On January 23, 2024, I took a day off from work and went back to the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. As I reported on my previous post about that area, I had been greeted with intense fog the first time around.
Nestled inside Northern California’s Central Valley lies a haven that plays a pivotal role in the survival and sustenance of countless migratory birds—the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex (SNWR). Spanning over 10,000 acres, this refuge serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway, welcoming flocks of waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors throughout the year. One of the units of the complex is the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area (GLWA).
Encompassing an expansive area, the GLWA spans over 9,100 acres, providing a crucial sanctuary for a diverse range of migratory birds. Nestled within the Pacific Flyway, one of North America’s major migratory routes, Gray Lodge plays a pivotal role in supporting the journey of countless waterfowl and shorebirds. Its expansive wetlands, seasonal marshes, and riparian habitats create a rich mosaic that attracts an array of avian species. The area is not only renowned for its sheer size but is also recognized for its importance as a resting and feeding ground during the birds’ long journeys.
The FEATURED IMAGE
When the sunset hours approach, waterfowl become agitated and tend to fly out in numbers. Next to the exit of the auto-tour, there is a trail from which we can walk and photograph this incredible phenomenon against the sight of the Sutter Buttes.
The FEATURED IMAGE ( f/5.6, 1/2000 ISO 360 @210mm), repeated below for convenience, portrays snow geese flying against the mountain background, in the sunset.
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End of the waterfowl migration season
I enjoyed photographing the waterfowl migration at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge this season. Most birds are now gone, as the spring in the Northern hemisphere fast approaches. The rangers told me that this year there were fewer flocks than usual, and they attribute this to a mild Northern winter this year. Regardless of how many birds there were here, it was plenty for me: I was fortunate to acquire a few photographs for my collection of images from California’s Central Valley, and had a great time trying something new. I highly recommend visiting these areas in the winter, and I still can hear the birds in the background when I remember my time in the preserves.
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Wall Art landscapes and miscellaneous
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It is all about the light 
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