A few miles south of our capitol, Salem, are the bird-rich wetlands of the Ankeny Bottom. Due to an elevated boardwalks, we were able to walk through marshy forests to view the habitants and keep our feet dry. This area was first established in the 1960s to provide a home for the dusky Canada goose. They spend their summers in Alaska and winter in Oregon.
To allow visitors to see waterfowl activity, without being seen, there are bird-watching blinds built along the walkways. While there, we heard a cacaphony of sound, and turning around saw the sky darkened by geese. This refuge is home to geese, herons, ducks, sparrows, redwing blackbirds and an occasional bald eagle.
These bird-watching blinds have "peep" holes that can be covered and uncovered to watch the avian comings and goings. In the soft rays of sunset, Carol is watching a flock of ducks feeding in the distance.