exhausted myself photo-documenting all those raptor nests in my last posts!  I enjoyed many adventures afterwards and took a lot of pictures but didn’t get around to posting….or sitting at my computer for much time the rest of 2017!!

Here’s a quick recap to catch up!

I led a bird walk at Conboy Lake NWR for Julee at Mt Adams Lodge in July.

Had family come to the Northwest for a visit and we hiked many of my favorite places….

…We picked cherries….

…and played with art projects.

I enjoyed hummingbirds in my garden…..

… and of course my garden flowers…

…as well as butterflies….

Enjoyed my 98% of the eclipse with old friends at their vineyard here on Burdoin Mountain!

I conducted my annual Pika surveys for Cascades Pika Watch.

…and even found juveniles this year!  I’ve said it before, the cutest little mammals on the planet!

Hired to shoot for Sail the Gorge Magazine, I spent a lot of time on the Columbia River!

Hiked around Mt Adams, enjoying lakes and waterfalls.

Love high places, but sadly this day another wildfire began, you can see smoke drifting over Mt. St. Helens.

Headed south to visit family and took them sailing with dolphins!

Found some interesting new birds like this Warbling Vireo near Horsethief State Park.

And interesting butterflies like a MONARCH also near Horsethief!

Sadly, the last of our summer days were clouded by the horrific Eagle Creek fire.  Started by a teen with fireworks in a steep dry canyon.  The Oregon hiking trails in the Columbia River Gorge are still closed and many will not reopen for several years.  I worry about the wildlife, especially our little Pika who lost their source of food.  Not even our expert scientists are allowed in yet to check on them.

That’s just summer!  I’ll be back tomorrow to share ‘how I spent Autumn’ with you!!

Mother’s Day Tribute

Happy Mother’s Day to all who make a difference in a young life.

This year I want to acknowledge and pay homage to all our younger Mothers.

We typically honor those who raised us and rightfully so but each year I marvel at what good Moms my daughters and their friends are.

They are raising kind, honest, and intelligent children who will go out and live authentically in our world.

My daughters are raising their children to be thoughtful and considerate of others….

…yet able to stand their ground on issues important to them.

I so admire their strength in not giving in to toddler or teenager tantrums.

Instead they’ve been incredible at redirecting focus.

I’ve learned so much from them and admire their parenting skills.

My collective grandchildren will be an amazing group of individuals thanks to their Mothers (and Fathers).

Maybe it takes a village, but it starts with a Mom and Dad.

I share these photos of parents and children in their environment in honor of Moms everywhere….

…especially young Moms ~ they deserve applause and gratitude.

Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to my daughters, my surrogate daughters, and your daughters.

I love, admire and cherish you…..and am forever singing your praises, xoxoxoxo

Mt Adams Wilderness Crofton Ridge

I joined Friends of Mt. Adams for a hike on Crofton Ridge via the Shorthorn Trail on Saturday.  Our group met at the Trout Lake School for an early start.

Led by Darvel Lloyd, who grew up climbing and exploring Mt Adams, it was a very educational hike.

Our group of twelve headed up the Shorthorn Trail through burned forest from the 2012 Cascade Creek fire.

Fascinated with the charred forest remains, contrasting with new growth I stopped for many photos.

Can we call this ‘Fall Color’?

Although it is late in the season, many wildflowers are still in bloom.  I think this is a Pearly Everlasting.

Looking back I was surprised to see Mt Hood.  We parked at an elevation about 4740 feet and would end up at 6227 feet after our 3 mile hike to the ridge.

I believe this in the Lupine family.

A beautiful bouquet of Asters.

Crossing Shorthorn Creek.

On the other side of the creek we found pink Monkeyflower.

Another fork of Shorthorn Creek.

Crofton Creek.  Looking up, I found a tiny waterfall!

Looking down the creek I felt amazed and awed….

When I looked UP from the creek I wondered if I could climb that hill.  See the tiny hikers at the top of the first switchback?  Hint…the dot of red.

No, I’m not gasping for air….I’m stopping to take pictures!

This is where we’re heading.

A vast landscape that takes my breath away, I could stand here for hours.

Almost there at Round the Mountain Trail #9.

The last section of our hike, the crest on Crofton Ridge.

A spectacular view of Mt Adams from the southwest side.

Looking west at Mt. St. Helens.

As we sat and enjoyed our lunch, four Clark’s Nutcrackers joined us!

Zooming in on a waterfall from where we sat in the shade.

Zoomed in on the almost uncovered lookout tower at the top of Mt Adams.  12,276′

Rested, nourished and hydrated we began our three mile descent.

Use caution when heading downhill on a rocky sandy path.  I landed on my cushy backpack twice, but yay my camera landed on my lap!  Might as well take a picture of the view!!  Don’t worry, I wasn’t hurt but even more cautious as I continued.

Trudging back down I pretty much kept my eyes on my footing and tried to keep up!  Oh look, another pretty wildflower!!  Fireweed.

Yes, out of breath again I stopped for another pretty picture.  You know I love rocks!

I looked up from time to time (especially after we reached a gentler downhill section), still amazed at the charred remains of a once green forest.

You know me, I can’t resist stopping for a ‘critter’.

Darvel often stopped to discuss history, flora and fauna of the neighborhood.

