Travels and Adventures

Tilie Creek Campground - California Towhee - 2/12/12

2012-02-14T19:24:00.001-08:00

cr_TCC_California Towhee1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

I had been trying to get pics of the Spotted Towhee (you can see pics of these birds if you scroll down), but have had bad luck with trying to get them out in the open. This California Towhee, however, was much more cooperative than its cousins - lol.

Tillie Creek Campground - California Quail

2012-02-14T19:22:00.001-08:00

cr_TCC_California Quail, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

There are lots and lots of California Quail in Tillie Creek Campground, but they are wary of people and often run by so quick that you rarely have time to focus your camera lens to get a pic. If you are lucky, you will find one standing on a rock (but as my luck would have it, that rock was in the shade - lol).

Tille Creek Campground - Cedar Waxwing

2012-02-14T19:19:00.001-08:00

cr_TCC_Cedar Waxwing2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

I happened to be in just the right place as a group of Cedar Waxwings landed in the tree just next to me as I was walking thru Tillie Creek Campground in Wofford Heights, CA.

Canebrake Ecological Reserve - Great Horned Owl

2012-02-14T19:18:00.001-08:00

cr_CER_Great Horned Owl, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Whoooooo you looking at??

Kern River Preserve - Oak Titmouse

2012-02-14T19:17:00.001-08:00

cr_KRP_Oak Titmouse, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This little bird was just singing its little heart out.

Kern River Parkway - Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher

2012-02-14T19:09:00.001-08:00

cr_bg gnatcatcher, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

These birds are a challenge to photograph, as they are constantly moving, darting from branch to branch in trees and shrubs in search of food and to defend their territory.

Lake Ming - Say's Phoebe

2012-02-14T19:07:00.001-08:00

cr_says phoebe, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

These little birds are often found sitting atop fence posts and tree branches, where they fly up or out to catch insects as they fly by.

Lake Ming - Double Crested Cormorant

2012-02-14T18:41:00.001-08:00

cr_double crested cormorant, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

It says "no boats," but it says nothing about cormorants ;)

Cats of Hart Park - lol

2012-02-14T18:40:00.001-08:00

cr_cat1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

There are lots of feral cats that hang out at Hart Park, such as this one.

Birds of Hart Park - American Coot

2012-02-14T18:36:00.001-08:00

cr_american coot, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The American Coot is a familiar face at parks, lakes and wildlife refuges. It is a member of the rail family.

Birds of Hart Park - Rose Ringed Parakeet

2012-02-14T18:35:00.001-08:00

cr_rose ringed parakeet, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This female Rise Ringed Parakeet was checking me out with a wary eye

Bird of Hart Park - Western Scrub Jay

2012-02-14T18:34:00.001-08:00

cr_west scrub jay3, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This Western Scrub Jay takes a break from his singing to get a drink of water.

Birds of Hart Park - Hooded Merganser (male)

2012-02-14T18:33:00.001-08:00

cr_hooded merganser1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This male Hooded Merganser has been hanging out lately at Hart Park with his mate.

Birds of Hart Park - Mourning Dove - 1/5/2012

2012-02-06T20:51:00.001-08:00

cr_HP_Mourning Dove, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This Mourning Dove sits on a branch on a sunny Sunday morning at Bakersfield's Hart Park.

The next few photos are also from Sunday's visit to Hart Park. Enjoy!

Birds of Hart Park - Lincoln's Sparrow

2012-02-06T20:48:00.001-08:00

cr_HP_Sparrow3, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Somewhat similar in appearance to the Song Sparrow, these secretive birds forage on the ground for insects and seeds.

Birds of Hart Park - White Breasted Nuthatch

2012-02-06T20:41:00.001-08:00

cr_HP_White Breasted Nuthatch2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The White Breasted Nuthatch is a tree dwelling bird, foraging for insects on the branches and trunks. They have powerful feet which enable them to cling to the bark of the trees. You may not see them at first, but they are quite noisy birds, so just listen for them and then follow the voice. They are often seen hanging upside down, and can descend head first down a tree trunk.

