Earthwatcher – Page 19

Special Trees

April 23, 2020April 23, 2020 by Earthwatcher, posted in California, Earthwatcher, Eastern Sierra, Great Basin National Park, landscape, landscape images, landscape photos, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Seirra Nevada, sequoia, Sequoia National Park, Uncategorized

The Steadfast Bristlecone Pine
Great Basin National Park, NV; OCT 2015

Today I am featuring some special trees: The The Great Basin Brisltecone Pine (Pinus longevea), the Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). Most of the images are from California but one comes from Great Basin National Park in Nevada.

There are only 8 groves of the Giant Sequoia in the world. They are all located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. These wonders grow more than 300 feet tall with diameters that exceed 50 feet. The branches on these trees are often bigger than the trunks of trees I see every day.

The Coastal Redwood is found only along the coasts of Northern California with just a slight incursion into Oregon. These trees are the tallest in the world, reaching heights in excess of 375 feet and diameters in excess of 30 feet. Many of these trees are over 600 years old with the oldest known tree 2,200 years old.

The Bristlecone pines are small, gnarled, ancient trees some of which have lived more than 5,000 years. They grow at high altitudes and like poor soil conditions. They are tough old buggers.

Note: Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution

Among the Elders
Sequoia National Park, OCT 2014

Early Morning Among the Coastal Redwoods
Jedediah Smith State Redwoods Park, CA, JAN 2013

A Path Through the Forest
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Schullman Grove, CA JUL 2013

Sequoia Giganteum
Calaveras Big Trees State Park, CA, DEC 2013

Bristlecone Pine in Spring
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Schullman Grove, CA, JUL 2014

Sun Awakening A Family of Redwoods
Jedediah Smith State Redwoods Park, CA, JAN 2013

A Testament to Time
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Schullman Grove, CA; JUL 2013

Guardian of the Valley
Schullman Grove, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, CA; MAY 2016

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.

Snowy Egret

April 17, 2020April 16, 2020 by Earthwatcher, posted in bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Florida, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

The Snowy Egret is an elegant bird with bright white plumage, black beak and legs and bright yellow feet. When it displays its long, curved plumage, it is gorgeous. They can be found, year around, along the coastal waters of the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. But its migration and breeding periods takes it into much of the interior of the US.

Like other egrets and herons, they nest high in trees, in colonies, with other similar birds. They forage on frogs, worms, crustaceans, and insects. I find watching Egrets and Herons stalk fascinating.

The Snowy Egret is noticeably smaller than its cousin the great egret; the one that is tall and has a yellow beak. When you see an egret, look closely; it might be a Snowy or, it might be a Great.

In this set, I mixed a few pictures from our recent trip to Florida as well as some I have taken locally.

Note: Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; MAR 2020

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) with Prey
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; SEP 2019

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Sanibel Island, FL; FEB 2020

Snowy Egret (egretta thula)
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael, CA; MAR 2019

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.

Folsom and Sierra Foothills

April 15, 2020April 14, 2020 by Earthwatcher, posted in American River, American River Parkway, California, Earthwatcher, Folsom, Fujifilm Cameras, Photography, river

American River Gorge, Folsom, CA
Looking downstream on the American River toward footbridge in Folsom, CA after heavy rains. JAN 2017

Today I decided to share a few scenes from the area around Folsom, CA. Folsom is the site of the Folsom Prison that Johnny Cash put on the map. But there is more. It sits along the American River near the western end of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The small section of old town Folsom is still very nice. The outskirts are surrounded by oak woodlands primarily used for ranching.

Note: Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution

Lighting the Path
Historic Footbridge across American River, Folsom, CA. JAN 2

Reawakening
Auburn State Recreation Area, Auburn, CA, FEB 2015

Sierra Foothills, P2
Scott Rd, Folsom, CA. AUG 2014
Thunderclouds over the Sierra bring rain but not to the drought ridden foothills.

Sierra Foothiils, Moonrise Over the Foothills
Scott Rd, Folsom, CA, JAN 2015

Early Morning at Folsom Lake
Doton’s Point, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Folsom, CA; MAR 2019

Sunset Over the Foothills
Scott Rd, Folsom, CA, JAN 2015

American River Gorge in Fog
American River Gorge, Folsom, CA; JAN 2017

Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow Bridge arch after heavy rains
Folsom, CA. JAN 2017

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.