Photo by Bob Squires

I am so fortunate to have met and hiked with such an interesting and cohesive group of people.  Another wonderful September adventure!!!

 

 

Aurora Borealis

Did you see it?  Aurora Borealis tonight!!

Worth It

I decided to take myself to the top of Angel’s Rest on this hot summer day.  I’ve been on the trail, searching for Pika with Cascades Pika Watch, but for various reasons never got to the top.  Above is the view looking west toward Portland.

I headed up the trail at 7:30am and arrived at the top just after 9.  I stopped here and there to catch my breath.  Watching for Pika along the way gave me ample reason for frequent stops.

It’s only 2.3 miles up but with an elevation of 1600 feet, it felt steeper (to me) than it probably is.  Heading back down I stopped for a snack in a likely place to see Pika.

They didn’t disappoint!  Unfortunately, I only had time for a couple of shots of this American Pika before a noisy trail-runner scared him off ~ I was hoping on a weekday I’d have a quieter hike, but alas it is summer and the trails were busy by mid morning.

Heading down I decided to stop at the stream that feeds Coopey Falls and found some stacked rocks that someone kindly left me.

A tiny bit further I followed a lesser trail to view the stream cascading over some rocks at the top of Coopey Falls.

Just beyond that is the last part of the stream near the top of the falls.  Any further downstream, I’d be tumbling in the waterfall (which is only accessible via private property).  

Back down at the trailhead at 11:30, I grabbed a shot of the sign, a memento of another fine day in the Columbia River Gorge.  Such a beautiful place to live and play!  It was definitely worth it!

Gratitude and Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you all a fabulous Thanksgiving!  I am so grateful for each of you who choose to follow me on this journey.  You inspire me.  I hope your day is filled with abundance.  xoxoxo

 

Aurora Borealis ~ Oh What a Show!

The Aurora Borealis put on a fabulous show last night about midnight.  I was lucky enough to catch it but can’t decide which shot I like best.  I like them all for different reasons, but this is Photo #1 in the line-up, once the Aurora began her dance.

She was already making herself known when I arrived and I caught a shooting star as I set up my composition and camera settings.

And then she danced!  Just after midnight, behind my town of White Salmon the party started.  Photo #2.

It was chilly and dark and difficult to manage at first, but with each check of my camera’s LCD my excitement grew.  Photo #3.

While my eye saw a dark clear sky filled with stars, Aurora continued showing herself on the back of my camera.  Photo #4.

My eyes could only see what looked like a whitish cloud or fog on the horizon line where you see a greenish glow; and I could see columns of ‘mist’ rising from that.  Photo #5.

If it were a stronger Aurora, I might have actually seen the color my camera displayed.  Photo #6.

The wind was blowing clouds overhead so I knew my time was limited.  Photo #7.

As Aurora danced in the Columbia River Gorge, so did I ~ to keep warm!  And I drank coffee to stay awake.  Photo #8.

My day started at 6 a.m., so this midnight hour was hard to keep.  Photo #9.

The cold, the coffee and my excitement kept me shooting, dancing and laughing with delight!  Photo #10.

I need your help!  ……  Photo #11.

I need you to help me decide which of these images to print!  Photo #12.

You can vote for your favorite simply by commenting which numbered photo you like best.  Photo #13.

As you can see, they’re all numbered: #1 – 16 ~ plus the Shooting Star shot.  Photo #14.

What a magical night it was!!  Only lasted for about an hour.  Photo #15.

Just after 1 a.m. the clouds rolled in and covered the Aurora.  Otherwise, I’d still be there.  Photo #16.

Please let me know your favorite ~ in a comment here, via private message on Facebook, or via email ~ linda at steider studios dot com (all one word).

Turtles at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

I went to Portland yesterday to buy myself a new lens for my BIRTHDAY.  Yes, I buy myself birthday gifts…often and not necessarily on the actual day.  Usually I gift myself a little something every day in September.

While in the city, I took a side trip up to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

It was a quiet day with very few sightings and even fewer people.  It was, however a day filled with turtles!  And in this image a frog ~ can you see it?

I found a couple of ducks and a grebe enjoying a swim.

OH!  My new lens.  I bought a wide angle to get better pictures of the Aurora Borealis. You can read about my first adventure with Northern lights here.  It’ll be handy for landscapes too, but mostly I was thinking about colorful night skies.

I almost missed this Pileated Woodpecker as I slowly drove through the refuge.  I heard him drilling in a section of densely shaded trees.  Lucky me, he made his way to the top of a snag near my car!

Is he a juvenile?  His feathers are sort of spiky around his neck making me wonder if he had been in the creek.

I only saw one pair of Wood Ducks.

Back to turtles….this poor guy spent about 15 minutes climbing up to share a log.

Unfortunately his friend wanted nothing to do with him & shoved him off!!

I had a lovely lunch in the shade at this bend in the creek.  As I ate my sunflower seed honey butter sandwich, I desperately wanted the Kingfisher flying back and forth to land on the snag in front of me.  If he had, this is where his photo would go.

I slowly finished the route, watching more herons, egrets, and Northern Harriers.

Another gorgeous day of sun, rain, clouds and end of summer fun at Ridgefield NWR.