Golden Hour at Oaks Bottom — Eagles, Ospreys, and Spring in Full Bloom

Perfect evening light at Oaks Bottom tonight. Seventy degrees, golden hour around 6pm, and the wildlife was out in force. The trails were full of people enjoying the spring weather, and the birds didn’t seem to mind the company.

Bald Eagles — Juvenile and Adult

Both juvenile and adult Bald Eagles were perched in perfect golden light — the kind of warm, low-angle sun that makes every feather glow. The juvenile’s mottled brown plumage caught the light beautifully against the deep blue backdrop.

Female Northern Flicker

A female Northern Flicker made an appearance — these woodpeckers are always a treat with their spotted breast and flash of red under the tail. She was working a snag in beautiful sidelight.

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

The highlight of the evening — a Yellow-rumped Warbler perched in a yellow flowering tree, perfectly matching the blooms. Nature’s own color coordination. These warblers are everywhere right now as spring migration picks up, but catching one framed in matching flowers is a moment you can’t plan for.

Tree Swallow Pair

A pair of Tree Swallows were working the area — their iridescent blue-green backs catching the last light of the day. Spring pairs are starting to claim nest boxes along the trail.

Gadwall Duck Pair

A Gadwall pair was cruising the calm water. Often overlooked next to the flashier Mallards, the Gadwall’s subtle gray and brown patterning is actually stunning up close — especially in golden hour light that brings out the fine vermiculation on the male’s flanks.

Wood Duck Drama

A female Wood Duck giving the male an earful — spring drama at Oaks Bottom.

Pacific Tree Frog

“It’s not easy being green — unless you’re a Pacific Tree Frog at Oaks Bottom, where blending in is your superpower