ONLY A FEW ---

It is the height of summer and not many birds are on the wing. Mating season is long over and the young (mostly) raised. As the wetlands recede, only a few stand by.

For example, this egret, standing alone in a distant, shallow pond --

And this Mama Duck and her late, late babies, swimming on a very shallow Columbia River ---

There are other ducks as well . These guys are fleeing at the silent (really, she was completely silent) approach of our German Shepherd.

While far in the distance this heron wades in an oh-so-shallow pond.

Only upon looking closely can we see the reflection of his eyes ---

The rains will come and the wetlands will burgeon with birds in transit. But for now, it is the sanctuary of a few faithful residents.