Thank you for visiting my Wild Places! I will share with you my photography from locations near and far, but I’d like to take you into the wild places a little further by bringing your attention to what issues these areas, or maybe the wildlife in particular, may be facing.
Recent Posts
Challenges of a Juvenile Osprey
Learning to fly is hard work. Especially when faced with natural and non-natural obstacles. The osprey nest I have been watching since the spring has already gone through the loss of its first clutch and the rebuilding of their nest. The second clutch has been successful with the mating pair having 1 offspring. He’s grown … Continue reading Challenges of a Juvenile Osprey
Big and Blue
Blue whales (Balaenoptera musclus) are the largest animals on earth, measuring up to 100 feet (30 m) in length. Their slow movements made them easy targets for whalers and they became dangerously close to becoming extinct. Even though the Endangered Species Act (1973) and the Marine Mammal Protect Act (1972) were established, commercial whaling wasn’t outlawed until 1986. Whales still face … Continue reading Big and Blue
Summer at the wildlife refuge
McNary Wildlife Refuge supports a diverse abundance of wildlife throughout the year. At first glance, early summer seems to be a quiet time. Driving past the two large ponds that lie on either side of Lake Road, only a handful of ducks could be seen. Compare this to winter when migrating water fowl come in such large numbers, … Continue reading Summer at the wildlife refuge
Amon Creek Nature Preserve
Amon Creek Nature Preserve (ACNP) is a wild place that’s practically in my backyard. Near the end of Leslie Road in Richland, ACNP is a narrow natural wetland habitat which supports much aquatic life and is linked to the lower end of the Yakima River. Along the wetland edges are trees and shrubs that form … Continue reading Amon Creek Nature Preserve