I don't usually visit National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) in the Spring or Summer because I like to go when the migration is happening. But I got word that Sandhill Cranes nest at Modoc and wanted to see if I could get some baby chick pictures.
Spoiler Alert: I couldn't.
But it was a beautiful experience anyway and I did, in fact, get some baby pictures...just not of chicks. lol I got there later than I intended and that may have figured in to my lack of Crane chicks. When I arrived mid-morning, it was already starting to get hot and there were a LOT of people on the Refuge.
Apparently Modoc is one of the refuges that allows people to walk and bike ride on the auto trail during the summer months. I even saw a couple walking their dogs along the trail which, as you can imagine, probably doesn't bode well for wildlife to be out and about.
So I got a lot of cool "landscape" photos. :-)
To my happiness, there were birds and mammals around even though it conditions weren't exactly the best.
Various Ducks, Egrets, Gulls galore! And even Pelicans and Terns!
Even though Spring had passed, there were beautiful flowers blooming as well.
So many Gulls! But if you look closely, you will see a few black-headed Terns in the mix along with some Black-Necked Stilts.
And turtles!!!
Deer oh deer! I saw LOTS of deer!
Technically, this isn't on the Refuge, but it is on the road just before getting to Highway 395. I couldn't believe these two guys with their fuzzy antlers were just standing there looking at me. They didn't move even while I turned around to get a better position. Thanks mon bebes!
Next post will have the closeups and more birds and animals that I encountered. Some very adorable and unexpected!! Stay tuned!
xoxo
Tamron Nikon Mount 150-600 F5-6.3 DiVC (handheld)
