When I first started birding almost two years ago, I spent most of my time near my home in Wilsonville. I didn't know about the all the hot spots in the area and the variety of birds that could be found. I discovered Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge very early. It was only about a 15 minute drive from me and I saw a lot of birds there.As I progressed, I began finding areas with more photography opportunities and more exotic birds. I grew a bit bored with TRNWR. Well, I had a little time on Sunday afternoon, so I decided to walk the trail to the observation deck. Along the way, as I passed through the Oak Savannah, I was surrounded by a flock of Western Bluebirds. Unfortunately, about that same time, several groups of people came walking through the area and the Bluebirds decided to move on.
A lone Chickadee stayed put however, and gave me one of my better opportunities to photograph this species in the wild (no feeder). It got me thinking a bit how the type of birds that I shoot has changed as my normal stooping grounds have evolved. I shoot less passeriformes now than I used to. Sunday afternoon was a nice change.
