Vanport, Smith & Bybee, Ridgefield
One freezing day in January, I went on a bird-binge. It was mostly unintentional because I arrived at Vanport Wetlands to find the water frozen. Then I went to Smith and Bybee Lakes and the water was frozen there too! I saw a fair amount of birds between the two locations despite the chilly temps, including a Downy…
Broughton Beach
All the cool kids headed to Broughton Beach recently to check out Lapland Longspurs. The beach is a quick drive from my house, so I thought I’d try my luck too. I was pleasantly surprised to find a Least Sandpiper. A Great Blue Heron. An American Pipit. A Savannah Sparrow taking a mud bath. A Savannah Sparrow hiding in…
Alaska By Land – Denali Part II
We saw five grizzly bears from the shuttle bus on the way towards our unit. Intimidating, much? We prepared for such encounters as best we could before setting off into the backcountry. Hiking in Denali has a few requirements. Contrary to Pacific Northwest training to walk single file along trails, Denali hikers are to spread out, preventing new trails…