Nature – Page 25

April 17, 2022April 16, 2022

Winter Redux

We watched this belted kingfisher plunge headfirst into the river, catch a fish, then eat his catch. Brilliant!

It was 79 degrees and sunny at one point last week. We spent a relaxing day sitting on the banks of the Crooked River getting berated by a pair of Canada Geese.

Then this week … it snowed.

Every morning we woke to a couple of inches of fresh snow. We had to break out the snow shovels and they even plowed streets again.

On the bright side, snowpack in the mountains is closer to normal. However, we didn’t attempt any road trips all week. These morning snows would mostly melt away by late afternoon, at least on the roadways. But it brought our adventures to a standstill.

Central Oregon didn’t have as many problems as some western parts of the state … we didn’t lose power or have a bunch of downed trees. I’m sure the skiers were glad to have the season extended.

We are SO ready to shake off winter and jump into spring.

But still, we are ready for spring to come back. Right now, the forecasted week of rain is actually looking good.

April 3, 2022April 3, 2022

Spring Bugs

Rolling hills in the Deschutes River Canyon are draped in spring green

This week found us on the Lower Deschutes River near Maupin. The river is still running crystal clear, but the fishing was slow. One of the reasons to ply the Deschutes as spring starts, is to see what stage the stonefly and caddis hatches are at.

Starting early spring, I’m picking at the river’s bottom looking for Skwala, Golden and Dark Stonefly Nymphs. As the river temperatures rise, these bugs (order Plecoptera) start their march to the river’s edge. Eventually these aquatic insects climb onto rocks and bushes to transform into large Stoneflies and present excellent dryfly fishing.

The canyon vegetation has started to shift from winter’s dull browns into spring greens. Wildflowers are also starting to emerge. patches of tiny little pink petals, clumps of yellow blossoms from Balsam Arrowroot, as well as buds on the trees and bushes. With new flowers are butterflies and a variety of insects.

Mixed in with all the fresh plant growth were Woolly Bear Caterpillars coming out of winter’s rest.

Folklore has it that a longer black band is a predictor of more severe winter. Not saying we hold to folklore but our caterpillars seem have mostly black. For now these guys are just eating a bit more in preparation for their transformation into Tiger Moths.

Central Oregon is putting on it’s Spring regalia … which we’ll enjoy before the dry summer weather sets in.

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.