I did see a couple of turtles, but the stars of the show on this morning were the many species of birds — especially the Red-winged blackbirds. They were continually swooping and perching, calling and battling in mid air while a few brownish females watched from the sidelines. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I decided to explore this pond at Sailor Bar County Park, but it was definitely worth the trip, and the $6 entrance fee.

Female Red-winged blackbird, a mere spectator

Turkey in the pond

Tree swallow

Green-backed heron

California towhee having a bath