After staying close to home Saturday, and getting chores done, I wanted to get away for the day. We hadn’t been up to see my dad and Evelyn in a few weeks, so mid-morning yesterday, we headed towards Auburn. It was an off again, on again, weather day. We had the top up, then down, then up again, as we passed under dark clouds for the hour and a half ride. We were nearing Montezuma Wildlife Refuge about noon, when we decided to go ahead and pull in and take the drive.

There were gulls, and shorebirds in the water near the entrance. Ahead of us at the side of the road, George pointed out a great-blue heron. We inched closer, trying to get a good photo, before the vehicle following us drove on around, and scared it off.

It was a good day for herons. We saw several, and they always pose if we give them space.

There were red-winged blackbirds, an Eastern kingbird, a couple of northern flickers, swallows, and ducks along the way. If we had more time, I’m sure we would have spotted more birds.

As we left the main drive and continued back towards the highway, we saw an osprey at the North Spring Pool. There were actually three that we could spot, one at the top of a dead tree, one in the nest, and one preening itself on a log.

I wish I had taken more pictures, but there is always the choice between observing and photographing, and I hate to miss out while I fumble with my camera.