Swallows and Ducks at Crystal Springs

The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens are really my favorite place in Portland. I got to introduce a new friend to the area, which is always fun since everyone enjoys it. Where else can you be greeted with so much wildlife and flowers and trees in such a small area? I was surprised to see a family of barn swallows concentrated in a tree. They are so adorable. Of course there were ducks, still some ducklings and flowers as well. Anytime of the year you will find something unique and delightful to see here!

Another Visit to Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge

I have a love/hate relationship with wildlife refuges. I love all the wildlife I see on them, but I hate the fact that they allow hunting some times of the year. Not much of a refuge, huh!? Driving through Ridgefield you always see wildlife on the ground, in the trees, on the water and up above soaring through the sky. In the fall, these visions are interrupted by gunshots which make the visit not so peaceful at all. Although fall is the best time of year to see swans and migrating water birds, any time of year is a good time to visit.



Unless you want to walk around and the mosquitoes are out for revenge, which is what I experienced this go around. I did not get to walk on the trails and explore more outdoors and potential wildlife sighting since just a couple minutes out of the car I was surrounded by the nasty biters. I am so susceptible to their bites and they seem to love me, so I ran back to the car and hope to try again later this summer. Luckily, I did still get some great photos. I need to practice for the photo contest, but looking at past winners, I not only need more practice, but a better lens as well. Regardless of any missed photo opportunities or disturbing noises in the background, this place is a great place to visit.

The first wildlife sighting of the day and the first racoon I've seen at Ridgefield.

Red-winged Black Birds on common along wetlands and their songs are always pretty to hear.

A Great Blue Heron was spotted on the road by my friend in her rear view mirror. What a huge heron as well!

Obviously I got a little intrigued by the caterpillars that were hanging all over some plants along a little waterway...

A Snowy Egret in Rodeo Lagoon

I spotted the snowy egret across the lagoon and walked across a bridge to get onto the beach side of it. I was on a mission, although my friend did not know. I was not sure if I could get close to the bird, but as I could finally see him from the beach and slowly approached, he did not fly away. I actually got quite close while he combed the shore for fish. He did eventually fly, but not too far and without my opposing it, since that is when I got my best picture. Thank you egret!

Marine Mammal Center Visit

Visiting the Marine Mammal Center has become a must-do when I travel to visit a friend in San Francisco. I love the work they do rehabilitating the various seals and seal lions and the educated volunteers that are always available to answer any question you may have.

On my most recent visit, there were mostly young elephant seals in view who have weaned off their mother's milk, but could not find food on the shallow coastline. Looks like over-fishing and other changes to the world's oceans are causing many problems for these animals, and many others all over the world. You can see that these young seals have a lot of skin to still grow into.

If you ever are around the San Francisco/Sausalito area, I recommend a visit for yourself. Otherwise, enjoy the pictures from mine.

Images from my parent's house

My most personal of flowers is this little rose bush which blooms small roses that are not as well respected. This rose bush grew for a small garden I had as a child and didn’t have success at planting anything. I am not sure why this rose bush grew there, but it became the centerpiece of a pet graveyard. I had many small pets growing up, so I dug around it more often than I liked saying goodbye to short lived loved ones.


There are lots of various flowers growing around my parent’s yard which is along the Columbia River.

My father has a family background in Iris growing and so has become obsessed. I feel that it being a family flower so to speak, I should like them more, but they are kind of hard to photograph. My mom requested I take a picture of the blue iris, even though it was not her favorite, but to show off the different blues.

Hummingbirds fly by often looking for something sweet to drink. During the busy season, by dad restocks the feeders once or twice a day. And there are three on sight.

San Juan Island Adventures

San Juan Island is a 4 hour drive north from Portland, and about an hour ferry ride to the island. The fun begins at the ferry terminal where wildlife galore inhabits. There was about an hour wait at the ferry terminal and in that time I combed the beaches for crabs hiding under rocks, witnessed an array of blue heron activity and eagles soaring above.


All along the terminal structure were nests full of half-grown cormorants and one nest of baby seagulls. The baby sea gulls were quite adorable. The baby cormorants were not “cute” per se, but they were fascinating and as we waited to dock, my camera kept rolling.


