On a Short Trip

A week ago, we made a short trip to Sauvie Island in Northern Oregon.  Since the airport is near, we often saw an airplane instead of a real bird.  They were a Delta Airlines, an Alaska Airlines, and a Southwest Airlines.  The Southwest was bright and clear against the sky.

The first day, we saw a dozen American White Pelicans, flying together with a couple of Sandhill Cranes far away.

"The summer is back today."

We spent a night at a nearby town and returned to the refuge in the morning for the better bird watching.  Soon, a couple of the Pelicans flew right over us.  First they were too close to have a clear photo.  So I adjusted the lens length for a better photo.

"We are in the Wildlife Refuge, so we are safe here."

Red Patch on the Head

Today was so beautiful that we decided to go a little bit of distance to visit a nearby island.   Towards north, Mt. St. Helen stood with a dignified look with the deep blue sky in the background.

Local news said there were many Sandhill Cranes stopped over at the island during their migration.  Out there in the fields,  we heard many of them but nowhere to be seen.   Instead, a wave after wave of Canada Geese flew by in formation.  Can you see these dots (geese) floating in the sky?

Here is a photo of the geese to identify.

Lo and behold, a couple of birds, not a part of  the big flocks appeared. These birds, when I checked at home, turned out to be Sandhill Cranes in flight!!

"I am a bit bigger than a goose and called  "Sandhill Crane."   

Did you notice my red patch on the head?"