Archive for the ‘National Wildlife Refuge’ Tag
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama supports 64 rare and imperiled plant and animal species – 13 of which are found nowhere else in the world. It’s home to the largest known stand of Cahaba lilies, a beautiful plant that begins to bloom around Mother’s Day. It’s always a magnificent display. Photo by Keith Bozeman. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 5/6/16.
Running along the Minnesota River, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a natural escape from the nearby Twin Cities. The refuge provides valuable habitat for a diversity of waterfowl and other migratory birds, fish and resident wildlife. Sometimes it’s so beautiful, even the deer have to stop and admire the scenery. Photo by Erik Fremstad. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 5/3/16.
Along the Atlantic coast of Florida, a little island lays in Indian River Lagoon. It may look small, but it has a very large international footprint. The 5400+ acres of land and water at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge represent the world’s first wildlife refuge. Established on March 14, 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, the site protects birds that were nearly hunted to extinction – like the Brown Pelican. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 3/14/16.
More than 800 rocks, reefs and small islands off the Washington coast make up Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was set aside by Teddy Roosevelt in 1907 to protect habitat for struggling seabird populations. Today the islands swell with raucous flocks of migrating seabirds in excess of a million during fall and spring migrations. With a 200-yard buffer zone around each island to protect the wildlife, this refuge is best enjoyed from the beach with spectacular views like this one. Photo by Melissa Hahn. From the Department of the Interior’s blog.
At only 315,000 acres (492 square miles), Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is the smallest refuge in Alaska. But as this little fox can show, you don’t have to be large to be special. Famous for its numerous and diverse inhabitants, wildlife at Izembek includes foxes, wolverines, caribou, moose, brown bears, shorebirds, seabirds and an incredible array of waterfowl. The waters offshore are home to salmon, sea lions, seals, otters, walruses, and whales. Getting here isn’t easy, but the reward is great. Photo by Kristine Sowl, USFWS. Photo from the US Department of the Interior’s blog.
Named for the world-renowned environmentalist, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Maine is a great place to find peace and connect with nature on a quiet stroll, catching glimpses of bird and bunnies in the woods and on the beach. Open in all seasons, the refuge is always welcoming. Photo from the US Department of the Interior’s blog.
On the far northern end of the Hawaiian archipelago lies Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge — a place of astonishing beauty. This small refuge is one of the oldest atoll formations in the world that provides nesting habitat for millions of seabirds, while protecting remnants from one of the most decisive battles of World War II. The clear, turquoise waters of Midway Atoll are teeming with a vibrant and diverse collection of life, including sharks, green sea turtles, spinner dolphins and endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Photo by Wyland. From the US Department of the Interior’s blog.
A sunburst illuminates trees heavy with snow at Table Mountain Winter Play Area outside of Ashland, Oregon. Photo by Joel Brumm, Bureau of Land Management – Oregon. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 2/23/16.
Grand Teton National Park in the snow. Photo by Michelle Olmstead. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 3/8/16.
Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park. Photo by Melissa Machonis. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 2/11/16.
Wish you were still sleeping? A crescent moon rises over snowy marshes and the last rays of an orange-pink sunset at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Located along the coast of Delaware, Bombay Hook protects one of the largest remaining expanses of tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic region. Photo courtesy of Tim Williams. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 2/19/16.
More than 300 manatees swam into Three Sisters Springs, located in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, all at once, setting a new record for the area and causing what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service called “a traffic jam.” The springs are the spot for Florida’s manatees all winter, because they’re warmer than the open water and not infested with dangerous boats. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 2/11/16.
Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado boasts the tallest dunes in North America. Spreading across 30 square miles, this ocean of sand glows under a winter coat of snow. Cleveland Peak catches the moonlight too, creating this gorgeous winter shot. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 1/8/16.
Wrangell-St Elias National Park under the aurora borealis and the moon. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 1/5/16.
Rocky Mountain National Park. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 1/4/16.
Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Wyoming is an important habitat for more than 250 species of resident and migratory wildlife. The area was used by nomadic Indian tribes, fur trappers and early pioneers. It is rich in history and natural beauty, as you can see from this stunning winter scene. Photo by Tom Koerner, US Fish & Wildlife Service. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 1/6/16.
With no roads or trails, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is a vast wilderness. From November to March, most activity ceases, while -10ºF to -40ºF temperatures persist. The dry interior climate doesn’t see much snow, but what little amount falls stays to cover land in ice and silence. It is a stunning, but harsh landscape. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 1/7/16.
Sunset over Island in the Sky at Canyonlands National Park. Photo by Jeremy Stevens. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 12/1/15.
Sunset over Lake McDonald in Montana’s Glacier National Park. Tweeted by the US Department of the Inteiror, 12/15/15.
A spectacular Florida sunset over the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Al Hoffacker. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 12/18/15.
Soft pastel clouds look inviting over the harsh landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. With the California desert stretching out for miles around you, this unique landscape is a place of wonder and contemplation. Marvel at the sky, explore the rock formations, but don’t try climbing the trees. Picture by Manish Mamtani. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 11/21/15.
When the sun rises over St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in October, it is greeted by autumn wildflowers, migrating butterflies and a great variety of birds. Northern harriers hunt over the refuge marshes, careful to avoid the alligators. It is a beautiful and peaceful place, found on the border of fresh and saltwater marshes in northern Florida. Photo by Betsy Kellenberger. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 10/29/15.
Now that’s a WOW sunrise! Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. Photo by Santosh Kanthety. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 11/5/15.
Sunrise above the clouds and over Haleakala National Park. To see how I captured my own sunrise photos on top of this volcano, see “The Haleakala Adventure” on this blog. This particular photo was tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 11/12/15.
Sunrise over Lake Clark National Park. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 11/19/15.
Thousands of sandhill cranes are arriving at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico this month to winter in this safe and stunning area. These gorgeous birds can stand four feet tall and have a wingspan greater than six feet. Fascinating to watch, their social behavior includes at least 10 different types of calls, various threatening postures and elaborate dances for everything from joy to courtship. Yesterday marked the start of the world-renowned Festival of the Cranes, an annual event hosted by the refuge. Photo by Michael Tafoya. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 11/18/15.
Sage Grouse. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 9/10/15.
How many bald eagles can you fit in a single tree? Apparently, at least 55! Chuck Hilliard took this pic back in 2012 along the Nooksack River near Deming, Washington. The eagles gather here for the early winter to feed on spawning chum salmon. Chuck’s explanation of why there were so many eagles the tree: The eagle parents appeared to be supervising their young as they fed on the salmon. “If an adult from outside this area flew in and harassed the young, the parental adults would fly down and run it off. It was pretty cool watching and listening,” he said. Photo courtesy of Chuck Hilliard. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 11/15/15.
Sunrise takeoff at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Kim Hang Dessoliers. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 11/18/15.
Puffins. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 11/19/15.
Sunset over the Doll House at Utah’s Canyonlands National Park. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 10/26/15.
Sunset at the Kings Range National Conservation Area. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 9/17/15.
Fantastic shot of Washington’s rocky coastline and the setting sun at Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Melissa Hahn. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 10/17/15.
Sunset paints the sky in vibrant colors at Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Venkat Kancharla. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 10/30/15.
