BirdFest 2008

The beginning of a big weekend....and woolly bear encounters.

Folks came down early to visit and join Alexis, Greer and I at Bird Fest up in Ridgefield, Washington. The Ridgefield downtown area transforms yearly into a mecca for bird lovers and bluegrass music fans. Kids busy themselves under the activity tent - cutting out paper owls and getting face painted feathers. People wander from the Lions Club hot dog table - and visit the many bird and nature-themed booths within the community center.

Greer mouthed a hamburger - and wanted to see the real deal. The other half of the day was pursuing just that notion. A relaxed drive through the south unit of the preserve.

From the car you could see hawks, herons, geese and ducks by the number. Despite the influx of traffic, it was quite a sight for all of us.

Along the way, we pulled over at a bird blind - and Greer encountered a big, woolly-bear caterpillar. In fact, there was no way you could avoid them...they were everywhere on the trail and Greer wanted to take every one of them home.

----------------- haiku

Blue Heron fishing tadpoles. Canada geese fly.
A hawk sits on a bare branch. Ducks call on the pond.