A Winter Adventure at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge

January 12, 2025

 Have you ever had one of those Sundays when you wake up and realize it’s the last day before the workweek starts, and you just need an adventure? That’s exactly how my Sunday began this past weekend. My partner and I planned a last minute trip and it was worth it—the drive was only about an hour and a half, and we were both eager to experience what this amazing 7,440-acre wildlife haven had to offer.

 Deciding What Gear to Bring

 One of the hardest parts of any wildlife outing is deciding what equipment to bring. The long focal length lenses I use for bird and wildlife photography are fantastic, but they can also be unwieldy. After some consideration, I decided to take my new Canon 800mm f/11 lens, which I picked up on sale through Bedford’s used gear. For a relatively affordable lens, it’s incredible, and I was eager to see how it performed in the field.

 I packed my Canon R5 body, and in addition to the 800mm lens, I brought my trusty Canon 100-500mm lens. However, the star of the day was the 800mm paired with a 1.4x Teleconverter, which brought the focal length to a whopping 1120mm. I was pleasantly surprised by the sharpness and quality of the images I was able to capture—it was exactly what I needed to get up close and personal with the distant wildlife we’d encounter at the Refuge. I packed all my gear in my favorite 35L Nomatic Peter McKinnon Back pack (yes even the 800mm fits). The price tag was a bit hefty but I’ve never regretted buying it. It’s my favorite camera bag.

 A Cold Welcome, But Worth It

 We arrived at Loess Bluffs, and I immediately regretted not wearing my Merino Tech Base Layer. The wind had a way of cutting through everything, and within minutes, our fingers were frozen. But despite the chill, the landscape was stunning. The best part? As we turned into the Refuge’s drive, we were greeted by a flock of bright red cardinals flitting about. I’ve always seen cardinals in pairs, but this was the first time I had witnessed a flock of them together—it was a beautiful sight.

 There were also smaller birds hopping in the bushes as we began the auto tour. The Refuge has a 10-mile one-way loop around the wetlands, so if you want to stop to take photos (and you’ll want to), there’s plenty of room to pull over. Just make sure to leave space for others to pass.

 Bald Eagles and More

 We barely had time to settle into the loop when we spotted our first pair of Bald Eagles—a male and a female—sitting on the ice. They were quite distant, but with my 1120mm setup, I was able to get a few landscape shots, including one where the male took flight. My partner worked on setting up his tripod and camera, ready for whatever we would encounter next.

 A few moments later, we spotted another Bald Eagle perched majestically in a tree near the road. The eagle was massive, and the sight of it up close was breathtaking. Then, just above and beyond a few trees, I spotted movement. It was the female, perched a little higher, calmly dozing. I quickly rolled down my window, steadied my camera, and snapped away.

 Here’s the best part of that 800mm lens—it’s surprisingly easy to handhold, even with my hand tremors. The lens features stabilization, and it did an incredible job keeping the shots sharp, even at a distance. I couldn’t have asked for a better setup for this kind of outing.

 A Winter Wonderland of Wildlife

 As we continued down the loop, we were treated to more eagle sightings, both perched and soaring over the frozen wetlands. The sheer number of Bald Eagles was astounding—some were in nests, others perched high in trees, and there were even a few flying low over the icy landscape. In addition to the eagles, we saw hawks, snow geese, and countless smaller birds like sparrows, meadowlarks, and more cardinals. We also spotted a few deer grazing quietly just beyond the brush, near the road.

 Though we didn’t see any coyotes or foxes (which, suprisingly in this area, are often active during the daytime), the diversity of wildlife we encountered more than made up for it. It’s no wonder the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge is such a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.

 A Perfect Ending to a Perfect Day

 By the time we arrived late in the day, we were perfectly positioned for the late afternoon peak viewing time (early morning is another good time to arrive) when wildlife tends to be more active. But despite the cold and the late hour, it was an unforgettable experience. The Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge is a true photographer’s paradise, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves wildlife and the outdoors.

 If you’re planning a trip, just remember a few things: It’s cold in the winter—so bring plenty of layers—and while wildlife viewing is best during early morning or late afternoon, you’ll likely see something amazing no matter what time of day you arrive.

 And of course, be respectful of others. Keep the space beautiful for everyone who visits, and as always, leave no trace behind.  Also, if you need to pull over to get that once in a lifetime shot, take the time to get far enough over so that people can pass you.  Not everyone wants the shot you do and you shouldn’t expect people to keep to your schedule.

 In the end, sometimes the best adventures are the ones that happen on a whim, with just the right gear and a bit of spontaneity. If you haven’t made it to Loess Bluffs yet, put it on your list. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget and as always, if you’re interested in seeing some of the photos that came out of that trip you can view them in my gallery under the birds tab. The most recent are at the top!