Marsh Melody

Despite years of hiking, photography, and nature study, I came late to a passion for bird watching. Now that I live a largely solitary work life, I find that birds are my daily companions (and happy distractions!) at the feeder just outside the window. I've also come to thoroughly enjoy birding everywhere I go.

This photograph captures a Marsh Wren singing in its natural habitat, the cattail marsh. The wren is really tiny, as you can see by comparing it to the cattail's size. But its song is strong and vibrant and, to me, conveys an exuberant love of life.

I photographed this Marsh Wren in Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. This is a marshy haven that beckons water-oriented birds to the middle of Oregon's vast high desert. We have seen clouds of Ross' Geese in this wonderful place, as well as strutting Sage Grouse, nesting Trumpeter Swans, and hunting Short-eared Owls.

Lee Rentz