Birds of Hart Park - Dark Eyed Junco

2012-02-06T20:31:00.001-08:00

cr_HP_Dark Eyed Junco4, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This little guy was doing a pretty good job of blending in with its surroundings. These birds are ground dwellers, feeding on seeds and small fruits. It is a popular bird at feeders as well.

Bird of Hart Park - Rose Ringed Parakeet

2012-02-06T20:20:00.001-08:00

cr_HP_Rose Ringed Parakeet1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This bird is a female, as the male has a distinct reddish neck ring. These are a noisy species of bird. In the morning as I am walking into work, I see these guys flying off in flocks to do their daily duties, loudly squawking as they go. And in the evening as I am leaving work, I see them flying back in to their nesting grounds, again, loudly squawking, announcing their arrival. It always brings a smile to my face to see them :)

Birds of Hart Park - Red Breasted Sapsucker

2012-02-06T20:10:00.001-08:00

cr_HP_Red Naped Sapsucker, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

I came across this little fellow quite by accident and was unprepared to take his (or her) pic, so it isn't the best, but it was the only one I got that day. As soon as I snapped the pic, the bird flew away. Males and females of this particular species look alike.

Birds of Hart Park - Nuttall's Woodpecker

2012-02-06T20:07:00.001-08:00

cr_HP_Nuttals Woodpecker1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This Nuttall's Woodpecker is a female. The male has a patch of red atop his head. These birds prefer oak woodlands, but are also found in riparian and chaparral habitats as well.

Birds of Hart Park - House Wren

2012-02-06T20:01:00.001-08:00

cr_House Wren2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The House Wren is a very small songbird of the wren family. They are often found in residential areas and city parks.

Birds of Hart Park - Spotted Towhee

2012-02-06T19:47:00.001-08:00

cr_HP_Spotted Towhee5, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Peek a boo!

Birds of Hart Park - Spotted Towhee

2012-02-06T19:46:00.001-08:00

cr_HP_Spotted Towhee2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Eastern Towhee and this bird pictured here, were once considered a single species called the Rufous Sided Towhee (in fact, in my bird book, it is called the Rufous Sided Towhee, but my book is rather old - guess I need to update my book - lol). The male (pictured here) has a black head, upper body and tail, whereas in the females, these parts are brown or gray.

Birds of Hart Park - Spotted Towhee

2012-02-06T19:39:00.001-08:00

cr_HP_Spotted Towhee1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This guy was tough to get a good shot of, as these guys were inside the brush foraging for food and would not come out into the open, no matter how long I sat and waited. So this was one of my better shots.

Birds of Hart Park - Western Scrub Jay

2012-02-06T19:27:00.001-08:00

cr_HP_Western Scrub Jay, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

These handsome, bright blue birds are not exactly shy about letting their presence being known. They have a very loud and distinct call. They are a member of the corvid family, which includes crows, ravens, nutcrackers and magpies. They are regarded as extremely intelligent birds.

Backyard Birds - Mourning Dove - 1/29/12

2012-02-05T21:34:00.001-08:00

cr_mourning_dove, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Mourning Dove one of the most commonly found birds in the US. It is named for its mournful song.... woo-OOOOOH-woo-woo-woo.

Backyard Birds - American Robin - 1/29/12

2012-02-05T21:31:00.001-08:00

cr-am-robin, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The American Robin is a migratory songbird of the thrush family. It is found all over the US and Canada.

Backyard Birds - White Crowned Sparrow - 1/28/12

2012-02-05T21:28:00.001-08:00

cr_white_crowned_sparrow, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This little White Crowned Sparrow was busy feasting on the berries in the tree outside my bedroom window.

Backyard Birds - Cedar Waxwing - 1/27/12

2012-02-05T21:27:00.001-08:00

Cr_cedar_waxwing_10, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Cedar Waxwing is a striking bird, displaying its black face mask, yellow tail and orange-red wing tips.