While on San Juan Island, even more wildlife delighted. There were these little foxes that came our eerily at night scouring for food around the humans. These little foxes came in all sorts of colors, looking like a dark calico cat variety.


Eagles were often seen either flying overhead or sitting in wait at the top of a tree. This is good eagle country, since it is also good fish waters. That is why the orca whales swim around the islands and surrounding area. They are on the hunt for one type of fish, salmon. These are resident orcas that are not interested in seals, but have a very distinct food craving, which is why restoring the ecosystem is so important to this amazing creature.


Sometimes there are fun surprises on the island as well. While enjoying the sunset one night, a mystery man started to play a magical instrument on the mountain side which made for a uniquely gorgeous sunset.


When I first visited the island, I went kayaking with --- and was lucky enough to actually have a pod of orcas swim by us not only once, but twice. I was within 5 feet of one who was swimming underneath me and I could see her white belly. One picture I took was evaluated to identify "Granny" by her dorsal fin and saddle patch who is over 90 years old.


Not much further another orcas breached in the water. Slick was identified by her dorsal fin and saddle patch as well. Mostly the orcas were just swimming by, but it was the most amazing experience of my life.


There is one campground on the island that has a beautiful view of the water, sunsets and possibly an orca swimming by. There is also a host of places to stay and for my first visit to the island I stayed at Juniper Lane Guest House that was wonderfully located, run by super nice people and reasonably priced. I hope to visit the island again since I am addicted to the orcas, eagles and beautiful scenery. I highly recommend kayaking, visiting The Whale Museum, and sitting at Lime Kiln Point State Park waiting for the possibility of orcas going by. Oh, and San Juan Island is also the home of Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center which provides second chances for the critters of the island.


There are certain laws about boats to protect the local orca pods. Unfortunately some people are too selfish about a close encounter than actually caring about the animals themselves. I witnessed this boat be extremely inappropriate by getting in the path of a traveling orca. I attempted to contact someone to do something, but cell reception in my location did not allow me to get a hold of anyone. Part of appreciating and enjoying San Juan Island is to respect nature, not behaving like this boat did.

The Magical Healing Power of Nature

The other day I left my biology class upset after someone made an inappropriate joke that unintentionally targeted me. I got into my car and blasted some angry rap music and drove off a little fast, since of course all of that will make me feel better. Or not. As I drove down the road, I noticed the sun was still shinning and I was about to pass a waterway filled with ducks and geese. I made a last minute decision to turn into the park and take a minute to unwind.

Me feeding ducks at a local park.

As I got out of my car, I was instantly greeted by the setting sun. The golden rays instantly melted away some of my distress. I walked down a pathway along the water and large African geese came up to me talking up a storm, asking for food. They cracked me up and I laughed out loud and told them I had nothing for them but they were adorable. I took a moment to inspect the intricate patterns of their feathers, the colors of their beak, the design of their webbed feet.

A ruddy duck was a great surprise visiting a local park.

Ducks started to quack their way over to me, expecting food. They would then leave after awhile after they discovered I was empty handed. You can tell these little critters are well treated by the community. And they reward people in ways you would not think of.

A family of young rats delighted me with their curiosity.

When I left, I had a smile on my face. This urban wildlife and natural area healed me in ways a conversation with a good friend, or loud angry music could not. They infused me with some peace, tranquility and happiness just by existing and distracting me and reminding me of the splendor in the world. I’ve seen this many times before with myself. I’ll go on a walk, frustrated from something, and a squirrel will unexpectedly pop up, or a unique bird like a kestrel will fly by or some crows will impress me with their intelligence. Suddenly all the bad thoughts in my head will disappear and I will be thinking, “how cute” or “wow” or nothing at all since my head is filled with awe.

I named this little spider Spike. I discovered him on a walk while camping east of The Dalles. His eyes and tiny body amazed me and I fell in love.

This is why I love nature and animals and appreciate what they provide for me without ever asking. This is why it is important to capture this beauty in photographs, protect animals with education and be environmentally conscious in every day life. I appreciate the magic of the natural world and want to share that with everyone.

Northern Pintails swim in some water found in the Columbia Whitetail Deer Wildlife Refuge in Washington.