Posted by Marcy Ugstad on November 21, 2009 at 1:49 AM
While out doing some photography and steelhead fishing on the John Day River today, we spotted a large group of Tundra Swans on a rancher's pond. Although this isn't really a great image, I'll post it to give you an idea of the size of one of the groups. (The whole large pond was covered in swans, ducks and geese). With the high winds and snow showers today, I was surprised to see them out braving the elements!
Marcy
Posted by John Williams on November 26, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Large flocks spend the winter at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge near where I live. One of these days when we have heavy morning fog, I want to catch them with some nice lighting.
Posted by Marcy Ugstad on November 27, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Hi John
I've heard that the Ridgefield NWR is a pretty good one to go visit - but I haven't been there yet. I really like the swans, and even though I see them each summer when I'm working in Alaska, there is something special about seeing them down here in Washington and Oregon. Really graceful and elegant birds.
I hope you will post some photos if you get to go out there! I wish I'd had better lighting for these images, I did like the diagonal line with the birds, but lighting was crummy. Like you, I'd love to get some with great lighting - especially as they are taking off of the water.
Discussion
2 repliesMarcy
I've heard that the Ridgefield NWR is a pretty good one to go visit - but I haven't been there yet. I really like the swans, and even though I see them each summer when I'm working in Alaska, there is something special about seeing them down here in Washington and Oregon. Really graceful and elegant birds.
I hope you will post some photos if you get to go out there! I wish I'd had better lighting for these images, I did like the diagonal line with the birds, but lighting was crummy. Like you, I'd love to get some with great lighting - especially as they are taking off of the water.
Thanks, John
Marcy