Nature – Page 19

February 20, 2022February 20, 2022

Always an Eye on the Weather

Spring-like weather continues … although, this week was pretty low key. We had an appointment with our tax person, which required time collecting papers. the house was in need of some above ‘regular’ cleaning, and there were a couple of canning projects.

We did make it out to the stream late in the week. Didn’t fish, just set up chairs along the bank, had a picnic and watched wildlife.

JQ took some photos and I got in some drone practice. In all … a very mellow week.

This winter started out with above average snows and raised local’s hopes for some drought relief.

Unfortunately, reservoirs are at record low levels, to the point that even an average snow pack won’t be enough. It would, however, have gone a long way toward easing Central Oregon’s water crisis.

Well, this past December was followed by a record dry January. We went from a hundred and ten percent snow pack to eighty-five and relief isn’t in the forecast.

Basalt-lined canyon along the Crooked River

We take advantage of sunny days, but keep in mind that the rivers we enjoy and the creatures living in and around them, are going to suffer.

So as we take in a mild winter day, with fingers crossed. we wish for a few more wet weather fronts to roll in before winters end.

February 13, 2022February 12, 2022

What Winter?

Willow thickets line the edge of the river

Robins generally live for two years in the wild.

Had to look at the calendar a couple of times this week just to remind ourselves what month it is. Spring-like weather makes it feel more like April than February.

Not complaining … it’s been great to go around in a hoodie or light jacket. But we also know that Central Oregon is notorious for false springs. We are still ready for the late February snow dump.

This week, once again, we headed to the Crooked River. Flocks of robins, acting more like swarms of swifts, swirl off the rocks at streams edge into trees or bushes and then back.

The thrum of hundreds of wingbeats fill the air

We noticed groups gathering late last year, but they didn’t leave.

Robins are the most numerous bird in North America. They are commonly associated with spring, when they move north, pair up and seek out breeding sites.

A group of robins is often referred to as a “Round” of robins … but are also called a Breast, Blush, Rabble, Bobbin, Red, Squabble, Rash, Hood, Reliant and a Riot.

In spring (real Spring), robins become territorial pairs, but in the winter they form flocks and typically migrate south to less hostile country. This year that southern move hasn’t happened. The flocking robins are staying in the northern states.

While the bird is common, it’s not been subject to study, so we don’t know why they are sticking around. They just are and it makes for some interesting birding along the river.

Light reflects off fluttering wings creating a rainbow of colors

We were lucky to see raptors as well. This is perfect habitat for bald eagles who are known to winter within the Crooked River canyon and ospreys … high vertical cliffs, wide slopes and riparian meadows.

The Crooked River winds its way through rugged canyons

Harsh winter light glints off bird wings

Fishing hasn’t been all that good but the nice weather makes for great picnics. The camp and day use sites are relatively empty, giving the place all to ourselves.

Daylight is still a limited resource and that is made even worse in the canyon. Steep basalt walls start to block the sun off the river in early afternoon. However, the eastern bank stays in sun until mid-afternoon plenty of time to enjoy the day.

February 6, 2022February 6, 2022

Winter Fishing

Winter light plays through the trees and across the Lower Deschutes River

One of the perks to living in Central Oregon is that fishing is always ‘in season’. Anytime the sun shines we can find a stream to fish and that’s just what we did this week.

A part of these expeditions is a fly shop visit. There are purchases made, but more often it’s to ask for a good fly choice. The Deschutes Angler in Maupin is a regular stop. For starters the selection of tying materials dwarfs anything available in the Bend area. In the end, their understanding of Lower Deschutes fishing saves hours of trial and error … mostly error.

Winter fishing starts with a change to the vest fly box. Warm weather was tufts of floaty feathers and fur. As cold days settle in these lures get set aside for spiked, leggy imitations of aquatic invertebrates. We fish mostly weighted hooks and minimal dressings designed to get down in the water column at the active feeding level.

This week we made the drive to Maupin and the Lower Deschutes. We enjoyed a mild sunny day along the river. The canyon was still in winter colors with only a smattering of green along the river’s edge. Fishing this river is always a challenge. Warmed by the afternoon sun, and with no harsh winter wind, standing knee deep and casting a line was enough.

January 30, 2022January 29, 2022

A Spring-like Day at Summer Lake

The sun shone and the temperatures warmed … seemed like the perfect time to make a trip to Summer Lake. There is still some snow banked along the Fremont Highway, but the roads were clear. The same icy fog banks that we encountered last week hung over some of the valley around Fort Rock. Once we crested Picture Rock pass and started down into the Summer Lake Valley it was all sunshine.

These guys seem to be permanent residents

Winter is also hunting season, so we don’t expect to see a lot of bird activity. There are plenty of ducks and geese but not in the ponds around the campgrounds. Canals and marshes have filled up so there is plenty of water, most of the still pools are crusted with ice.

We hiked along a dike to get closer to a pair of swans and watched a few raptors sail over head. The real reason for a winter photo excursion to Summer Lake is the contrast a cover of snow gives to the cliffs that line the valley.

Reeds and grasses along the water ways give the foreground tones of caramel, ochre and brown. The snow-covered rocks of Freemont Ridge make the perfect transition to the blue skies. On a still day these are also reflected across the water surfaces.

The lack of any wind and the sun made for a comfortable day of walking the wildlife refuge’s paths. It’s still a few months before the migration brings flocks of birds to the space, but for now we can find plenty of other subjects for the lens of our cameras.

January 16, 2022January 16, 2022

Picnic in January

This week we had a picnic lunch. That’s not unusual, for us, but we’ve been holed up inside for so long it was a really nice break. The winter weather we’ve been posting about faded, as did the snow banks.

It was JQ’s birthday, we packed a lunch and headed up the Crooked River. Occasionaly we take a thermos with lunch or heat something on the cook stove. This day it was cold leftovers and slices of apple. There is always hot cocoa, mocha or coffee, often with a splash of whisky or brandy being added to warm the meal.

There wasn’t much of a break from the overcast sky or gusty winter wind. We’re layered up but still we don’t linger at the table for long. Tip has his own food but devours it quickly and then spends his time nosing around the table for shares. Guess this wouldn’t work if it wasn’t successful.

There are an abundance of robins this winter.

Winter fishing is pretty much just a wade and cast session. Even in the bitter winds of January, standing in a stream clears your head. A break in winter with a hint of spring-like days will mean more trips in the coming weeks. This will be a welcome change to our recent home routine.