Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge’s diverse nature on full display
A Columbian white-tailed doe runs away from a buck at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Visitors to the refuge this time of year have to keep a sharp eye to their surroundings and the road ahead as deer can dart out from anywhere while on the chase.
Photo by Cade Barker
Short-eared owls have returned to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The migrational owl species is a sight to see and draws large crowds of bird enthusiasts during the evenings at the River "S" Unit of the refuge. Photographed Nov. 14.
Photo by Cade Barker
A Pied-billed grebe begins its take off in a slough at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge’s River “S” Unit on Oct. 31.
Photo by Cade Barker
A male American wigeon floats down a slough at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
Photo by Cade Barker
A healthy-looking coyote stands in the grass at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Coyotes play a crucial role in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge ecosystem by helping control mice, rat and other small rodent populations. A 2021 article by the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge referred to their presence as a “howling success.”
