Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge

A ride through the “S” unit of Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge, to me, is never a disappointment.

There is a feeling of peace and tranquility, when you stop to think about the history and are aware of the present.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

This photo was taken in February of this year.

One of the most common and widespread warblers.

About the size of a chickadee, with a large head, sturdy bill and long tail. In summer, they are gray with white wing flashes and yellow on the sides, face and rump. Males are more vibrantly colored.

Yellow-headed blackbird

Stunning and unmistakable blackbird. Males are black with a golden-yellow head and white patch on the wing. Females are all dark brown with messy yellow on the head and breast. Not as abundant as the Red-winged Blackbirds out at the refuge.

Least Sandpiper

Tiny brownish sandpiper. At all ages, most easily distinguished from other small sandpipers by darker, more brownish coloration.

Dunlin on left, Least Sandpiper on right. Shows the size is similar.

Long-billed Dowitcher

Plump, medium-sized shorebird with very long bill. Extremely similar to Short-billed Dowitcher, and often flocks with it.

Great Egret

Large, lanky, long-necked white heron.

Great Egret

They can grow to over 4 ft tall and have a wingspan of more than 50 inches. During breeding season, they develop long plumes on their backs and bright green facial skin.

American Bittern catching a bullfrog tadpole.

Bittern tend to be secretive and difficult to see, but occasionally found in the open.

Bittern after his meal. Their movements and slow and methodical.

Wilson’s Snipe

Plump, well-camouflaged shorebird that blends into wet meadows and marshes.

Long bill and short legs.