Going to Ridgefield has become an annual tradition for Nolemana and I. We almost didn’t go today because we knew it’d be raining all day long. But in the end, we decided to go and were glad we did.
I must admit that it was a stressful drive up. Even with the warning signs every few miles, cars were passing me going at least 65 mph. I don’t get the sense of entitlement of their drivers.Christmas tree at the Ilani casino in Ridgefield.The parking lot was very full.
This old house is still standing, but it looks sadder and sadder each time we go by it.
We cross the river into the refuge.
The volunteer at the check-in kiosk was so happy and friendly, and she gave us candy canes as a treat. She said that Christmas Day is her favorite day to volunteer because everyone’s so happy to be there. The rain had slacked off a bit, which we were glad for.
Our first glimpse of the swans. They’re usually not in this area, which is much closer to the road than where we usually see them.
A Hooded Merganser!!!
I was happy to see him and his mate.
Whoo hoo!!
It looks like there’s a young swan there who doesn’t have his mature white feathers yet.
Another young swan!
Canada Geese and Pintail Ducks.
Pintail Duck pair again.
Mid-flap!
We got to see this Egret towards the end of the route.
I was so happy when he decided to walk a bit.Crossing the river on our way out.Before they closed it off and built the new bridge, we used to take Kukui, our Aussie, down here to walk for a bit. Today we saw all these railroad ties.Wonderful old Ridgefield barn.It had started to pour again on I-205… and yep, drivers were still passing going ‘way too fast. I was really tired when we got home, but not from the refuge…it was from being so stressed driving on the freeways. Still yet, I’m glad we made the trip.
Born and raised Hawaiʻi girl who misses home and loves the Pacific Northwest. I’m a free spirit and love the serendipitous events that bring people and places together.
My philosophy about knitting and life in general:
“It is good to have an end to journey toward,but it is the journey that matters in the end.”Ursula K. Le Guin
So many different and cool birds! You’re much better at identifying birds than I am, especially waterfowl. Are those trumpeter swans? That hooded merganser looks like he’s sporting a fancy hairdo. And do you think that’s a great egret or a cattle egret? Reminds me of the egrets back in Hawai`i. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, those are Trumpeter Swans… last time we were there they hadn’t arrived yet. The whole refuge was so dry then! My goal is one day to see the Sandhill Cranes that are there part of the year. The volunteer at the entrance said she’d seen nineteen of them earlier that day, but we didn’t see any.
I think it must be a great egret…dunno if we have cattle egrets here. Now I gotta check!!
A Mānoa Girl's Bloggie 
What a special way to spend part of Christmas Day!
It really was a good way to spend part of the day. Wonderful wildlife, friendly people, and lovely views.
So many different and cool birds! You’re much better at identifying birds than I am, especially waterfowl. Are those trumpeter swans? That hooded merganser looks like he’s sporting a fancy hairdo. And do you think that’s a great egret or a cattle egret? Reminds me of the egrets back in Hawai`i. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, those are Trumpeter Swans… last time we were there they hadn’t arrived yet. The whole refuge was so dry then! My goal is one day to see the Sandhill Cranes that are there part of the year. The volunteer at the entrance said she’d seen nineteen of them earlier that day, but we didn’t see any.
I think it must be a great egret…dunno if we have cattle egrets here. Now I gotta check!!