Wildlife Refuges

Visited the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and the Merced Wildlife Refuge

on VERY different days. One very sunny, the other fog bound.

The Sacramento NWR, was a clear day with a lot of visitors that limited the 

birds near the auto route. The fog and few visitors actually allowed for more

opportunities at the Merced NWR.

Case in point

First the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

Blue Morph Ross Geese

White Faced Ibis, Hunting and Hiding

Small Bufflehead Duck, these swim fast and don't like 

cars, people, or cameras. This is taken through the reeds and heavily cropped.

I thought this hawk was going to take off but instead it just

fluffed it's feathers and settled back down.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge seemed to have a wider and more easily

photographable subjects.

Thought this was an interesting juxtaposition.

Each section of the refuge is flooded to to certain depth depending on

what species they want to accommodate.

I find it interesting that in the wild the male always seems to be the

one who has to look pretty.

This Killdeer seemed to be happy to have it's picture taken, most weren't.

The American Avocet has different plumage depending on the season.

There always seems to be some Northern Shovelers at the MNWR

A Non-native species introduced for game hunting.

Larger than native doves.

One of the many other species found at the refuge.

It looks like a very good year for Fiddlenecks

This Great Egret looked as cold as I felt in the fog.

I was surprised to learn that American Coots migrate, since they seem to

be very happy running, swimming and not flying.

Hygiene is important to birds too.

 

This was definitely the biggest surprise, but checking several sources this

seems to be a juvenile Bald Eagle. And a very patient one.

 

Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph.

Dave