Pair of Red-tailed Hawks looking out over the Centennial ValleyA pair of Red-tailed Hawks looking out over the Centennial Valley – Nikon D300, f9, 1/250, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited

It is raining here in the valley this morning and snow is falling in the high country in the middle of June so I am sitting here dreaming of Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge holds a very dear spot in my heart because of the birds and animals but also because of the stunning beauty of the Centennial Valley and the Centennial Mountains.

View of the Centennial Mountains from Wigeon Pond, Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Centennial Valley, Beaverhead County, MontanaView of the Centennial Mountains from Wigeon Pond – Nikon D200, handheld, f16, 1/160, ISO 320, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 18mm, natural light

The Upper and Lower Lakes, Elk Creek, Red Rock Creek and Wigeon Pond all have their beauty too. It is difficult to see in this small image that there are ducks and coots around the little grassy islands in the picture above.

I feel a sense of wonder and peace whenever I am visiting Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and I also feel that way when I view my images of this great location. So today as the rain falls and the gray clouds float overhead I will be thinking of my next journey to Red Rock Lakes, in fact I am longing for it.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Red-tailed Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my photos of Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.