We've had some pretty spectacular days since the snow fell....if you have enough layers on that is, because it has been pretty cold, especially with the outflow winds that whip down the valley here.
this scene sort of sets the mood...
while this gives an indication of the winds we've had - that is dust blowing over the sand bars out where there should be river.
the cold weather has brought the Varied Thrush down from higher elevations. We'd been wondering when they would ever arrive - well they are here now!
over at Harrison Bay....
there are still American Coots, but in not nearly the numbers there were before.
the Bald Eagles are loving the weather. There haven't been as many to see on the ground as they are too busy soaring around over head, the numbers, at times, have even those of us who have been watching this spectacle for 20 years and more, in awe.
there are still a few live Chum Salmon but the numbers are rapidly decreasing.
Killdeer are being seen quite regularly in open areas where there are little springs that keep the water moving. There are 4 of them in this picture.
today the winds died so we went for a walk along the dyke beside the river - what river there is at least!
There is actually a lot of waterfowl along the shores on both sides of the river. The Trumpeter Swans were on the far shore, along with assorted ducks. I can see Mallard, American Wigeon, a few either Scaup or Ring Neck and a lone Bufflehead in this picture.
there was a Belted Kingfisher...
and several Great Blue Heron like this one, perched on various pilings.
spotted this Pileated Woodpecker up in one of the big Cottonwoods as well.
to show how crazy low the water is...this picture is taken from the highway just at the edge of the bridge
there is a lot of activity there....but very little water.
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