Merced Wildlife Refuge

During the last month or so I went to the Merced Wildlife Refuge a couple of times. 

There wasn't a lot of new birds to photograph so you'll see a lot of old favorites. The ones

that were there seemed to be pretty accommodating to this photographer. 

Usually when I photograph a White Faced Ibis they're at a distance and

usually end up being overexposed. This one was right near the road and 

very accommodating.

This is one of my favorite birds and subjects. It's hard to catch them with they're

head up since they're prolific feeders.

I believe these to be Snow Geese because of the longer neck than a Ross Goose. 

With the way they're flying do they lead your eyes right off the photo?

Kestrels are small fast and typically skittish.  This one just watched me very

carefully. 

Killdeer are also a bird that likes to run away. It's a defense mechanism

they use to lure predators away from their nest. This one was too busy

eating near the road.

  

These Northern Pintails weren't doing a very good job hiding. As you probably know

most ducks and geese mate for life. If you see a full grown loner something has

probably happened to the mate.

Sandhill Cranes do an interesting dance. They jump up and display their wings.

 Really fun to watch.

I've never had much luck catching one close up in flight. Got lucky.

When I first got to the Refuge there was a large flock of geese fairly close to the

road instead of the middle of the Refuge. I only saw one other car in the area. I had snuck up

behind some bushes so as not to disturb them. All of a sudden they took off en-masse. When

I looked other car which had been behind me on a one-way road was gone. Then I heard the shots from hunters in the area. Coincidence?? 

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph

Dave