Just back from a three day birding trip down to Salton Sea. Not everyone thinks this is the way to spend New Years Eve and New Years Day, but it's one of my favorite things to do. This shot is of overwintering Sandhill Cranes taking off from the pond in which they had been standing. In the mornings they fly out to various fields to feed, and fly back to the water for safety at night. Considering the number of yipping coyotes I heard at night, I think this may be a good idea! 1/2/21 My website: www.sparhawkphotography.com
We finally had our second rainfall of the winter, with chilly temps, which meant snow on the mountains above Redlands. When I looked out my bedroom window, I saw the snow had come down lower than usual. I grabbed my camera and headed to the river's edge, when I can get the most open views of the mountains. By sundown the clouds had all gone, and some of the lower snow had disappeared. I was glad I went out when I did! And of course there is the paradox of oranges ripening in the grove in the foreground, with snow above. I will be away from my computer for a couple of days. I'll see you when I return. 12/30/20 My website: www.sparhawkphotography.com
This male Mandarin Duck was photographed at the Los Angeles Arboretum. The lakes at these gardens were always my go-to place for Wood Ducks, which I always considered fancy, but compared to the Mandarin, they look almost plain. It's hard to imagine that this beautiful duck is real, so what a treat it is to see him. 12/29/20 My website: www.sparhawkphotography.com
