Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge

Visiting Stillwater NWR a second time was just as bountiful as the first.  Historically this was a basin collecting water from surrounding mountains forming a giant marsh area.  Wildlife from all over made their way here to raise their young, stop over on migrations, and to find respite in an unforgiving desert surroundings.   Since the 1940s when established, the NWR holds the majority of the water rights to provide habitat for migrating species. (A brief history here)

During the summer, it is a haven for species nesting and raising their young.

Southern Sawtooth National Forest

We arrived in the afternoon and encountered several showers along the way, but Brockman’s Hummingbird feeder area did not disappoint.   20 miles down a dirt road heading into the sky island at the southernmost point of the Sawtooth National Forest, someone placed dozens of hummingbird feeders.  Consequently a great many migrating and nesting species frequent the feeders.  Adding to the show is that hummingbirds are highly territorial, so it’s a massive show watching the humming birds buzz and hum in and out chasing each other while trying to get as much nectar as they can.  At one point I counted nearly 30 humming birds buzzing around our heads. I woke up Kylie for an early morning hike on the Eagle Trail. I made her trudge through the snow.

Snake River

The snake river winds it’s way through Idaho on it’s way to the Missouri then to the Mississippi river.  It cuts deep canyons and wide interruptions of the mix of sage desserts and prairie.  In many occasions Kylie and I were left wondering about dilemmas faced by pioneers as came to wide river crossing or a canyon.

In Twin Falls, once such canyon provided some great opportunities to experience the giant waterfalls flowing from canyon edge into the snake river.

South of Boise in the Morley Nelson Birds of Prey wildlife area there is the highest density of nesting raptors than anywhere else in the USA.  Standing at the edge of the canyon raptors can be seen gliding along the edge or the prairies on either side looking for something yummy to eat. Calls from a variety of raptors can also be heard.  Finding them nestled in the alcoves of the cliffs are much harder to find.

Oregon Outback Revisited

Miles of road through nothing but sage.  However there are some unique pockets worthy of attention.  Just east of the Steen mountains are the salt flats.   While providing a special habitat for many species.  Our species uses it for unique driving experiences.   

Just on the other side of the Steen Mountain is Malhauer Wildlfie Refuge.  This patch of bright green with plenty of water provides a food righ habitat for many species.   There are several ways to experience this refuge.  The last time I was here, it was more into summer and far more dry.  However this time there were more water everywhere.  So I we got to enjoy the Narrows, the reservoir, and most interestingly this time the route from French Glenn north along the Blitzen creek.  There was quite a bit of wildlife to appreciate.

Driving west to the Christmas Valley we decided to brave the long dirt road to the Crack in the ground…which is exactly what is.  A giant crack in the ground two miles long and 50 feet wide. Seventy feet deep.   Although hot, Kylie and I braved the journey anyway.  The first and the second section we were able to climb through together.  However, the third was beyond my pay grade.  Kylie scrambled and climbed down into the depths of the gorge and navigated here way until running in to a difficult area to ascend.  Clearly people doing this journey before had been longer and more experienced.  Kylie tried a variety of techniques, spending almost 30-40 minutes in one section along.  At last she was able to figure out a solution and climbed out.    I was so proud of her problem solving skills and resilience.

Wood Creek Slough is along the northern edge of the upper Klamath wildlife refuge.   It was a special challenge hiking the biking loop, as it had not been maintained. Consequently for a portion of the trip we had to navigate through grasses that were taller than us.  Wanting to see it from a different perspective we Kayaked through the slough to Agency lake.   The cottonwood and willows released their fluff making almost look like we were kayaking on and in snow.