A Non-Birder Birding

Nisqually-NWR

I like birds, don’t get me wrong. A pair of bluejays (Cyanocitta cristata) are nesting in a shrub near my front porch, and it’s delightful to see a glimpse of one of the parents sitting on the eggs. At least I assume that’s what they’re doing; perhaps they’re just taking a break from strenuous nest building.

I took a break myself yesterday, one of the first warm-ish days of the year, to visit the new boardwalk at the nearby Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Located on the last undeveloped river delta in Washington State, it’s an amazing place and a mecca for birders.

Despite a small knowledge of and large affection for our feathered friends, I am no birder. I saw a few familiar types on my walk — bald eagles, Canada geese, ducks, seagulls, swallows — but as these photos show, my interests are more in patterns, clouds, light & shadow. Hope you enjoy this non-birder’s look at a special bird habitat.

 

Nisqually National Wildlife Reserve
Nisqually National Wildlife Reserve
Cattails at Nisqually NWR
Cattails at Nisqually NWR
Nisqually NWR boardwalk panorama
Nisqually NWR boardwalk panorama
Nisqually NWR boardwalk detail
Nisqually NWR boardwalk detail
Barn at Nisqually NWR
Barn at Nisqually NWR

 

 

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2 Thoughts to “A Non-Birder Birding”

  1. nwx

    John – you might have me there. I may have confused the two. I was thinking scrub jays were the same as gray jays, and since this wasn’t gray, it must be blue. But maybe it’s not. Did I mention I’m not a birder? Glad you like the pics anyway. And sure, I’ll try to get photos of the jays. Watch this space.

  2. John R.

    Love the barn shot, I stopped by there just a couple weeks ago. Sadly didn’t have time to head out to the long boardwalk.
    Blue jays nesting in Olympia? I didn’t think they came this far west. I think you need to document that with a mesmerizing photograph! (Not Steller’s jays or even scrub jays)?

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