Our Own Refuge

Jeanette looking for birds on Mount Baldy

Yesterday morning we made another trip to Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, and I realized in these troubled times of dealing with the Corona Virus it has become our own refuge. It's an opportunity to flee the world of illness, financial worry, and politcal uncertainty, and for an hour or more take refuge in the world of nature where spring comes again as it does every year, birds sing their sweet songs, bright wildflowers nod in the breeze, and all is well with the world. 

 We left the formal trail and took off cross-county down to Parvipes Marsh.  On the way we were pleased to find these nesting boxes and a pair of interested Tree Swallows.

 A male Western Bluebird was also interested in the nesting box and was trying to stake his claim. He was greatly out numbered by the swallows, only time will tell who wins the day.

At the marsh atop last years teasel we found this Savannah Sparrow. In all the years of photographing this species in Eastern Oregon, Southern Oregon, and the Willamette Valley, this is the first time I recall a singing Savannah Sparrow.  It's not much of a song, but he sang his heart out.

To see our complete observation list click here.