Monday, March 29, 2010

Long-billed Curlews

We saw this migrating flock of shorebirds in a farm field just south of Soap Lake on highway 17 as we returned from the Sandhill Crane Festival. They were all foraging or resting.

Long-billed Curlews


Long-billed Curlews


Long-billed Curlews


Long-billed Curlews


Long-billed Curlews


Long-billed Curlews


Long-billed Curlews

Sandhill Cranes at the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival

Sandhill Cranes migrate through central Washington each Spring and Fall. Large numbers congregate along the Royal Slope area, feeding on spent corn in the irrigated ag fields. The small community of Othello celebrates these magnificent birds with a festival each March.

Cranes at the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival


Cranes at the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival


Cranes at the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival


Cranes at the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival


Cranes at the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival


Cranes at the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival


Cranes at the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival

Friday, March 26, 2010

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

An old abandoned ranch in the Methow

This ranch was sold to the state for mule deer habitat and now the old buildings and fences and farm fields are deteriorating and going away.

Lichen and old paint
an abandoned ranch in the Methow


An organizer
an abandoned ranch in the Methow


Pine needles caught up in chicken wire
an abandoned ranch in the Methow


An old heater
an abandoned ranch in the Methow


It says something about not allowing it to freeze
an abandoned ranch in the Methow


I love this door
an abandoned ranch in the Methow


It's for you
an abandoned ranch in the Methow


What is solubor?
an abandoned ranch in the Methow


Don't forget to wash your hands
an abandoned ranch in the Methow

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Early Spring Walk

We walked in the hills above the Methow with our dogs and friends from near and far one day last week. We saw the early Buttercups - the first wildflowers of the year for me - and explored an abandoned house.
buttercup


Looking west
ken and don and the dogs


The view down valley
mary w


old curtains


old paint


Sagebrush seeds
sagebrush seeds