Summer Residents

With the temperatures bouncing around in the triple digits during the summer, the refuge feels deserted. Most of the water has disappeared, but luckily, a few birds have stuck around to nest in the permanent ponds. 

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

Spotting my favorite, a Great Blue Heron, along the auto tour brings a smile to my face, no matter how excruciatingly hot it is here in the valley! 

 Black Phoebes are still in abundance...

And there are more doves than ever, hanging out on perches overhead. I love the pretty blue ring around their eyes.

And not every refuge resident has wings! The Desert Cottontail makes me think of springtime and cooler days.

Tomorrow we're off to the Colusa NWR!