After a warm coffee break, I set off toward the George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary, eagerly hoping to witness the thousands of snow geese reported to be in the area. As I drove along, scanning the fields for any hint of their white plumage, I suddenly spotted movement in a farmer's field. Curiosity took over, and I pulled over, heart racing with excitement. To my surprise, I saw sandhill cranes—far off but unmistakable in the distance. I couldn’t contain my excitement as I carefully waded through part of the muddy field, camera in hand, trying to capture a few candid shots before they took off. Mission accomplished, I returned to my car, grinning from ear to ear.
Sandhill cranes are graceful, long-legged birds with distinctive gray plumage and a splash of red on their foreheads. Known for their elegant stature and resonant calls, they often gather in fields and wetlands, moving in pairs or small groups. These cranes are particularly striking in flight, with their outstretched necks and long wings creating a graceful silhouette. Spotting them is always a thrill, as they’re known for being both elusive and majestic, bringing a quiet yet powerful presence to any landscape they inhabit.
Finally reaching the sanctuary, I scanned the area, straining to catch a glimpse of the snow geese’s distinctive white forms or hear their familiar honks. But, as luck would have it, they were nowhere to be found. Despite a touch of disappointment, I was immediately cheered up by the diverse array of birds the sanctuary offered and colorful fall flowers and foliage.
The first bird I spotted was a bald eagle, sitting unexpectedly in a muddy field. Though I couldn’t get close enough for a sharp shot, I managed to snap a photo from a distance. I was mesmerized, wondering why this powerful bird had landed there—perhaps it had caught its lunch or was simply resting. As I entered the sanctuary, I caught sight of another bald eagle perched high among the tree branches. It seemed to be surveying its world with a calm, commanding presence, completely unbothered by the people below or the bustling ducks nearby. Watching it sit there, serene and purposeful, reminded me of the eagle’s unique place in the wild—a symbol of strength and freedom, content to observe until the moment was right for action.
The second bird I tried to capture was a black-capped heron, tucked away in the branches of a tree. Unfortunately, the branches obscured it, so I moved on and was soon rewarded with the sight of several Great Blue Herons, elegantly perched on logs and tree stumps. These majestic birds, so calm and still, were mesmerizing.
Great Blue Herons are strikingly elegant birds, known for their tall, slender frames and slate-blue feathers. Often seen perched on logs or stumps above the water, they tuck their long necks close to their bodies, giving them a slightly hunched look—almost as if they need a cozy sweater to ward off the chill. This tucked posture conserves warmth and energy, especially during colder weather, allowing them to stay still and focused while scanning for fish or small creatures below. Their patient, statue-like presence is both practical and part of their signature style, making them a captivating sight in any landscape.
As I continued exploring, a subtle movement on an exposed branch caught my eye. I zoomed in to find a turtle, stretching its neck and limbs as it basked in the soft, overcast light. Its shell was a fascinating mix of dark green and yellow patterns, blending perfectly with the mossy, natural tones of the branch.
The green and yellow coloring not only adds to the turtle’s beauty but also serves as a natural camouflage, helping it stay hidden from predators while it rests in the open. This little creature, with its serene posture and perfectly adapted colors, was a reminder of nature’s quiet resilience and artistry.
After the common mallards had eagerly devoured the seed I brought for them, I made my way to a nearby birding platform. Along the path, I was greeted by several curious black-capped chickadees. To my amazement, they flew down to eat straight from my hand, showing a level of trust that filled me with joy. I can’t fully describe the feeling of these tiny birds, delicate and quick, choosing to land on me—even two or three at a time. My aunt joined in, and a few chickadees landed on her hand as well, sharing the moment with us.
For years, I’ve tried to photograph these fast little birds, but they’re so quick that I usually miss my shot. But this time, luck was on my side. I managed to capture a chickadee perched on a branch, framed perfectly against the golden autumn leaves. It felt like a true win, a 'score!' moment that I'll cherish.
