Category: Sacramento

A Few Birds from Our Recent Trip

by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, Earthwatcher, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Fujifilm Cameras, Goose, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Sacramento, Uncategorized, USA, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography
Photo of an adult and a juvenile Great Horned Owl at the opening of its hillside nesting cave. The hillside is a sedimentary mix of mud and ovoid river rocks. The background color isa sandy beige. The rocks are a mix of grays and browns. In the lower right corner is green foliage with yellow flowers – California Golden Poppies. There is some other green foliage dotting the hillside. The 2 owls are standing side by side at the entrance to their cave. The adult is the larger bird standing on the left, the juvenile is the small gray bird with gay beak standing on the right. Both birds are facing front with their head bent down, partially obscuring their eyes. The adult’s breast is mostly white, but orange in some areas, all with gray horizontal stripes. The top of the adult’s head is triangular patch with the point at the top of the beak. The patch is gray, outlined by a white stripe and further by a gray stripe. Its face is gray, outlined by a black stripe that makes it almost heart shaped. Its beak is gray.
Nimbus Fish Hatchery,
American River Parkway, Rancho Cordova, California, USA; APR 2023

Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution!

Photo of a Snowy Egret perched on a fallen tree in a pond. The fallen tree is two large main branches projecting from the water in the lower left of the picture. They project upward, across the picture toward the right at about a 30-degree angle. There are supporting branches on each of the main branches that project back into the water in the lower right quarter of the picture. The branches are dark gray, streaked with light gray on the top by the sunlight. The water is green in the lower third of the picture then changing to a greenish gray as it progresses to the opposite side of the pond. The bird is in the upper right quadrant of the picture. It is bright white with a black beak, black legs and yellow feet. Its eye is a small black dot where the beak meets the head. There is a small yellow patch on the end of the beak at the eye. There are many smaller branches in the water around the fallen tree. The river bank on the opposite site is out of focus river rocks capped with out of focus brush.
Snowy Egret;
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, California, USA; MAR 2023
Photo of a Snowy Egret perched on a fallen tree in a pond. The fallen tree appears as several medium gray to light gray, twisted, large branches. They appear to project from the lower right corner of the picture, curving upward; one into the middle, the other to left side. The bird is perched on one leg, on one of the branches, in the middle, vertically and one third of the way from the right side of the picture. The bird is white. It has a black beak and leg with a yellow foot. Its feathers are fluffed from the wind. Its eye is a tiny black dot at the base of the beak. There is a yellow patch on the base of the beak and around the eye. The background is the pond. The water is green in the lower third of the picture. It is mostly blue with greenish brown streaks in the rest of the picture.
Snowy Egret;
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, California, USA; MAR 2023
Photo of a Black Oystercatcher standing on a rock along the water’s edge. On the left side of the image is a triangular shaped, granular looking rock, sandy brown on type grading to dark gray. Across the bottom of the image, is a flat-topped rock which is light beige on the left and golden brown on the right. The water in the background is blue with some brown, shimmering rocks just below the water’s surface. The bird is standing upright atop the flat top rock, facing left. The bird has a black body, pink legs and a red beak. The bird is holding its prey, a black circular object, likely a shellfish, in its beak. Its eye is yellow with a red ring around it.
Black Oystercatcher;
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California, USA; APR 2023
Photo of a Black Oystercatcher on a rock along the water’s edge. Across the bottom of the image, is a flat-topped rock which is light beige on the left and golden brown on the right. The water in the background is blue with some brown, shimmering rocks just below the water’s surface. The bird is standing hunched over, atop the flat top rock, facing left. The bird has a black body, pink legs and a red beak. The bird is holding its prey, a cream-colored circular object, likely a shellfish, in its beak. The shell from its prey sets just below the beak on the rock. Its eye is yellow with a red ring around it.
Black Oystercatcher;
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California, USA; APR 2023
Photo of a Canada Goose on its nest which is on a hillside. The hill side is a dark, sandy beige color. The upper third is rock, the lower two thirds is dried mud. The dried mud is dotted with green foliage and yellow flowers. The bird has a black head, neck and bill. There is a small white patch on the right side of its head. Its breast and under parts are white. Its wing feathers are brown. The wing feathers are folded and extend to the length of its body making a “V” between the wings and underbody.
Canada Goose on Nest;
Nimbus Fish Hatchery, American River Parkway, Rancho Cordova, California, USA; APR 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.