In keeping with Wayne's postings of several rails, this is an image of two Ridgway's Rails. I think this species may be one that Wayne won't have (I could be wrong), as it is a Californian species, from the San Francisco Bay area in the north, and as far south as Baja California. Despite being one of the largest rails (about twice the size of the Virginia Rail), they are seldom seen, as they are elusive birds that manage to stay out of sight most of the time. However, I know a place in the San Diego area that, when there is a very high tide, they have to come up out of the marsh grasses and can be seen and photographed very easily. These were shot right next to the sidewalk, as the high tide drove them to the edge of the marsh. 2/14/20 Judith Sparhawk
In San Timoteo Canyon where I go birding sometimes, there is a small pond which attracts various ducks and other water birds. You never know what will be there. Two days before this shot was taken there was a pair of Hooded Mergansers. When I went back to photograph them, they were gone, but several of these female Ring-necked Ducks were swimming with the coots and Mallards. There are just two of them in this shot, but I especially liked the reflections of the cattails and the one quacking duck. 1/30/20 Judith Sparhawk
A few days ago I posted a shot of some female Ring-necked Ducks in the small pond in San Timoteo Canyon, Redlands, CA. At the time there were no male ducks there, and the reflections were the primary subject of the shot. I was back for a hike in the canyon yesterday, and was surprised to see that a male had joined the group, so of course I had to commemorate the moment! The reflections were much less interesting this time, but the male duck is much more so! 2/4/20 Judith Sparhawk
