The number of snow geese and other waterfowl that over winter at Gray Lodge Wildlife Refuge boggles the mind and delights the eye. But by far my favorite sensory experience is closing my eyes and listening to the overpowering sounds of the birds as they take flight.

This male Northern Shoveler is easily identified by his iridescent green head, clear white breast and burnt orange sides. Both males and females use their long spatulate bills to filter the water for small plants. Baleen whales have a similar behavior.