California Seascapes

April 11, 2020April 11, 2020 by Earthwatcher, posted in California, Earthwatcher, Fujifilm Cameras, landscape, nature, Nature Photography, Seascape, Travel

Ultima Luz
Sunset Over Bodega Bay, CA, JUN 2013

Today I am sharing a few seascapes from various California beaches.

Note: Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Black Sands Beach
Bonita Cove, Marin Headlands, Marin County; CA, FEB 2015

Sun Setting at the Marin Headlands
Marin Headlands, San Francisco, CA; SEP 2013

Firey Calm
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA; OCT 2012

Sunrise at Fort Bragg, CA
Fort Bragg, CA; SEP 2013

Gull Wing and Tempest
Marina State Beach, Marina, CA. OCT 2012

O Solo Mio
Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris)
Piedra Blancas Rookery, San Simeon, CA; FEB 2014

El Morro Veiled
The rock at Morro Bay, CA shrouded in rain and fog. The ocean teems with activity despite the weather conditions. If you look closely, you’ll see a sea lion with his head jutting out of the water and a surfer swimming his board out into the waves.

Parasailing in San Diego
Black’s Beach, San Diego, CA; MAR 2016

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.

Yosemite – The Vistas

April 8, 2020April 8, 2020 by Earthwatcher, posted in Black & White Photography, Earthwatcher, Eastern Sierra, Fujifilm Cameras, landscape, landscape photos, nature, Nature Photography, Yosemite, Yosemite National Park

Primera Lúz
First light over Yosemite, July 2014

Today I am wrapping up my Yosemite posts by presenting some of the big, expansive vistas of the park.

There are some interesting stories behind some of these images.

Primera Lúz or First Light, was for me, a difficult shot. I wanted the image of the sun rising over El Capitan. I did my research to figure out when I might get that shot. That date was fortuitous because it coincided with the visit of my niece and nephew who had never visited Yosemite. I set up early and was treated to this magnificent view.

I was wandering Yosemite Valley in mid-morning when I caught the view of Bridal Veil Falls in the black and white image. There was a sense of familiarity in the scene, but I couldn’t place it. When I got home and looked at it, I realized I saw a scene that was reminiscent of images I saw in Look and Life magazines when I was a child. As an homage to what I remembered, I decided black and white would give me the retro presentation my memory asked for.

Upper Yosemite Falls at sunrise was taken on a trip to see the snow, but for which we were too late. As I researched for the trip, I realized that there should be some nice sunrise light on Yosemite Falls. But, I didn’t expect what I found. There had been some rain the night before and it was cold. As the sun rose. some holes opened in the clouds and bathed the chasm of Yosemite falls with beautiful golden light.

I love Yosemite very much. Its been a great blessing to be able to photograph it. Hopefully, I will be able to do more and do them better.

Note: Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Dappling Gold
Early Evening Light Breaking Through Rain Clouds Over Yosemite Valley
Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, MAY 2015

Upper Yosemite Falls at Sunrise
Yosemite National Park; MAR 2019

Bridal Viel Falls
Yosemite National Park, May 2016

Focusing Attention
Sunlight Streaming Through Breaks in the Clouds Play Across the Cliffs and Through the Valleys
Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, MAY 2015

North Dome at Sunrise
The early morning sun highlights the face of North Dome as it rises over Yosemite Valley
Yosemite National Park, CA; MAY 2017

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.

Yosemite – Small Vignettes of Spring and Summer

April 3, 2020April 2, 2020 by Earthwatcher, posted in California, Earthwatcher, landscape, landscape photos, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Seirra Nevada, Yosemite, Yosemite National Park

Reflections in a Pond
Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park, CA; MAY 2017

Following with my small vignettes of Yosemite, here are a few from the spring and summer seasons.

Note: Please click on caption to see images at higher resolution.

Cascade on Yosemite Creek
Yosemite National Park; APR 2016

A Spirit Within the Mountain
El Capitan, El Capitan Meadow, Yosemite National Park, JAN 2018

A Deceiving Role
Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park; APR 2016

View from the Merced River Near El Capitan Bridge
Yosemite National Park, CA; FEB 2018

Tioga Pass Road
Yosemite National Park; May 2013

Tree at Base of Cascade Falls
Yosemite National Park; MAR 2019

Roiling and Thundering
Tioga Pass Road, Yosemite National Park, APR 2016

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.

