It was a GREAT day for bird watching...

So that's what we did...What a GORGEOUS day! The sun was shining beyond belief, it was amazing - from the moment we woke up.  We knew we wanted to get outside, so we got in the car and headed out to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.  Why do yard work two weekends in a row - when there were gorgeous feathered friends to watch and listen to! 

Needless to say, with all this beauty that surrounded us, we drove up to the refuge where there are two buildings that flank the parking lot - and Owen's first words..."Man, this place looks boring!" - Alrighty then, get on the trail and see what there is! On the trail - Owen was in search of a newt - none to be found, but still it was fun to search.  We got about 1/2 of the way out, and his next phrase of choice..."Come on Mom, don't you want to go back to the museum to learn about birds...I'm tired."  

He eventually got over this as we witnessed Red Tail hawks hunting in a large field, Canadian Geese honking and landing in the marsh - and so many different types of ducks on the water we couldn't count.  We watched birds, people watching birds - and just the wind through the trees in the forest area - the streams going down towards the marsh - where we imagined beavers making their homes and fish swimming (also newts would be there too!)

As we were leaving, Brian was putting the gear away, Owen was getting in his car seat - I was with Elise - and I SWEAR....there was an eagle.  I watched the BIGGEST bird take off from a tree and circle over the marsh several times - by the time I got Brian's attention - he looked - also thought it may be an eagle - but as I ran out of the truck with binoculars in hand - it was gone....where could that bird have gone! I did see an Egret as I searched for the eagle though! I figure it left us with enough anticipation of what could have been - that we will for sure be back for more! Our own bird watching sequel.  

What a fabulous day - Brian and I got some great exercise - Owen had some fun shuffling - and Elise got to growl all through the forest to keep the coyotes away! Ahhh...love it!