Backyard Birds - Cedar Waxwing - 1/27/12

2012-02-05T21:25:00.001-08:00

Cr_cedar_waxwing_6, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

A whole flock of these guys were feasting on the berries in the tree just outside my apartment.

Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge -1/16/12 - American Avocet

2012-02-05T21:22:00.001-08:00

SBNWR - American Avocet2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This American Avocet is displaying its winter plumage.

Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge - Verdin

2012-02-05T21:20:00.001-08:00

SBNWR - Verdin, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The adult Verdin has a yellow head and reddish wing patch. They can be found in hot, deserty areas where they feed on insects.

Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge - Double Crested Cormorant

2012-02-05T21:18:00.001-08:00

SBNWR - Double Crested Cormorant, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

A Double Crested Cormorant in flight. The Double Crested Cormorant is distinguished from other cormorants by its bright blue eyes and orange face.

Sonny Bono Ntl Wildlife Refuge - Snow Geese

2012-02-05T21:17:00.001-08:00

Sonny Bono Ntl Wildlife Refuge - Snow Geese2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

a trio of Snow Geese (the middle one is in its Blue Phase) flies overhead

Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge - Snow Geese

2012-02-05T21:15:00.001-08:00

Sonny Bono Ntl Wildlife Refuge - Snow Geese, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

A pair of Snow Geese flies over Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge.

Salton Sea area- Cattle Egret

2012-02-05T21:14:00.001-08:00

Salton Sea area- Cattle Egret, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Salton Sea - Phainopepla (female)

2012-02-05T21:13:00.001-08:00

Salton Sea - Phainopepla2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This is a female Phainopepla. The male is black.

Balboa Park - Yellow Rumped Warbler - 1/15/12

2012-02-05T21:11:00.001-08:00

BP - Yellow Rumped Warbler1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This Yellow Rumped Warbler was enjoying some sunshine at the fountain in San Diego's Balboa Park.

Balboa Park - Yellow Rumped Warbler

2012-02-05T21:10:00.001-08:00

BP - Yellow Rumped Warbler4, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Yellow Rumper Warbler is a striking bird. As the name implies, it has a yellow patch of feathers on its rump, but as you can see here, it also has yellow patches on its sides and head.

Balboa Park - Yellow Rumped Warbler

2012-02-05T21:08:00.001-08:00

BP - Yellow Rumped Warbler5, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

You can tell, from this picture, where the Yellow Rumped Warbler gets its name.

Balboa Park - Anna's Hummingbird

2012-02-05T21:07:00.003-08:00

BP - Annas Hummingbird, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This little guy was taking a bird bath in the fountain.

Balboa Park - California Towhee

2012-02-05T21:07:00.001-08:00

BP - California Towhee1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The California Towhee can often be found in urban parks and gardens.

Balboa Park - Fox Squirrel

2012-02-05T21:04:00.001-08:00

BP - Fox Squirrel, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This little Fox Squirrel was eyeing me from a tree in San Diego's Balboa Park.

San Diego - Willet

2012-02-05T21:03:00.001-08:00

SD - Willet1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Willet is a relative of the Lesser Yellowlegs. It looks grayish on the surface, but in flight, the Willet has bold black markings on the undersides of its wings.

San Diego - Brant

2012-02-05T21:01:00.001-08:00

SD- Brant1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Brant is a type of Goose.

San Diego - Bufflehead (male)

2012-02-05T20:59:00.003-08:00

SD - Bufflehead1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

San Diego - Common Loon

2012-02-05T20:59:00.001-08:00

SD - Common Loon2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

ready, set, liftoff!

San Diego - Common Loon

2012-02-05T20:57:00.001-08:00

SD - Common Loon1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

San Elijo Lagoon - Black Phoebe

2012-02-05T20:51:00.001-08:00

SEL - Black Phoebe, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is located near San Diego, between Solana Beach and Encinitas. This Black Phoebe was sitting on the fence at the reserve's parking lot.

