by Bruce Sanford
I just returned from eastern Oregon conducting a photo tour of the Malheur region. We had a great group of folks, and we stayed at the Field Station on the refuge. Homey accommodations, with a kitchen, so we were able to cook our meals together, and even watch movies at night.
It was still early in the season, with a variety of weather, including a bit of snow on the second day. But that did not keep us from seeing the wildlife and getting shots. The area had had extreme rainfall the past several months. In fact I have never seen so much water during the last twenty years since I have been visiting the region
The primary attraction at this time of year is the displaying sage grouse. Each morning we got up early, I mean early, 4 AM to drive out to the lek. From the Field Station it took us about 45 minutes to get there. Each day we had a different weather pattern, so the lighting was different. The last morning (Friday) was cold (15°F), but sunny, and with the right angle we had the the best lighting conditions and a cooperative subject.
Here are a few of the hundreds (I mean thousands) of shots we took during this trip. (Love digital!!)
Now this next shot is for mature audience only.
After visiting the lek we then drove around the area to find other subjects.
Cinnamon Teal
Western Meadowlark
These birds are difficult to photograph since they don't let you get close--always flying off before you can get a bead on them. So when you get a good shot it makes you an extremely happy person.
California Quail
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Egret
Sandhill Crane
Even around the Field Station there was plenty of action with ground squirrels, rabbits and lot of different birds.
Grace before meal.
One sunny day the clouds made for great landscapes
Like last year, we timed our visit to the town of Diamond (population 7,
no 5) just right to get shots of the calf branding operation.
We also had one fine dinner at the Frenchglen Hotel.
After the tour, my brother and I headed out for Summer Lake early Saturday morning. We went via Hart Mountain Refuge to get our mandatory antelope shot, then continued on to Summer Lake where we set up camp. Hart Mountain Pronghorn Antelope Refuge is one of my favorite spots in the world, high desert country. I will forever by part of that area.
Warner Mountains at Hart Lake
By the time we arrived at Summer Lake it started raining (again), but the birds were out. We pitch the tent and started taking shots of the Yellow-rumped warblers, which were out catching gnats. Even though there were lots of these birds, trying to get one to pose quietly for more than two seconds was a challenge in patience
And there was a variety of subjects to choose from.
Red-winged Blackbird
Sandhill Pair
White Pelicans
Green-winged Teal
American Avocet
Some kind of sparrow (Savannah?)
Black-crowned Night Heron
I will be doing a similar tour next year, Let me know if you're interested in joining me.
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