california

From my California trip last August. Odd to see a Nuthatch in a Palm Tree but seemed normal for California. Taken with my old 70-300 IS lens. I can sure tell the difference!

I was watching this bird dive for fish in the canal with a Ranger from the Don Edwards NWR.

Another of the California trip shots. Even though it was August, it was cool and foggy along the northern California coast. This little guy was quite curious as to the strange sounds this odd animal (me) was making and paused to get a closer look.

Female hummers present ID problems but due to the very short tail and overall coloration, I feel fairly certain this is a good call on the ID. Hummer folks feel free to confirm or dispute the call!

This handsome chap was walking along the fenceline keeping a watch on his family that was on the ground below feeding. I always hear the theme from the 70's TV show "The Partridge Family" when I see quails! (Most Americans over 40 will understand why). The state bird of California.

Another shot from my trip last summer. I wasn't sure about the ID on this until I broke out my "heavy guns", Handbook of the Birds of the World. For as much as they cost me you'd think I'd use them more!

Taken on my visit to California last summer not far from where I used to hike and camp as a young lad.

One of a pair that was showing well in Simi Valley. I find them quite difficult to photograph as they are continuously on the move low down in the brush, but this bird stopped to pose for a moment.

Here's one displaying his blue throat.

Here's a cropped picture of the previous shot.

A central California specialty, fortunately common near my sisters house! One of the bird highlights of my trip in August.

I like photographing birds when they are fluffed up against the cold - it makes each feather stand out. And, after all, it's the feathers that make birds beautiful - naked birds look awful! The Golden-crowned Sparrow has dramatic yellow and black stripes on its head in breeding season. I...

There is an interesting overlap of waders, sea birds, and birds of prey. Here's a Brandt's Cormorant colony with a Great Egret.

This small colony of Heerman's gulls was on the beach at Pt. Reyes, CA. This guy seemes to have a shy expression. With their grey bodies, white heads and bright red/orange bills, these are a striking and unmistakable gull. A California specialty! I owe my sister Dawn a debt of gratitude for...

A young bird, just as curious about me as I was of him.

Mostly Brant's Cormorants with Brown Pelicans and California sealions. Loads of wildlife in and around Monterey Bay, this is taken of the harbour entrance.

At the end of a hike we heard a bird making a lot of racket near the creek. My friend said something along the lines of "Put a sock in it," but I realized I'd never heard that sound before. Down to the creek and this is what I found!

A beautiful day at the slough. These Brandt's are in their breeding plumage.

The usually drab-looking Eared grebe becomes veritably dazzling during breeding season.