Bitter Lakes Nat'l Wildlife Refuge

These lakes are actually giant sink holes and the water is salty. It is an important site for a large number of migrating birds, and is home to the largest number of dragonfly species of anywhere in the U.S.

Even though it was the middle of the day, we saw flocks of pelicans, sandhill cranes, coots, ducks of all stripes, snow geese, and some very cute quail. Plenty of dragonflys, and unfortunately WASPS which kept us from walking very far.

Unfortunately, the birds were too far to photograph well, but through our binoculars they were up close and personal. Gordon was happy to discover that the brown kangaroo hanging out with the cranes was actually a male crane, red crest and all.

The last photo is just for reference ... that is what it looks like off to the horizon in all directions just outside the Bitter Lakes area.Read more