Oceanside - Sea Lion

2012-02-05T20:48:00.001-08:00

OM - Sea Lion, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This sea lion was swimming around the boats at the marina...perhaps looking for a few tasty fish

Oceanside, CA - Brown Pelican

2012-01-23T21:32:00.001-08:00

OM - Brown Pelican, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Brown Pelican coming in for a landing

Wilderness Park - Belted Kingfisher

2012-01-23T20:28:00.001-08:00

WP - Belted Kingfisher1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This Belted Kingfisher was found in the Wilderness Park in Downey, CA. The female has a reddish brown secondary belt of color across its breast, which the male lacks. It is usually spotted on tops of trees, telephone poles and wires, fence posts, and other lookout points near bodies of water, looking for fish and other prey below.

Wilderness Park - Green Heron - juvenile

2012-01-23T20:23:00.001-08:00

WP - Green Heron - juvenile, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This Green Heron is a juvenile. The adult has a glossy greenish black cap of feathers on top of its head. It is often found with its neck pulled tightly against its body, as it is here.

Almansor Park - Hooded Merganser (male)

2012-01-23T20:19:00.001-08:00

AP - Hooded Merganser 2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The male Hooded Merganser has a black head with a white patch. The "hood" is contracted here, but the feathers can be expanded to look like a hood on top of its head.

Almansor Park - Hooded Merganser (female)

2012-01-23T20:17:00.001-08:00

AP - Hooded Merganser female, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

As the name suggests, the Hooded Merganser has a crown of feathers that it can expand and contract. When expanded, as it is here, it looks like a hood.

Almansor Park - Lesser Scaup (male)

2012-01-23T20:12:00.001-08:00

AP - Lesser Scaup1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Lesser Scaup is a species of duck that feeds mainly by diving for its food.

Almansor Park - Lesser Scaup (female)

2012-01-23T20:10:00.001-08:00

AP - Lesser Scaup female, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Almansor Park - Ring Necked Duck female

2012-01-23T20:08:00.001-08:00

AP - Ring Necked Duck female, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

like most ducks, the female Ring Necked Duck is less colorful than the male.

Almansor Park - Ring Necked Duck (male)

2012-01-23T20:07:00.001-08:00

AP - Ring Necked Duck1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This duck is named for its cinammon hued ring of feathers around its neck, which can be seen here. The ring around its bill gives it the nickname, "Ringbill"

Almansor Park - Mandarin Duck drake

2012-01-23T20:03:00.001-08:00

AP - Mandarin Duck 5, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Mandarin Duck is a close relative of the North American Wood Duck.

Almansor Park - Mandarin Duck

2012-01-23T20:01:00.001-08:00

AP - Mandarin Duck1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This photo of a Mandarin Duck was taken in Almansor Park in Alhambra, CA. Not a native species to North America, but some have escaped captivity to go on to breed in the wild in parts of California.

Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove - 1/8/2012

2012-01-08T21:17:00.001-08:00

IMG_3055, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Thousands of Monarch Butteflies migrate to California to spend winter in the coastal trees, such as these Eucalyptus trees in Pismo Beach.

San Simeon Sunset - 1/2/12

2012-01-07T21:01:00.001-08:00

San Simeon Sunset (3) - Copy, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

A lovely sunset at San Simeon was a prefect way to end the second day of the new year. Happy 2012!

San Simeon - Elephant Seals

2012-01-07T21:00:00.003-08:00

San Simeon - Elephant Seals (5), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The beach was just full of mothers with nursing pups.

San Simeon - Elephant Seals

2012-01-07T21:00:00.001-08:00

San Simeon - Elephant Seals (13), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Near sunset, we stopped and saw the elephant seals near San Simeon. This fellow was busy defending his territory.

