Category: California

An Owl’s Story

by Earthwatcher, posted in Apharetta, Big Creek Greenway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Fujifilm Cameras, GA, Georgia, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, raptor, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

Photograph of a Spotted Owl perched on the branch of a Coastal Redwood Tree in Northern California. The owl has very light gray breast. The remainder is gray with white spots on its back and some white spots on its head.
Spotted Owl on Coastal Redwood
Muir Woods National Monument, Marin County, California, USA; SEP 2013

I’m sharing these pictures because of an interesting relationship.  

I took the image of the Spotted Owl about 9 years ago. I believe it is especially poignant because the owl is on a Coastal Redwood.

This Owl was placed on the endangered species act in 1990 because of habitat loss. It lives in old growth forests like the coastal redwoods of California and Oregon. It sparked a battle between conservationists and the US Government against Loggers who wanted the right to log old growth forests. The Spotted Owl and its habitat won the battle. However, the Spotted Owl may be losing the battle; its numbers have not grown since it was placed on the endangered species list. One possible culprit is the Barred Owl; is encroaching on the Spotted Owl’s habitat and driving it out.

Notice how similarly they look.

Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Photograph of a Barred Owl perched on a tree branch with green and gold leaves in the background. The owl has a very light gray breast with some darker gray feathers intermixed. It has a band of feathers between its head and branch that give the appearance of wearing a dark gray and light gray stipes.
Barred Owl
Big Creek Greenway, Alpharetta, Georgia, USA; OCT 2022

A Few Birds

by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Fujifilm Cameras, Georgia, nature, Nature Photography, Roswell, Sacramento, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

A Carolina Chickadee perched on a tree branch. Dark background.
Carolina Chickadee
Roswell, Georgia, USA; JAN 2022

Here are a few birds I photographed in the past few months.

Please click on caption to see images at higher resolution.

A Chipping Sparrow perched on and surrounded by tree branches.
Chipping Sparrow
Roswell, Georgia, USA; JAN 2022
A Spotted Sandpiper perched on one leg, on a rock, with blue water from the American RIver in the background.
Spotted Sandpiper; Breeding Plumage – note spots on the breast.
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, California, USA; MAY 2021

An American Robin perched on a tree branch.
American Robin
Roswell, Georgia, USA; DEC 2021

A White-throated Sparrow on the ground amongst dried leaves and grasses.
White-throated Sparrow
Roswell, Georgia, USA, APR 2022

 

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.

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.

Some Interesting Birds

by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Georgia, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Uncategorized, Wildlife Photography
Rose-breasted Grossbeak perched on tree branch.
Rose-breasted Grossbeak
Roswell, Georgia, USA; APR 2022

Here are a few birds. One form California, the rest from Georgia.

Please click on caption to see pictures at higher resolution.

Red-headed woodpecker perched on a tree trunk.
Red-headed Woodpecker
Gold Branch Trail, Chattahoochee NRA, Roswell, Georgia, USA; MAR 2022

A pair of mourning doves preening while perched on a tree branch.
Mourning Doves
Roswell, Georgia, USA; APR 2022

Brown Thrasher on the ground with a worm in its beak.
Brown Thrasher
Azalea Park, Roswell, Georgia, USA; MAY 2022

Lesser Goldfinch perched on desert wildflower.
Lesser Goldfinch
Sailor Bar, California, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, USA; APR 2021

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.

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.

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.

Sierra Nevada Mountains in the Early Morning

by Earthwatcher, posted in Alabama Hills, California, Earthwatcher, Eastern Sierra, Fujifilm Cameras, landscape, landscape images, landscape photos, Mountain, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Seirra Nevada, sunrise, Uncategorized
Sierra Nevada Mountains at Daybreak; Big Pine, Death Valley Road, Big Pine, CA; APR 2021

I’m sharing a few more pictures from our trip to the Eastern Sierra last April. Four of the images were taken at the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, CA. (Alabama Hills National Scenic Area | Bureau of Land Management (blm.gov), @TheAlabamaHillsNationalScenicArea). The other is from Big Pine Death Valley Road.

I hope to go back to the Alabama Hills this fall because there are so many wonderful small vignettes to capture, and I am curious to see it at sunset as well as when some monsoons rains are falling over the Sierra as the backdrop.

Please click on image to see image at higher resolution.

Early morning image of the Sierra Nevada mountains from the Alabama Hills
First Light on the Sierra; Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, CA; APR 2021
Image of a bolder field from the back of Mobius Arch in the Alabama Hills
Mobius Arch from the Backside; Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, CA; APR 2021
Image of Mt Whitney at sunrise from the Alabama Hills
Sunrise on Mt Whitney; Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, CA; APR 2021
Image of a shade tree along a path in a desert area of the Alabama Hills
Lone Tree along a Desert Path; Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, 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.

 

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 Birds from Red Rock Canyon State Park

by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Eastern Sierra, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography
Sagebrush Sparrow
Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA; APR 2021

Last week I shared some scenes from Red Rock Canon State Park near Cantil, CA. Today, I am sharing images of birds that I saw while hiking along the Red Cliffs Trail.

Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution!

House Finch on a Joshua Tree
Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA; APR 2021
Brewer’s Sparrow
Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA; APR 2021
Black-throated Gray Warbler
Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA; APR 2021
Brewer’s Sparrow
Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA; APR 2021
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA; APR 2021
Common Raven
Red Rock Canyon State Park, 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.

 

 

 

A Visit to Red Rock Canyon State Park

by Earthwatcher, posted in California, desert, Earthwatcher, Eastern Sierra, Fujifilm Cameras, landscape, landscape images, landscape photos, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography
Sunrise on Red Cliffs Trail
Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA; APR 2021

On our trip a few weeks ago, we made our first visit to Red Rock Canyon State Park on Rt 14 near Cantil, CA. We only spent one morning there so we limited ourselves to the Red Cliffs section of the park. We hiked out to the park boundary along the Red Cliffs trail during a cloudless sunrise. The temps were cool, the walk was easy and the red in the cliffs were true to their name.

Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Stand of Joshua Trees
Red Cliffs Trail, Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA; APR 2021
Coyote
Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA; APR 2021
Welcoming the Morning
Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA; APR 2021
Red Cliffs
Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA; APR 2021
Black-tailed Jackrabbit
Red Rock Canyon State Park, 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.