From the Contact Station

Whether to Weather the Weather

There are so many reasons people visit Ridgefield NWR. The list is long: birding, wildlife watching, plant exploration, beautiful scenery, photography, painting, peace and quiet, walking, and cultural history. No matter how many reasons you have, someone can always add to the list. One of the things I very much enjoy at the contact station is watching the weather and its influence on the refuge. Not everyone likes all the weather, some only visit certain times of the year. But I find weather fascinating no matter the season. The sweeping views on the refuge enhance observation of the changes in the weather, whether it is seasonal or across an afternoon.

Rain is probably the most interesting. Often the clouds form and approach from the south or southwest. With our 360-window view, we can watch waves of weather moving in from Oregon onto the refuge. Sometimes, rain-laden clouds veer off toward Battle Ground, which gets the downpour, while the contact station stays dry. When storms move over us, the birds seem to take cover in advance. It can be momentarily quiet until rain hits the roof. Fast moving storms are a wonder to watch with their following sun breaks and rainbows. I can look south to see sun making the grasses and trees glow after the rain; then look north to the foreboding clouds of coal gray we just experienced.

Winds can be welcomed or not. I mostly notice them coming in from the north or northwest. Probably because it is that side of the contact station where I have the window open the most. A summer breeze can be very welcome; well, except for the dust. Nature’s air-conditioning is always nice. But the winter chills provide exercise as I constantly open and close the window to talk to visitors. A few years ago, I had a delightful time watching Bald Eagles in the wind. They were on the ground in the fields north of the contact station. I counted at least a dozen in a range of ages.  It was a very, very windy day. They looked like they were jumping up and down. They couldn’t get lift off; it was like trying to hold a cardboard sign in the wind. The gusty wind kept knocking them back to the ground. Have you watched how some of the big raptors will be still in a headwind? Although some, as the Kestrel or the Rough-Legged Hawk, will hover anytime; a Red-tail in a headwind will be almost still in the air. Turkey Vultures rock in even a soft wind. A good blow will have many birds zipping by whether they want to or not.

Early morning fog brings in grays, pinks, and purples as the sun rises. You never know what may be revealed as it begins to lift away from the fields.

I always like to pay close attention after “weather” passes through. Everyone seems to emerge; both visitors and wildlife. Birds need to get back to hunting for food. Photographers are looking for the right light. Birders are hopeful for an unusual sighting. It’s almost like everyone is stretching their wings, real or metaphorically. Have you noticed how the birds will perch with wings and tails spread after a good rain? They often look bedraggled with their wet feathers. Red-tailed hawks have a bulky triangular outline viewed from the back. Sometimes eagles will do the same. Soggy, clumped feathers aren’t good for flying.

Snow can be beautiful on the refuge. My one caution is to make sure you have a car that can get you back up the hill. Although tow companies will mostly respond to a distress call if you get stuck, not all of them will come down our road when they see it. Last year, we had snow in the middle of the day which just coated the refuge. There were very few visitors and by the time I closed, most were gone. I decided to do a round and was delighted to have the refuge all to myself. The beauty of fresh snow everywhere and no tire tracks was outstanding. There is a quiet to snow as it falls. It is so peaceful.

As winter settles in and temperatures drop, we see the ponds freeze over. Some water birds can keep a few patches of water open with their movement. Hungry raptors, especially the eagles, take advantage of weakened birds concentrating in these small areas. Eagles will often just pick off a coot or duck and have their meal on the frozen pond. Then there are the sliders; ducks and geese coming in for a landing, which make for a bit of humor. Although, I think the birds are better at balance on a slick surface than we are.

And then there are those days of perfect weather. Refreshing. To me, every day on the refuge is a good weather day. I may be watching the clouds, smelling the breezes, observing the changes in colors, or watching wildlife behavior responding to what mother nature has in mind for each day. Every part of the refuge responds to the movement of weather through it. Yes, watching weather on the refuge is something else I like to do.

-Susan Setterberg, Contact Station Volunteer and Board Past President

Wet Red-tailed Hawk Photo: Priscila Martins
Other Photos: Susan Setterberg