The sun returns to Ridgefield NWR

After what seems like an eternity the sun finally came back (for a short time) to the Ridgefield NWR in Ridgefield, WA.

Beautiful shots Dave!

Great set.

Dave, great shots! Any pointers on where in Ridgefield to go? I've never been there!

Well done Dave

Nice shots Dave.

Holy cow, Dave! Nice captures; I haven't been back down to Ridgefield since the gvmt shutdown...going to have to make my way South again.

Scrumhalf wrote in post #16756238
Dave, great shots! Any pointers on where in Ridgefield to go? I've never been there!

There are two areas that make up the refuge, the Carty Unit and River 'S' Unit.

The River S unit is where I normally go. That's an auto tour unit - you have to stay in your car (most of the year). These were taken on that auto route, by far the more animal intense of the two areas. It's not a big loop but there is a daily fee per car (about $4.00 I think). They accept all the national parks passes too.

The Carty Unit is several miles further on through the town of Ridgefield. There are some limited walking trails, ponds, you can walk around along with visiting the Plank House.

http://www.fws.gov/rid​gefieldrefuges/ridgefi​eld/

Nice set. A sunny day just makes you feel so much better. Although cloudy days can produce some amazing pictures!

Titus213 wrote in post #16756569
There are two areas that make up the refuge, the Carty Unit and River 'S' Unit.

The River S unit is where I normally go. That's an auto tour unit - you have to stay in your car (most of the year). These were taken on that auto route, by far the more animal intense of the two areas. It's not a big loop but there is a daily fee per car (about $4.00 I think). They accept all the national parks passes too.

The Carty Unit is several miles further on through the town of Ridgefield. There are some limited walking trails, ponds, you can walk around along with visiting the Plank House.

http://www.fws.gov/rid​gefieldrefuges/ridgefi​eld/

Thanks, Dave! Definitely on my list for spring break when the kids are out of school!

butterfly2937 wrote in post #16756703
Although cloudy days can produce some amazing pictures!

When you live in Oregon, every sunny winter day is cause for celebration!

Titus213 wrote in post #16756569
There are two areas that make up the refuge, the Carty Unit and River 'S' Unit.

The River S unit is where I normally go. That's an auto tour unit - you have to stay in your car (most of the year). These were taken on that auto route, by far the more animal intense of the two areas. It's not a big loop but there is a daily fee per car (about $4.00 I think). They accept all the national parks passes too.

The Carty Unit is several miles further on through the town of Ridgefield. There are some limited walking trails, ponds, you can walk around along with visiting the Plank House.

http://www.fws.gov/rid​gefieldrefuges/ridgefi​eld/

River S is where I've gone on the occasions we've made it down that way. Pretty decent viewing from the vehicle; especially if you have someone else to drive so you can hang out a window and use the car as your blind...

Last time we were down there, some chucklehead had recently released a big, white, fluffy domestic rabbit out by the outhouse. Luckily, there were some park volunteers out there that scooped him up before he disappeared or got nabbed by that guy ^^^

Scrumhalf wrote in post #16756713
Thanks, Dave! Definitely on my list for spring break when the kids are out of school!

When you live in Oregon, every sunny winter day is cause for celebration!

Snydremark wrote in post #16756717
River S is where I've gone on the occasions we've made it down that way. Pretty decent viewing from the vehicle; especially if you have someone else to drive so you can hang out a window and use the car as your blind...

Last time we were down there, some chucklehead had recently released a big, white, fluffy domestic rabbit out by the outhouse. Luckily, there were some park volunteers out there that scooped him up before he disappeared or got nabbed by that guy ^^^

There are dates when I understand you can walk around the loop. About the only place that would be better than the car would be on the backside, in the woods where the owls hang out.

This past year I've noted an increase in the chuckleheads with some vandalism of the outhouse on the back road. Civilization must be encroaching.

Oldjackssparrows wrote in post #16756167
Beautiful shots Dave!

hairy_moth wrote in post #16756231
Great set.

2n10 wrote in post #16756251
Well done Dave

Grizz wrote in post #16756311
Nice shots Dave.

butterfly2937 wrote in post #16756703
Nice set. A sunny day just makes you feel so much better. Although cloudy days can produce some amazing pictures!

Thank you all for looking and commenting.

And yes, a nice cloudy, even light rainy day can get some great shots of wildlife.

Lovely set Dave.