Modoc National Wildlife Refuge

Henry and I have found that visiting national wildlife refuges along our journeys enhances our experiences.  I am actively searching for nearby refuges along our route.  US HWY 395 goes right by Modoc National Wildlife Refuge and our first looks were from the highway.  A friendly police officer told us about the refuge roads. The next couple of hours were spent driving, stopping, and photographing refuge inhabitants. 

The Modoc Refuge is 7021 acres with wetland, reservoir, riparian, sagebrush-steppe, and cropland habitats.  It is both a migration and staging area for wetland birds during migration and a nesting area for ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, and several species of marsh birds.

The land was owned by the Dorris family from 1870 acquired ruing the U.S. Homestead Act.  In the 1930's they created a reservoir to provide water storage for their ranch.  The family operated the land for 90 years when it was acquired by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission in 1959 and became a National Wildlife Refuge to manage, protect, and produce migratory waterfowl.  Originally 5,360 acres, more land was acquired over time to reach the current 7021 acres. 

Highlights were the Marsh Wren at its nest and the Virginia Rails. 

Much of my photography these days is documentary work - how many of the species I see can I document - even if they are far away.  I am currently using a Canon Powershot SX540 with its 1200mm optical zoom.  Eventually I hope to replace my Nikon P900.  

Western Pond Turtle

Virginia Rail, another life bird for me

Marsh wren with her nest

Canada goose and goslings

The Canada Goose Family

America Avocet

American Coot

Black-billed Magpie

Mr. & Mrs. Northern Shoveler

Mr. & Mrs. Mallard

Red-winged Blackbird

Mr. & Mrs. Gadwall

Cinnamon Teal

Ring-necked Duci

Pied-bill Grebe

Wilson's Phalaropes

Sandhill Crane

Lupines

Wild Teasel