If you do much hiking in this area, as I do, you’re bound to see turkey vultures wheeling around in the sky, riding the air currents and keeping an eye out for a bite to eat. These homely birds are ubiquitous at Lake Natoma, unlike the more secretive family of bald eagles who recently moved into the area. It’s a […]
I’ve been lucky enough to capture a few hawks with my camera in the past few months, but this one really surprised me. I was climbing the last big hill at the end of my hike when I noticed him sitting on a low-hanging branch above the trail. He was content to sit and pose for me until a small […]
Cee’s Odd Ball Photo Challenge: July 16, 2017 Scary tree, or throne? Roosting pigeons: Working and playing: Nimbus Dam and Lake Natoma
Turkey vultures aren’t the most attractive birds, but they do play an important role in the environment by cleaning up recently dead carrion. And there is something fairly dignified in the way they survey the landscape from above. I’m never sure, whenever I see Canada geese gathered alongside the bike trail, whether they’ll stand there calmly and let me pass […]
One of the best things about getting out for my hike by 6 AM is that I see and hear more birds. Like the mockingbird above — he was so busy singing his heart out he didn’t notice me at first. He looked a bit surprised, then decided it was time to move his concert elsewhere. I still haven’t decided […]
This big male turkey is hanging out on a local street corner with his harem of hens. He may not be as colorful as a peacock, but he’s got plenty of style and attitude, strutting around like a boss!
This cute little female common merganser was enjoying the still waters of Lake Natoma this morning. I love the mohawk, but I’m sure it looks better on her than it would on me!
I celebrated July 4th by taking a hike along one of my favorite Lake Natoma trails. There are quite a few spots with overgrown weeds and berry bushes as well as poison oak; I had to negotiate fallen trees and trail damage from last winter’s storms. I rarely meet anyone else on the trail, and this morning I had it […]