A Migrant & a Regular Resident

Cedar Waxwings are one of many Migratory Birds we look forward to seeing this time of year.  They have a very high pitch call (almost like a soft whistle) as they flit from tree to tree.  Their coloring is amazing with bright yellow tips on their tails and a waxy red coloring on the back of their wings.  They are sometimes called Batman Birds because of the mask on their face.  

This Downy Woodpecker is a regular in our valley and are quite acrobatic when it comes to getting small bugs off of tree trunks, etc.  I think they are very cute!

A Variety of Migratory Birds and....

Black Necked Stilt grabbing a tasty morsel from a flooded rice field.  I love the reflection!

The Western Meadowlark not only has striking colors but it's song is beautiful as well.  I always look forward to seeing and hearing them every fall and winter.

This time of year, there are lots of flocks of Sandhill Cranes flying into the Preserve.  You hear them before you see them!

Feeding Sandhill Cranes in a flooded corn field.

I watched this Kestrel for quite a while.  He landed and perched on a cut cornstalk in hopes of obtaining a meal.  

I had to include this picture as it resonates peace and tranquility.   I wish peace and tranquility for everyone in the coming New Year.

Very Colorful Friend

There is one Hummingbird that loves to come to the feeder in my backyard.  When I took these pictures, he chose to flash some interesting colors:

Wood Ducks and a Heron!

During my weekly visit to Southside Park, I always see the usual suspects.  Lot's of Wood Ducks, Canada Geese, the lone Commorant fishing for Catfish and hybrid Ducks.  I did not expect to see a Green Heron...They usually like to frequent the sloughs and river along the American River Parkway.  Based on my visit last week, there is more than enough Catfish to go around and I assume from it's perch, the Heron could just quickly dive and grab one at anytime.  Nice!

A Cold, Cold Day at the Preserve

This beautiful female Finch was kind enough to pose by raising her tail slightly for the camera.

Female and Male Green Winged Teals.  The male keeps an eye out while his mate grabs a bite to eat.

A Red Shouldered Hawk and a Male Finch fluffed up to keep warm.  

Red Tailed Hawk fluffing it's feathers so they will lay just right to keep her warm. 

Cute Little Raptors!

This picture was taken just outside of the Sacramento International Airport on a very windy Friday.  Normally, this Kestrel would bow into the wind.  It decided to stand up in between wind gusts.  

This is Sophia, a Saw Whet Owl.  She was hit by a truck and deemed unable to fly and hunt for herself so she was brought to Effie Yeaw Nature Center where she is well cared for.  She is so loved by everyone - especially the children that come to visit the Center.