Stopping at the Eagle Scout Lookout, I looked out just in time to see a Western Kingbird flutter up from a small sapling, catch a meal, and settle down again. A Northern Harrier hunted over the fields behind him.

There are several lookouts along this way and what really struck me the most was the beauty of the refuge. Many writers and photographers have waxed poetic and artistically over the huge flocks of birds – but very few have really stopped to enjoy the sheer magnificence of the park.

Standing on the lookouts, surrounded by yellow and green Coyote Willow, you look out over waves of golden grain that lap at the shores of deciduous trees colored green to brassy gold to fiery orange. Behind them buff colored mountains streaked with what looks like gold fur rise to an azure sky lightly brushed with a few high white clouds. I know it is an invasive, non-native species, but I must confess to a guilty fondness for the Salt Cedar or Tamarisk, that turns a deep golden orange this time of year.

I would love, too, to have a sound recording of this place. The irrigation channels gurgling with water behind me, the purring calls of Sandhill Cranes and twittering of other birds, with the wind brushing through the willows would be a perfect backdrop for meditation or sleep.

But we’re here to see the Cranes – right?

We moved to the Farm Deck where three White Crowned Sparrows teased and entertained James in the car while I walked up to the deck. He even tried to get some photos of them – although they are a little small for our pathetic camera to capture. Still, he didn’t do too badly:

As I watched the Cranes there, we saw some interesting behavior. First, one crow was circling right over the Cranes heads, cawing and cawing and making quite a fuss. In a few moments, several more Crows joined him. I don’t know what their issue was, but after fussing for a while they finally flew off. By then, James had ventured from the car hoping to get some closer photos of the Cranes.






Everyone was nice and content, even though a young Redtail Hawk was circling them overhead, as if he were trying to decide if he was big enough to capture one of them.






We turned our backs for a few minutes, to have a look at a small snake in the road – a Checkered Garter.

A sudden increase in the Cranes constant calling made us turn. It was clear the Cranes were very agitated now. Many of them took off and circled the field. Some left for greener pastures. Others flew around calling for a while and eventually landed again.






I didn’t see the hawk anywhere. I wonder if he did actually stoop at one of the Cranes – to cause such upset? Surely they are too large for a hawk to seriously think he could take one?

Back to the car and around the loop. Almost done now, but there is no way I am leaving without visiting the blind on the permanent lake near the entrance. It is a pretty good walk from the road, though, so James waited in the car while I walked on up. This is another “do not miss” sight. Snow Geese, Northern Pintails, Canvasback, Gadwall, Coots, Cinnamon Teal and one white American Pelican were gathered on the lake, looking almost close enough to touch.

Of the twenty plus photos I took, here’s the best one of the bunch.





Now you know why James takes the pictures. In fact, I walked back to the car and told him I would feel awful guilty if I didn’t tell him what a great view you had from the blind. He walked down, but within minutes his loud sneezes had chased off a few birds!

That was our cue to get him out of there. Poor guy.

But we definitely plan to visit again – and next time he’ll be sure and get some allergy medicine first!

Good Birding!