Finally There

Although I grew increasingly concerned by the deteriorating weather as I approached Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, it was difficult not to be impressed by the headquarters itself, particularly by the wildlife that was attracted to the feeders on the grounds.

I think this is the best picture I’ve ever gotten of a California Quail

California Quail

even though I’ve seen them in many different places, including my son’s backyard.

There was a flock of Yellow-Headed Blackbirds, another bird I rarely see,

Yellow-Headed Blackbird

though I’ll never feel quite the same about them after watching them at the feeder.

Unfortunately, by the time I actually got out on the refuge, the weather had turned ominous,

Clouds Darken the Sky

definitely not camera friendly.

Although I was pleased that my camera did as well as it did to capture photos under such adverse conditions it was obvious pictures weren’t going to be as good as I would have hoped they would be.

I’m still amazed the camera captured raindrops like this under such difficult lighting conditions.

Northern Shovelers in the Rain

Unfortunately, things got worse. I missed several beautiful shots after I was caught out in a driving sleet about a half mile from the car. I carefully wiped down the camera and lens when I got back, but it took me several shots to figure out why everything I shot looked like it was taken in a deep fog.

Great Egrets

I finally had to remove the filter and warm up both the lens filter and the lens itself before picture-taking returned to normal.