I missed posting yesterday as I had a 4 am alarm and left at 4:30 to drive down to Salton Sea for birding. I had heard that last week there were 35 Sandhill Cranes there, newly arrived, for the winter. When I found them, their numbers had increased to about 150, with more likely to come. This is a shot of a small group of the cranes in shallow water. It was so good to see them, as I had missed seeing them all last winter, so it was a real treat to see them, especially somewhere I could photograph them. Later, after they have been there for awhile, at sunrise large flocks of them will fly out to feed in outlying fields. These seemed to be resting and feeding, a sign of new arrivals after a lengthy migration. 9/29/20 My website: www.sparhawkphotography.com
While birding out at San Jacinto Wildlife Area, I happened on this Black-crowned Night Heron in the weeds beside the road. I drove up quite close to him, and was surprised he didn't fly away. I drove closer, he still sat there completly still. I drove forward, backed up a bit--there was no way to avoid the weeds, but took a few shots of him. It was as if he thought he was screened by the weeds and I couldn't see him--much like the small child who believes when he covers his eyes you can't see him. When I drove off he was still perched beside the road. Not the best photo of a BCNH, but an interesting experience. 4/7/20 My website: www.sparhawkphotography.com
Most of the wintering species of ducks have left San Jacinto Wildlife Area by now, with a few remaining Ruddy Ducks and quite a few Northern Shovelers. I chose this view of the shoveler because it shows the unusual bill from which it gets its name. He uses this large shovel-shaped bill to feed on plants below the surface. The yellow color in the water is from reflected yellow flowers. I will likely be late in commenting tomorrow. 4/5/20 My website: www.sparhawkphotography.com
