Mock-ing Bird!

I find that Mocking Birds are curious about us.  The first picture was taken at Sutter's Landing.  This bird literally followed me on the trail.  The three remaining photos were taken in my backyard.  The berries are a big draw for this little one.  It was not deterred by my presence at all. 

Western Tailed-Blue Butterfly

Sneaky Photos

One has to be alert and a little sneaky to capture photos of wildlife off the trail.  The male Wood Duck and the Green Heron are not only colorful, they are very skittish:

I was fortunate to spot River Otters near the shoreline not far from me.  I walked very carefully and raised up just slightly over the grass and took these shots of an Otter eating and briefly resting before it dove back into the river.  

Birding/Nature Event

I attended my first Bird & Breakfast event on 3/19 and was not disappointed.  We, as a group were led by Birder's from Audubon and were treated to close up views of the very difficult to see Hummingbird nests hidden in the Oak Trees via spotting scopes.  Because they were so well hidden, I could not get any photos but here are some I was able to get:

This, is a nest built by a Bushtit (bird is at the entrance at the top).  This nest is built with the same materials that the hummingbird uses to build it's nest.  The Bushtit nest is much larger!  

This is an adult Cooper's Hawk perched very near it's nest.  The guide was fascinated with the fact that this Hawk would stay perched for so long with so many people looking at it.  This Raptor can glide very easily through the trees to snatch small birds.  

We saw a lot of Deer off the trail.  They would not run from us, but they would not approach us either.  That is as it should be.  

There were a lot of Wild Turkey's out as it is mating season.  The males (Toms) are in full regalia trying to impress the hens.  I know they are not the best looking bird but they are very colorful.

A big Tom and a hen who seems to pay no mind to her would be suitor.  

This is young Tom who was intimidated by the bigger and older Tom Turkey pictured above.  Notice the spur on the back of it's leg.  They can inflict serious injury to another Turkey or predator.

River Otters Dining

The slough near the bike trail is flooded because of all the rains we have had.  Lately, the American River has been very high and moving quite fast.  So, it appears a couple of River Otters have decided to hang out in the slough to dine on crayfish.  They ate so much, they decided to relieve themselves on a nearby log...

Photos From The Neighbor-hood

This sweet kitty is my new friend!

Male Northern Flicker

A well balanced Tree Squirrel.

Male White Tailed Kite with a stick in it's talons. 

Cloudy Day on the Parkway

This photo was taken at Sutter's Landing Park.  The American River, which is running very fast and high is covering a walking trail.  

But all is not lost.  I spied a Bushtit in the arch of the tree.  Such a cute little bird!

On the North side of Sutter's Landing Park, I saw and heard this Wren flying very near the Tree Swallow's hole.  

Then I watched it fly right in.  It is unknown if the Tree Swallows abandoned this nest.  When the rain stops, I will check it out. 

On one of the few logs in the river, this Red Eared Slider seemed to be relaxing a bit.

Nearby, this female Mallard was preening on an almost submerged log.  She is not as colorful as her mate but she does have a bit of blue on her wing. 

Great Horned Owls

I started monitoring a family of GHO's last March.  It was then that I noticed not only Mama and her three owlets but Papa standing as a stoic protector of his mate and offspring.  This year, Mama and Papa are back with one and maybe another owlet. 

Papa GHO

Mama GHO

Owlet #1 appears to be yawning

But maybe he is just stretching his beak muscles

Then he stood up and leaned against Mama.  All this activity wore this little one out!  It laid down and did not get up. 

A Calm Sunday Afternoon

This Acorn Woodpecker appears to be pleased that the sun came out after a very stormy couple of days. 

Beaver looks like it is meditating on a submerged log in the American River.

Crows like to chase after raptors like this Red Tailed Hawk whenever they can.

B 4 The Storms

This pic was taken from my backyard.  The Robins loved the unknown berries growing around a large palm tree.  

Belted Kingfisher just chilling over the American River.

While I was watching a turtle, this Mockingbird flew in right above me.  I was amazed how curious it was of me as I was of it!

Birds + Turtle

I snuck up on these two Cormorants.  Have I mentioned that I love their blue eyes?

Red Eared Slider and it's reflection.

Mama Great Horned Owl in her nest.  Later this month her owlets will be poking their heads out from under her.

This is a Spotted Towhee.  As with most small birds, it is hard to get a good shot of it as it is a very quick flyer and hardly ever stays still.