Patiently Waiting To Swallow

I was walking along a dirt trail near the American River and spotted this Belted Kingfisher with something in it's mouth.  I was pretty far away and am very aware how these skittish birds can take to the wing in a flash.  So I moved a couple of feet at a time to try to get a better view of what was in it's mouth.  The Kingfisher would vocalize and hold it's head up without ever losing it's hold on whatever was in it's mouth.  Finally, as I got closer, it turned toward me.  I took a couple of shots - then poof, it was gone.  At least I now know it was Crayfish! 

The Owlets are 3 Months Old!

These owlets have been and are continuing to grow so fast and have become really good flyers as well!  I was pleased to find them recently and Mama as well. 

Mama Great Horned Owl

Owlet #1 is so big!

The Owlets - #1, 2 & 3 

Red Tailed Hawk

Tanner is one of the residents at Effie Yeaw Nature Center.  He and his keepers were returning him to his unit when a guest asked if they could take pictures of him.  I got this shot of Tanner responding to the calls of a male Wild Turkey. 

Beautiful Eyes

I first saw this kitty last week and took a picture of it crouching at the edge of a slough.  It looks as though someone just dropped this little one off to fend for itself.  What caught my attention was it's beautiful blue eyes. 

Today, I saw it at the edge of the slough again.  Feral cats are located all over the Parkway.  Most of them are doing really well.  I hope this kitty does well too. 

Red Shouldered Hawk Chicks

This little one was perching close to the edge waiting for its parents to bring in some food.

Mama arrives to three very hungry chicks.

This Mama is so gentle and patient with feeding the youngest of the three chicks

Feed Me!!!

While at the Nature Center, I looked up and saw a Starling interacting with it's chick.  Chick was hungry and impatient.  Eventually mom came in with a tasty morsel...

River Otters

I saw these playful guys while I was riding my bike near what I call the Turtle Area @ mile marker 3.  These two are regulars that come here to feast on Crayfish every once in a while.