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
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,
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,
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.
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.
I finally had to remove the filter and warm up both the lens filter and the lens itself before picture-taking returned to normal.
loren i love that shot across the open spaces to the hills! wow. steven
We saw a large flock of Yellow Head Blackbirds on the Coeur d’Alene bike trail a couple of years ago. I instinctively knew it was a rarity but of course had no camera at the time. Glad you posted your photo of them.