Before you know it, orange leaves and rainy days will be encompassing everyday life in Clark County.
The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge’s River S Unit is one of the best places to visit to see if fall is really here before our eyes and summer is now behind us.
The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge River S Unit offers visitors a chance to watch the landscape and wildlife variety and even change behavior one day at a time from the comfort of a vehicle as pedestrian access is prohibited from October through April.
Located along the Columbia River, the refuge is a familiar destination for birders, photographers and anyone looking for a quiet place to experience Southwest Washington’s wildlife. But the transition from summer to fall brings its own reasons to make a visit.
On a sunny afternoon at the River S Unit on Saturday, Sept. 26, wildlife abundance and variety was minimal, which was to be expected. However, the afternoon sun and warmer temperatures provided plenty of opportunities to see western painted turtles sunbathing on the shoreline of waterways, with plenty of first-year aged turtles in view this time of year.
Another species abundant this time of year is the charismatic great egret. The great egret stands about 3 feet in height, with a wingspan of over 4 feet. The white-feathered wetland predator primarily feasts on small fish, frogs, snakes and other dry land species like small mammals. The opportunistic predator often feasts within close view from the road at the River S Unit, oftentimes providing an entertaining scene as the great egret waits patiently for a meal.
As temperatures cool and the days grow shorter, seasonal changes begin to reshape the refuge.
The refuge’s wetlands begin to form as rainy weather increases in the fall. Grasslands and wooded areas continue to provide habitat for a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.
Migratory birds start moving through the area, while species that call the refuge home year-round remain active. According to BirdCast, the night between Sunday, Sept. 27 and Monday, Sept. 28 saw an estimated 8.9 million migratory birds fly across Washington skies.
By Sept. 28, approximately 122 bird species were spotted at the River S Unit via birders submitting eBird checklists.
As the wetlands increase, migratory waterfowl become more abundant. Historically, a larger variety of bird species frequent the refuge in October, with an all-time species count reaching 160 at the River S Unit.
Early fall mornings can be especially rewarding. Cooler temperatures often make for a more comfortable outing, while softer morning light can provide opportunities for photographers looking to capture wildlife and landscapes.
Visitors should take their time and scan the water, fields and tree lines for movement as Columbian white-tailed deer activity increases as the fall season continues on into the November buck rut.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, which is part of the appeal. A visit might produce a glimpse of a heron along the water, a hawk perched above the roadway or a group of waterfowl gathering in a wetland.
The River S Unit Auto Tour is located at 1071 S Hillhurst Road in Ridgefield, open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. Make sure to visit fws.gov/refuge/ridgefield before making a visit to ensure there are no closures.
