Merced Wildlife Refuge

 Took a couple of trips to the Merced Wildlife Refuge. First was during the

morning with the intent of catching some fog shots. While the air was

heavy with mist there wasn't any real fog.

On the road  I saw several hawk with their wings slightly spread out. I guessed

they were sunning themselves and drying their wings. Inside the Refuge

I caught this one doing the same thing.

I saw nine raptors throughout the Refuge, many of course too far to photograph.

This one barely moved except to keep an eye on me just in case I

got the idea to trespass.

This is one of my favorite birds. Since it's black and white 

I thought I'd give it that treatment.

Another resident of the Refuge is the Killdeer.

This one looked a little apprehensive to me. 

The Refuge is know for it's seasonal Sandhill Crane migration. 

They even offer tours in some years.

 Here's one of the smaller flights coming in to roost for the night.

Snowy Egrets are smaller than the Great Egret and less common at the Refuge.

 This one is showing a little of the plumage that makes it distinct.

This little guy/gal is a Willet, another one of the wading birds

 that make the Refuge home during it's migration.

Okay this may be a bit more intense than the actual sunset. I simply set the camera settings to reduce the exposure and keep the sky from being washed out.

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph

Dave