Yosemite and More

The weather report said it was supposed to snow in Yosemite on  Christmas Eve, but I didn't access the web to see if it was true.  Christmas Day I decided to head on up. Good choice. Except for finding a parking spot it was a wonderfully cold day. I was especially grateful that the snow was  sticking to the trees. Of course most of the day it was below freezing. The water was flowing in Bridalveil Fall but it was cold enough to freeze the mist. There was only one other set of footprints leading to where I took this shot. The Merced River was flowing pretty good but it was calm enough in some areas for great reflections. If you want to see water flowing just wait a few days until it  warm all this snow. The first time you look at this can be a little disconcerting, it was for me and I took the photo. Any way you looked there was something beautiful. I of course...

This time of the year is great time to go to the Merced Wildlife Refuge. Lots of birds, great light, interesting skies and beautiful Sunsets. This little one was all by itself looking for something to eat. I'm beginning to appreciate the variety of birds at the Refuge. There are a lot of raptors at the refuge. These two seemed to be  playing tag. Though they eventually flew off in different directions. Wish I had caught this Red Tailed Hawk a little more\ to the left in the frame. The reeds and reflections as the sun goes down produce some  wonderful hues. Of course this time of year you go to see the geese. While a little  farther away than the last time I was there (see farther down the blog) they were still spectacular. And last but not least the mandatory sunset photo.  Go, See, Enjoy. Dave

Last week I had the opportunity to visit San Juan Batista State Park. I didn't get into the mission. They don't allow tripods and since the day was overcast and I didn't  want a high ISO I decided to wait and come with a monopod. Which has become my Christmas gift to myself. The Park wasn't as decorated for Christmas as I had expected.  Most don't require descriptions. Some are converted to black and white, some sepia and some left in color. Hope you enjoy. Go, See, Enjoy Dave

This post I'm focusing on the birds I saw at the Refuge last Saturday. There was a lot, and many different kinds. Here's some of my photos, I shot over 500. I've taken a lot of photos of the Great Egret, don't think I have many of them landing. One of many at the Refuge. This one needs a groomer.  The sun didn't show itself until late in the morning. Here it is at 9:30, still mostly hidden by the fog and low cloud. It disappeared again soon after is image. I believe these are a mating pair of Northern Shoveler ducks. Speaking of pairs, these two stayed fairly close to shore, and to me. They swam back and forth in front of me. I think the fog helped calm the birds. I saw several species I don't recall seeing before.  I believe this is an Eared Grebe, Californicus. Here's another one that I don't recall seeing, but am told they're not uncommon. I kept waitin...

I've tried several times to make it to the Merced Wildlife Refuge when there was fog.  Finally made it last Saturday. On the way up there was very little fog and even when I got there it was overcast but just a bit of a haze. As the sun rose, the fog thickened. Though it varied throughout the Refuge In many places taking on a very eerie feel I was expecting a lot of Sandhill Cranes, didn't see very many. What surprised me were the number of Geese and how close they were to the road. There wasn't a lot of comings and goings, but some. Next set will focus more on the birds than the fog. Though I couldn't get away from it for almost the 4 hours I was there..... Go, See, Enjoy. Dave