Yosemite and More

I went to the Refuge Christmas afternoon. As I was approaching I noticed  a lot of Sandhill Cranes and some Snow and Ross Geese flying around. This is only a very small portion of the geese in this area. One difference between Ross and Snow geese is the length of their necks. They tend to flock together.  There were a lot of Hawks around and while I saw a Kestral or two I couldn't get  them to cooperate for a photograph. Very inconsiderate. I figured this must be a mating pair, perched so close together. I mentioned I saw some Sandhill Cranes flying around on my way in. The only one I saw in the Refuge itself was this one. Great Egrets are pretty common around here. But this one was  pretty cooperative. This one was about as close as I've ever gotten to one without it flying off. This is what happens when someone or something spooks a whole lot of White and Ross Geese.  The ones in the foreground were content staying where they were. Here's the kind of reflectio...

 Went to Yosemite the other day. Really wasn't expecting much in the way of fall colors but was pleasantly surprised. I decided not to concentrate on the iconic features such as Half Dome and El Capitan, with one exception as you will see. I was surprised to see these wild grapes along the side of the road, even more surprised the deer hadn't eaten them. In Yosemite everywhere you look is pretty magnificent. Trouble is sometimes we only focus on the iconic scenes. Sometimes you look up. Sometimes you look down. This butterfly was very cooperative, or maybe just tired. Sometimes you see it climbing up a hill. Sometimes it's next to the road  but you have to walk a little to get back to it. I just thought this was kinda different. Very Old School This bush was just starting to turn. I took a trail I've never been on before, turns out it was the old Highway 41 before they build the tunnel. Photo looks kinda level, it isn't, after about a mile and half you end up near w...

 Recently went to the Moaning Caverns and then to Big Trees State Park. It was a very good day. At Big Trees I didn't focus on the trees as you'll see. But first the Moaning Caverns (the 4th cave/caverns I've  been to recently, not a complaint) There were lots of interesting formations in the Caverns, here are just a few. Can you see the shark rising from the water??!! Now for the Big Trees, Fall in the Sierras Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph. Dave