As Usual, Dog Walks with a Bit of Birding

I just learned that Seattle closed its parks to help with social distancing!  I am so sorry for my friends up that way.  And also glad that such a measure isn't needed here in Richland.

We went to W.E. Johnson Park recently, and I didn't meet a single person there.

I did see a bird or two, though!  This is a Song Sparrow:

That's Truman on the path, wanting me to go the opposite way (towards the car).

And here is a White-crowned Sparrow:

We also took walks along the river at Leslie Groves Park (saw around five people) and Howard Amon Park (maybe ten, but well spread out as it is a very large park).  And one day we visited the McNary National Wildlife Refuge about 10 miles out of town, where we saw two people.

There were still some wintering birds there, including this Scaup:

And this Ruddy Duck:

The irrigation sprinklers created a lovely rainbow.

Truman loves the fact that they recently paved the former gravel path, since now I can use his stroller on it when he needs it.

Buffleheads are one of my favorite winter birds:

I was delighted to see a Yellow-headed Blackbird, as I hadn't seen a single one last year and was worried about them.  But they're still around -- hooray!

It was a fairly short visit, though, as the refuge center (with the only restroom) is closed. Also, there were around three million gnats joining us on our stroll, which may explain the lack of other people....

When we aren't enjoying the local parks, the Hounds and I are lounging in the backyard or, when it gets too hot (80 one day last week!), inside with the A/C on.

Hope you are all doing well!