Sanderlings and a Ruddy Turnstone

March 29, 2020 by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, Earthwatcher, Florida, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

Sanderling (Calidris alba)
Sanibel Island, FL; FEB 2020

The Sanderling is the little white bird we see along the coast. It scurries after the receding surf collecting small invertebrates or probing the sand for small crabs, worms and mollusks. As the surf returns, they scurry back to dry shores. I think they are both interesting and amusing to watch.

In the US, we get to see Sanderlings along the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts outside the breeding season. They breed in far, northern Canadian islands and peninsulas. Interestingly, the use the “broken wing” behavior to lure predators from the nest similar to Kildeer.

I’ve included a Ruddy Turnstone in this post. It too is a bird that we can see along coastal waters but breeds in the far north. They hunt by flipping over rocks, shells and seaweed; they eat insects, small crustaceans and bird eggs.

This Ruddy Turnstone is perched atop an interesting feature; a large, naturally formed pile of sea shells that continually replenishes itself. Homo sapiens can often be found foraging in this pile for decorative objects.

Info from Cornell Labs All About Birds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sanderling/overview and https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ruddy_turnstone.

Note: Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
Blind Pass Beach, Sanibel Island, FL; FEB 2020

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.

Two Raptors

March 28, 2020March 28, 2020 by Earthwatcher, posted in American River Parkway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, nature, Nature Photography, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) on Nest
It is possible there are chicks in the nest. I watched the adult and saw it bent over with food in its mouth. I can’t be certain. I didn’t see tiny heads.
Rollingwood Bluffs, American River Parkway, Orangevale, CA; MAR 2020

Today, I am going to take a short break from sharing the amazing birds I saw in Florida so that I can share 2 images I took this past week. I am sharing these 2 beautiful raptors.

The eagle is on a nest. I suspect that at least one of its chicks has hatched. I did not see any tiny heads. But I did see the adult, bent over, with food in its mouth. I did not see it eat that food. So, I think it is possible there is a chick in the nest.

The Red-shouldered hawk had just leapt from its perch to fly away.

Note: Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo virginianus)
Image captured as hawk left its perch in the tree.
Mississippi Bar, American River Parkway, Orangevale, CA; MAR 2020

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.

White Ibis

March 22, 2020 by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, Earthwatcher, Florida, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

The bright pink and white colors of the White Ibis, remind me of the bright, flamboyant Cadillacs and Packards of the mid to late 1950’s. The gray, pink and white Packard Caribbean convertible comes to mind.

The White Ibis is found, year around, along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the Southeastern US as well as the Bahamas, the Caribbean and parts of Central America. They nest in trees, in colonies with herons and egrets.

These birds forage by walking along the shore line, sticking their beaks in the mud and feeling around for invertebrates, worms and insects. They will also stab fish, frogs and crustaceans with their beaks. Interestingly, they remove the claws and pinchers from frogs and crabs before they eat them.

Info from CornellLab All About Birds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White_Ibis/lifehistory

Note: Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

White Ibis
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Titusville, FL; FEB 2020

White Ibis with Inflated Pufferfish
Bunche Beach, Fort Meyers, FL; FEB 2020

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.

Little Blue Heron

March 18, 2020 by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, Earthwatcher, Fujifilm Cameras, Photography, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

The Little Blue Heron is another small heron that, in North America, is found year-round along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the Southeastern US as well as the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and parts of Mexico and Central America. There is a group of Little Blue Herons that migrate from Mexico and Central America into more interior areas of the Southeastern US when breeding.

The Little Blue Heron forages in swamps, marshes, ponds, stream and other wetlands. They like small fish, small amphibians, crustaceans, insects and invertebrates. My observation is that they stalk and attack prey much like an egret – slow movements with the neck extended then attacking in rapid jut of the neck.

The juvenile Little Blue Heron is all white. Their legs are a gray-green color and the beak is gray. If you are in Little Blue Heron country and you see a bird that looks like an egret, take a closer look; it may be a juvenile Little Blue Heron.

Infor from CornellLabs All About Birds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Little_Blue_Heron/lifehistory

Note: Please click on caption to image at higher resolution.