Category: American River Parkway

Acorn Woodpeckers

by Earthwatcher, posted in American River Parkway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Orangevale, Photography, Sacramento, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography
Acorn Woodpeckers
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021

Acorn Woodpeckers are the most common woodpecker species that we see in the Sacramento, CA area. They are very active, industrious, and highly social birds. They live in family groups in a single nesting cavity, they manage a large acorn granary stored in holes they drill in dead trees, and they are very territorial.

One of the California Naturalists at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, wrote a short, interesting article about them. The article was published in “The Acorn” summer newsletter from Effie Yeaw Nature Center. (2021acornsummer.pdf (capitoltechsolutions.com)). It is a fascinating read sure to increase your appreciation of the interesting birds.

Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Acorn Woodpeckers
Female is on left, Male on Right. Note the white band above the male’s beak.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021
Acorn Woodpeckers
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021
Acorn Woodpecker and European Starling; River Bend Park
American River Parkway, Sacramento, CA; APR 2021
The cavity is a Starling nest. The Acorn Woodpecker came to investigate the nest. It was chased away by the Starling.
Images and discussion of the Acorn Woodpecker
Acorn Woodpeckers
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021

If anyone would like a copy of almost any picture in my library, for educational or research use, please contact me and I will happily share a digital copy with you.

Please visit my website, www.earthwatcher.us to see my collection of landscapes and wildlife.

These and other images are available to purchase by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

Young Birds

by Earthwatcher, posted in American River Parkway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Fair Oaks, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Orangevale, Sacramento, Uncategorized, Waterfowl, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography
Female Mallard Duck with Ducklings
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; MAY 2021

I am sharing pictures of some of this year’s crop of baby birds.

Please note that the young Mallards from several weeks apart may be the same family. The images were all taken in the vicinity of the nest site where I first found them.

Also, concerning the image of the Female Mallard Duck with Ducklings: Common Mergansers are diving ducks; they swim fully submerged when foraging for food. This mother was watching 2 ducklings. One was swimming with its head submerged. I watched the mother push this duckling’s head under the water. I wonder if I observed a foraging lesson.

Please click on caption to see images at higher resolution.

Female Common Merganser with Duckling
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; MAY 2021
Common Merganser Duckling
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; MAY 2021
Male and Female Mallard with Ducklings
Common Merganser; Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; APR 2021
Juvenile Great Horned Owls; River Bend Park
American River Parkway, Sacramento, CA; APR 2021
Juvenile Great Horned Owls
River Bend Park, American River Parkway, Sacramento, CA; APR 2021

If anyone would like a copy of almost any picture in my library, for educational or research use, please contact me and I will happily share a digital copy with you.

Please visit my website, www.earthwatcher.us to see my collection of landscapes and wildlife.

These and other images are available to purchase by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

 

Great Blue Herons Grow Up

by Earthwatcher, posted in American River Parkway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Fair Oaks, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Sacramento, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography
Juvenile Great Blue Heron
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; MAY 2021

I am fortunate that a pair of Great Blue Herons chose to nest near one of my favorite walking/photography trails. I was only able to visit them 3 times this spring. So, this series of images consists of 3 sets taken approximately a month apart. In the second set, one of the adults is on the nest and the other is behind the tree branches. In the third set, the chicks are too big and the adult can’t get on the nest with them so it is behind the tree branches.

There are 2 chicks. In the second set of images, the second chick was apparently napping and never lifted its head despite my waiting for nearly an hour.

Please click on caption to see images at higher resolution!

Great Blue Heron on Nest
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; MAR 2021
Adult and Juvenile Great Blue Heron
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; APR 2021
Adult and Juvenile Great Blue Heron
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; APR 2021
Adult and Juvenile Great Blue Heron
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; APR 2021
Juvenile Great Blue Herons
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; MAY 2021

If anyone would like a copy of almost any picture in my library, for educational or research use, please contact me and I will happily share a digital copy with you.

Please visit my website, www.earthwatcher.us to see my collection of landscapes and wildlife.

These and other images are available to purchase by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

 

The Nerd Jumps Into Action

by Earthwatcher, posted in American River Parkway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Fair Oaks, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, raptor, Sacramento, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography
Red-tailed Hawk (The Nerd)
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; APR 2021

When I saw this Red-tailed Hawk I immediately thought of a stodgy, nerdy, middle-aged human male just hanging around. It made me chuckle. But, very quickly, it showed me its true nature as it jumped into action.

Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Red-tailed Hawk (The Nerd Jumps Into Action)
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; APR 2021
Red-tailed Hawk (The Nerd Jumps Into Action)
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; APR 2021

If anyone would like a copy of almost any picture in my library, for educational or research use, please contact me and I will happily share a digital copy with you.

Please visit my website, www.earthwatcher.us to see my collection of landscapes and wildlife.

These and other images are available to purchase by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

 

Some Random Birds

by Earthwatcher, posted in American River Parkway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Death Valley National Park, Earthwatcher, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Fair Oaks, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Orangevale, Photography, photography for sale, Sacramento, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography
Oak Titmouse Near Nest Cavity
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021

Here are a few bird images that I haven’t collected into a theme. Regardless, they are beautiful in their own right. I hope you enjoy them.

Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Female Bushtit Collecting Nesting Materials from Spider Web
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021
Lark Sparrow
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; JAN 2021
Great-tailed Grackle
Mather Lake Regional Park, Sacramento, CA; JUN 2020
Female Great-tailed Grackle
Furnace Creek, Death Valley National Park; OCT 2019

If anyone would like a copy of almost any picture in my library, for educational or research use, please contact me and I will happily share a digital copy with you.

Please visit my website, www.earthwatcher.us to see my collection of landscapes and wildlife.

These and other images are available to purchase by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

At the River’s Edge

by Earthwatcher, posted in American River, American River Parkway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Fair Oaks, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Orangevale, Sacramento, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography
Snowy Egret
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; FEB 2021

Here are a few shots taken along the American River this spring.

Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

American Crow
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; MAR 2021
Double-crested Cormorant with Crest Displayed
Willow Creek State Recreation Area, American River Parkway, Folsom, CA; FEB 2021
Greater Yellowlegs, Snowy Egret
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; MAR 2021
American Crow
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; MAR 2021
Snowy Egret
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021

If anyone would like a copy of almost any picture in my library, for educational or research use, please contact me and I will happily share a digital copy with you.

Please visit my website, www.earthwatcher.us to see my collection of landscapes and wildlife.

These and other images are available to purchase by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

Mating Hawks

by Earthwatcher, posted in American River Parkway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

Mating Red-shouldered Hawks – P1
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021

I had an interesting encounter with a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks. As I was walking a trail, I heard a Red-shouldered hawk call. I found it on a low branch about 50 yards away. I set up to photograph the bird when I heard another call and a second one arrived. I got their picture and then continued as they mated right in front of me. This was truly a wonderful experience. I thanked them before I left.

Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution!

Mating Red-shouldered Hawks – P2
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021
Mating Red-shouldered Hawks – P3
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021
Mating Red-shouldered Hawks – P4
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021
Mating Red-shouldered Hawks – P5
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021

If anyone would like a copy of almost any picture in my library, for educational or research use, please contact me and I will happily share a digital copy with you.

Please visit my website, www.earthwatcher.us to see my collection of landscapes and wildlife.

These and other images are available to purchase by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

Red-winged Blackbirds

by Earthwatcher, posted in American River Parkway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Orangevale, Photography, Sacramento, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area
Red-winged Blackbird Calling and Flashing Eapaulets
Look closely and you will see his breath condensing in the air while he calls.
Sailor Bar
American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; MAR 2021

Its spring and male birds are displaying their most beautiful plumage and serenading with their most beautiful calls. To me, none is more beautiful than the Red-winged Blackbird. I’ve included a link to a video which I am sharing, not because I want you to see it but because I want you listen to it. It is from my favorite spring nesting spot; my favorite because of the song of these birds.

Link to Red-winged Blackbird video: Red-Winged Blackbird Melody – YouTube.

Please click on caption to se images at higher resolution.

Female Red-winged Blackbird
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, Davis, CA; MAY 2020
Red-winged Blackbird Flashing Epaulets
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; MAR 2021

If anyone would like a copy of almost any picture in my library, for educational or research use, please contact me and I will happily share a digital copy with you.

Please visit my website, www.earthwatcher.us to see my collection of landscapes and wildlife.

These and other images are available to purchase by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

A Few Songbirds

by Earthwatcher, posted in American River Parkway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, Earthwatcher, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Orangevale, Photography, Sacramento, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography
Western Bluebird
Mississippi Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; FEB 2021

Here are a few songbirds that I photographed over the past couple of months.

Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Willow Creek State Recreation Area, American River Parkway, Folsom, CA; FEB 2021
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Willow Creek State Recreation Area, American River Parkway, Folsom, CA; FEB 2021
Western Bluebird
Mississippi Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; FEB 2021
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Willow Creek State Recreation Area, American River Parkway, Folsom, CA; FEB 2021
Hermit Thrush
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; JAN 2021
Song Sparrow
Mississippi Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; FEB 2021

If anyone would like a copy of almost any picture in my library, for educational or research use, please contact me and I will happily share a digital copy with you.

Please visit my website, www.earthwatcher.us to see my collection of landscapes and wildlife.

These and other images are available to purchase by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

Some Raptors

by Earthwatcher, posted in American River, American River Parkway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Sacramento, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography
American Kestrel
Davis, CA; FEB 2021

Over the last few weeks, some raptors allowed me to photograph them. So, today I thought I would share them with you.

Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution!

Merlin
Mississippi Bar, American River Parkway, Orangevale, CA; FEB 2021
Red-tailed Hawk
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021
Merlin
Mississippi Bar, American River Parkway, Orangevale, CA; FEB 2021
American Kestrel
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2021
Red-tailed Hawk
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, Davis, CA; FEB 2021
Red-tailed Hawk
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, Davis, CA; FEB 2021

If anyone would like a copy of any picture in my library, for educational or research use, please contact me and I will happily share a digital copy with you.

Please visit my website, www.earthwatcher.us to see my collection of landscapes and wildlife.

These and other images are available to purchase by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.