[obol] Sauvie island Snow Geese

[Vernon DiPietro]

Hello OBOL,
  Today was one of those "doesn't happen very often in a lifetime"  
moments at Sauvie Island.
   I arrived late morning at the Observation Deck, Reeder Rd., and  
met up with Steve Halpern and by my estimate 1000  Snow Geese down at  
the waters edge.
  After an hour or so, the geese began moving up  the bank towards  
the Obs Deck. Soon there were Geese flying in to see what they were  
missing. (See below link)

http://www.vernondipietrophotographer.com/-/ 
vernondipietrophotographer/gallery.asp? 
cat=36416&pID=2&row=15&photoID=5685824&searchTerm=

  Soon most of the geese were up on the field between the Obs Deck  
and  the water, the leading edge of the flock as close as 40 ft or  
so. (next Slide please)

http://www.vernondipietrophotographer.com/-/ 
vernondipietrophotographer/gallery.asp? 
cat=36416&pID=2&row=15&photoID=5685826&searchTerm=

They remained here mowing the grass for about 45 minutes. Of course   
we knew that it was just a matter of time before a BALD EAGLE would  
show and scatter the huge flock. (Next slide)

http://www.vernondipietrophotographer.com/-/ 
vernondipietrophotographer/gallery.asp? 
cat=36416&pID=2&row=15&photoID=5685828&searchTerm=

The flight of all those geese was an amazing sight AND sound! To see  
it on the intro of Oregon Field Guide is one thing, but to experience  
it  was quite another. The air vibrated with the wing-beats, and the  
sound was wonderful!

My  apologies to the other OBOLER for not mentioning him, but for the  
life of me, I can't remember his Name. Sorry.

  Lot's of Sandhills on that side of the island. My gestimate: 400  
all spread out.

Best,
Vern

Vern DiPietro
Between Ada and Portland Oregon.
www.vernondipietrophotographer.com




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