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It was a gorgeous day with a light breeze and very few cars along the driving loop. The geese have all flown north and some of the ponds are being drained. On the other hand, the 1½ mile extended driving loop to the southeast is now open. Highlights of the day included great horned owls, turtles, mule deer and loads of wetlands spring flowers. Here is a chronological account of our sightings:
1025-start
1026-ibis and first of many wildflowers
1031-first of many red-winged blackbirds
1041-red-tailed hawk on sign, skittish
1044-red-tailed hawk in tree; first of a few harrier sightings
1055-(on extended loop) 2 great horned owls together in tree
1057-many wildflowers, scenery; soaring white pelicans
1101-great blue heron in flight
1104- first of many mule deer; another harrier 1125-near platform – turtles on log
1130-heading north, single great horned owl in same tree as usual
1135-ring-necked pheasant along edge of road 1140-more turtles, more logs
1147-another mule deer
1157-large flock (murmuration) of willets and other shorebirds.


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