Reaching the birding platform, I was met with the impressive sight of several bald eagles perched high in the trees far off in the distance. They seemed deep in conversation, chattering back and forth as if sharing the latest news—perhaps discussing the best fishing spots or alerting each other to approaching intruders. Their raspy calls echoed across the marshland, a powerful, almost ancient sound that resonated through the quiet. Watching them interact, I could almost imagine them holding council over their kingdom, bound by a shared responsibility to watch over the wild.
Among the adult bald eagles, I spotted a juvenile eagle with mottled brown feathers and patches of white tufts across its body—a telltale sign of its young age. Unlike the fully mature eagles with their iconic white heads and tails, juvenile eagles have this more camouflaged coloring, which helps them blend into their surroundings as they learn to navigate the world.
Soon, blackbirds joined us on the platform, bringing their own lively energy. These striking birds, with their glossy black feathers adorned with bright splashes of red and orange on their wings, brought an unexpected burst of color to the scene. I managed to snap a few shots of them sitting on bullrushes, proudly displaying their colors as if posing just for the camera.
Their signature call, a loud, melodious trill, filled the air as they gathered around, clearly accustomed to people and eager for seed. I held out my hand, and soon three or four blackbirds were perched on me, their colors vivid against the muted tones of the marsh.
Then, as if on cue, all the birds suddenly scattered, bursting into flight. Looking out over the platform, I quickly spotted the cause—a Northern Harrier Hawk gliding gracefully over the marsh. The hawk, with its soft brown and gray plumage, blended seamlessly into the landscape, allowing it to move undetected as it searched for prey.
With its sharp eyes scanning the reeds below, the hawk was likely hunting for small mammals or unsuspecting waterfowl. Swooping in low, it circled tightly and finally dove down, disappearing momentarily into the marsh before emerging again. The skill and precision of its hunt were breathtaking, a reminder of nature’s quiet power and adaptability. This moment, observing the raw interactions of predator and prey, left me with a deep sense of awe and connection—a memory that I will carry with me always.
As we made our way back to the entrance, winding down our day, we encountered a variety of ducks. But one bird, in particular, caught my attention with its unusual, almost nasally honking call—the American Coot. The sound was loud and distinct, a sort of high-pitched “krrk-krrk” that echoed across the water, giving this coot a voice that was impossible to ignore. I was surprised when it swam over toward us, seemingly looking for a snack.
Seeing the American Coot up close, I was struck by its colors. Unlike most ducks, it has a dark slate-gray body that contrasts beautifully with its bright white beak, making it easy to spot even from a distance. But what really captivated me were its legs and feet—an eye-catching greenish-yellow with black and white stripes that seemed too large for its body, giving it a bit of a comical appearance. These unique feet aren’t webbed like most waterfowl; instead, they’re lobed, which helps the coot navigate both water and land with ease. This unexpected encounter was a delightful way to close out our visit, leaving me with a lasting impression of this quirky, charming bird.
The next visitor to approach us was a ring-necked duck, moving cautiously at first, as if sizing us up. But the moment he spotted the seed, his hesitation vanished, and he eagerly joined in, pecking away with enthusiasm. His colors immediately drew me in—this was no ordinary duck. His sleek black head had a subtle, iridescent purple sheen that caught the light, while a distinct white ring around his bill made him instantly recognizable. Though his namesake—a faint chestnut ring around his neck—was barely visible, the contrasting patterns of black, white, and soft gray across his body were captivating.
As I watched him, I couldn’t help but wonder what brought him to the sanctuary. Ring-necked ducks are often found at marshes and wetlands during migration seasons, using these areas as rest stops before they continue their journey. This sanctuary, with its calm waters and abundant food sources, likely provided a safe haven for him to rest and refuel. Observing him so closely, I felt grateful to witness this moment of quiet pause in his travels, knowing that soon he’d be off again, joining countless other migratory birds on their long journey south. This glimpse into his behavior and beauty was an unexpected gift, leaving me in awe of nature’s intricate cycles and the resilience of these incredible creatures.
As we made our way around the marshes and ponds, we encountered a pintail duck—a true beauty among waterfowl. The male pintail is striking, with an elegant, streamlined body and a long, pointed tail that gives it its name. His coloring was remarkable: a soft, chocolate-brown head that contrasted beautifully with his white neck, which seemed to glow against the more muted colors of the marsh. A distinctive white stripe ran up the side of his neck, adding to his refined appearance. His slate-gray body was accented by delicate black, white, and bronze markings along his wings, making him look both sophisticated and bold.
