Back on the Crooked River again this week. Fishing is getting good and the weather is perfect for a day of sitting along the stream.
American Kestrel (adult male), this small falcon is rusty above with slate-blue wings and two black slashes on the face.
In June the kestrals show up and we may have discovered a nest site,
Though it’s on the back side of an old snag . . . on the opposite side of the river . . . making it difficult to confirm.
Kestrels typically hunt ground prey like small mammals, lizards and large insects.
There was a lizard exchange that first drew our attention to the fact that this pair of kestrels might not be just using the tree as a feeding station.
Northern Flicker (juvenile) is larger than most woodpeckers in Oregon.
Next time we visit, I’ll wade the stream and get a better angle.
Northern Flicker
Mourning Dove
For now, we will be content with images of summer blooms, a young flicker and mourning dove also enjoying the water.
Of course, there are some pix of fishing and Tip keeping watch.
The week offered a mixed bag of weather, starting with some warm sunny days and ending with overcast and even snow flurries.
We took advantage of any nice days with time on the river.
The snow has disappeared at lower elevations, but stream levels are still low and it’s possible to get in some fishing. We stopped at a favorite day use area to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Later in the week, clouds moved in and temperatures dropped, bringing a short-lived dusting of snow.
We retreated to the kitchen and turned some of last summer’s fruit into jelly.
The days are getting longer so we expect there will be way fewer impediments to our travels.
In the meantime. we’ll finish up the last of winter’s chores.
We continue to enjoy a perfect fall. The few days of rain are offset by clear skies. Morning temperatures start around freezing, but by afternoon we’re flannel shirt comfortable.
One never knows when the winter snows will slow travel, so we are living in the now.
Mornings, recently, have started with a shroud of fog. Pine trees are glazed in frost, but our morning drive is not hampered by black ice.
Parked at a favorite spot
This week we were back on the Crooked River. There are a lot less people on the river as the weather gets colder. Our favorite picnic site is usually empty . . . the whole camp ground . . . the entire day!
Waiting for the rod to get strung
Last year the Crooked was drawn down to dangerous levels and while it has taken nearly the entire season, good stream conditions have returned, as have the fish.
He knows a good spot to start
From here Tip can keep an eye on everyone
This time of year conditions are perfect for the Euro-nymph rig. With each progressive season, I get better at choosing the right patterns, as well as presentation. I had a very productive morning.
Afternoon sun on the river … perfect day
By noon the gray sky had shifted to blue and the sun offered a bit of warmth. Not camp chairs on the bank warm, but not mittens and down vest cold. A dram of spirits in a fresh cup of coffee pushed the rest of the chill from our bones.
Jacqueline prowled the riparian for photo ops, I broke down the rod, and we headed to Prineville to share a Tastee Treat Cheeseburger for dinner.
By week’s end clouds moved into Central Oregon, daytime temperatures stayed in the seventies, and there was a chill to the morning’s air. Summer has come to an end.
There are still wildfires raging to the north and plumes of smoke continue to move over us. However, spurts of rain and cooler weather will aid in their demise.
Keeping watch
Amid shifting forecasts we’ve managed to find spaces with smoke-free air and blue skies. This week one of those excursions was to the Crooked River Canyon.
Regardless of location, fishing gets better as summer turns to fall. There are fewer people along the river and it is no struggle to locate shade and stave off the scorching summer sun.
Flicker
Magpie
What’s not to like about the Fall?
As mentioned here before, the winter migration has started bringing with it more birds to the canyon.
Camouflage for Yellow Butterfly
River’s edge may still hold the last of summer’s green and buzz with insect life but just a few paces up the bank a season’s heat has taken its toll.
It won’t be long now for frosts to push the green out of the willow’s leaves and spread warm tones of brown down to river’s edge.
We start the day with puffy vests and hoodies braced against the brisk morning air.
Fall color advancing on the riparian
Waders have again become required kit for fishing. But there’s still enough energy in the mid-day sun to warm you out of those top layers.
The view from our lunch spot
It’s inevitable that September will shift into October and our lunches will be accompanied by hot cocoa and a splash of whiskey. All too soon this pleasant Fall weather will get pushed out by winter’s chill.
A favorite perch
Until snow blankets the roads, we’re getting in as much outdoor time as possible. We favor this time of year.
We retreated to the kitchen and turned some of last summer’s fruit into jelly.