There’s something especially graceful about the pintail’s silhouette, with his slender, elongated shape gliding effortlessly across the water. Seeing him up close was a reminder of the diversity and subtle beauty in nature, a highlight of our marsh walk that left us marveling at the elegance of these wild places.
Next, we spotted a row of ducks unlike any we’d seen before. Their unusual, wide, spoon-shaped bills immediately caught my attention, almost resembling a platypus more than a typical duck. After checking my field guide, I discovered these were Northern Shovelers.
The males were especially mesmerizing with their vibrant colors. Their heads gleamed with an iridescent green that shifted in the light, set off by their piercing yellow eyes. A bright white chest and rusty-red sides added bold contrast, while black and blue patches along their wings gave them an extra touch of flair. The females, more subtle in their mottled brown, blended perfectly into the marsh surroundings yet had a beauty all their own.
I took my time photographing them from different angles, capturing every detail of their stunning plumage and unique bill shape. As I paused to take a deep breath, I felt a quiet connection with one of the males through my lens. I couldn’t help but wonder what he might think of me, crouched there in fascination. Did he mind that I was taking his photo? Did he have any sense of just how beautiful and remarkable he looked through my eyes? In that moment, with my camera as a bridge between us, I felt a profound appreciation not only for the beauty of the Northern Shoveler but for the simple joy of witnessing such an extraordinary creature up close.
I was smiling as I made my way back to the car, thoroughly worn out after a full day of birding. Just as I reached the parking lot, I spotted a bald eagle perched high in the trees, looking regal and majestic as he observed the world below. I couldn’t believe my luck—one last sighting to end the day on a perfect note. Suddenly, he took off, and I quickly raised my camera, capturing a few in-flight shots.
As he launched into the air, I was struck by the sheer power of his wings. Each beat seemed to propel him effortlessly upward, his broad wings stretching wide with incredible strength and grace. You could feel the raw energy as he climbed higher, every movement deliberate and powerful, designed for precision and endurance. His face held a look of determination, as if he knew exactly where he was headed and what his purpose was in that moment. I wondered where he was going and what he might be thinking as he soared above.
This powerful, final encounter left me with a deep sense of awe and gratitude—a fitting end to a day spent immersed in the wild beauty and strength of these incredible birds.
As we drove away from the sanctuary, our souls filled with joy and awe from the day’s experiences, something in a farmer’s field caught my eye. I quickly pulled over, jumped out of the car, and quietly made my way toward the field, camera in hand. There, I managed to snap a shot of a bird moving through the tall grass. It wasn’t until I got back in the car and reviewed the photo that I realized—I had just captured a pheasant! A pheasant, with its stunning red head and intricate, multicolored plumage, blending beautifully into the rural landscape.
Pheasants are truly a spectacle to behold. The male’s bright red head and iridescent green neck aren’t just for show; these bold colors play a role in attracting mates, signaling strength and health to potential partners. The rest of his plumage is a masterpiece of earthy tones, speckled with gold, bronze, and brown. These colors serve as effective camouflage, helping him blend into his surroundings to evade predators while still standing out when he wants to be noticed. This striking combination of beauty and function felt like nature’s artistry on full display. What are the chances of spotting such a magnificent bird out in the middle of farmland? It was the perfect, unexpected finale to an utterly incredible day, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for every magical moment that nature had gifted us.
As we finally headed home, I couldn’t help but reflect on the magic of the day. This experience was exactly what my soul needed—time immersed in nature, in the wonderful company of my aunt, exploring the world of birds that live so close to us if we only take a moment to pause and notice. Each encounter, from the quiet confidence of the eagles to the playful chickadees and the unexpected pheasant, brought a sense of awe and peace that renewed my spirit and quieted my mind. This day reminded me that beauty, wonder, and solace are all around us, waiting to be found just beyond our backyards.
Some incredible shots and so many varieties of birds in one day!