17 Mile Drive - Sea Lions

2012-01-07T20:59:00.001-08:00

cr_sea_lions_rock17 Mile Drive - (16) - Copy, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This rock, at the ironically named Bird Rock viewpoint on 17 Mile Drive, was just full of Sea Lions. Further down the drive, there was a viewpoint were we saw Harbor Seals.

17 Mile Drive - Heermann's Gull

2012-01-07T20:56:00.001-08:00

17 Mile Drive - Heermann's Gull, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

To be honest, trying to ID gulls is about as easy to me as it is to ID sparrows (which to me, is not easy) - lol. But this handsome fellow, has a distinctive red bill and black legs, which identifies him as a Heermann's Gull. He (or she) is in its breeding plumage, as its head is white. In non breeding plumage, the head is grey.

San Luis and Merced National Wildlife Refuges - 12/31/11

2012-01-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

I visited the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge and the Merced National Wildlife Refuge on 12/31/11. I posted some pics below of the wildlife I found there. Both places were nice to visit, and the visitor center at the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge is very, very nice. There is a herd of Tule Elk at the San Luis refuge and they were very easy to see as they were near the fence. Along with the elk, a lot of birds, both raptors and water birds, were seen at both refuges. Snow Geese were abundant at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, numbering in the thousands.

Links to websites for both refuges are below:

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Driving directions to the refuges

Pics are posted below. Happy Trails!

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Black Crowned Night Heron - 12/31/11

2012-01-07T20:40:00.001-08:00

crMNWR - Black Crowned Night Heron (1), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Black Crowned Night Heron is a much smaller heron that its cousins, the Great Blue Heron and Great Egret. It is much shorter and stockier, and has yellow legs and reddish eyes. Males and females look alike.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron

2012-01-07T20:37:00.001-08:00

crMNWR - Juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron (1), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This is a juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron. It is a mottled looking brown while the adults are white with a black crown and back.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Snow Geese

2012-01-07T20:14:00.001-08:00

Merced National Wildlife Refuge (1), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Snow Geese cover the fields at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Snow Goose

2012-01-07T20:13:00.001-08:00

crMNWR - Snow Goose, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

During the winter thousands and thousands of Snow Geese migrate to the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. There were thousands of these birds when I visited the refuge on 12/31/11. And it is just the beginning....more and more will soon arrive. The Snow Goose and Ross's Goose are similar in appearance, except the Snow Goose is much larger and Ross's Goose has a smaller bill.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Great Blue Heron

2012-01-07T20:08:00.001-08:00

crMNWR - Great Blue Heron (1), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Great Blue Heron is the largest North American Heron. It is commonly found near bodies of water, and nests in trees or bushes.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Common Yellowthroat

2012-01-07T20:02:00.001-08:00

crMNWR - Common Yellowthroat (8), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Common Yellowthroat is a member of the New World Warbler family. This bird is a male, as the female lacks the black face mask. These birds like marshy, wet areas with dense low vegetation.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Common Gallinule (aka The Artist Formerly Named Common Moorhen)

2012-01-07T19:58:00.001-08:00

crMNWR - Common Moorhen (3), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This bird, like its similar looking cousin, the American Coot, is a member of the rail family. It was until recently called the Common Moorhen. This particular bird is a juvenile, as it is brownish and lacks the red face shield of the adult.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - American Kestrel (with mouse dinner

2012-01-07T19:51:00.001-08:00

crMNWR - American Kestrel (3), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The American Kestrel is a member of the falcon family, and is sometimes called the Sparrow Hawk. This, I believe, is a female, as the male has grey wings. The females are larger than the males. It is the smallest falcon in North America, and also the most common falcon in North America.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Killdeer

2012-01-07T19:44:00.001-08:00

crMNWR - Killdeer (2), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Killdeer is a member of the plover family. They are considered to be shorebirds, but are often found far from water, out in grasslands (I have even seen them in the parking lot at my job). When they feel their nest is threatened, they play the "broken wing" act to lure the predator away from the nest. They will walk away, holding one wing down, emitting a call of distress. When they feel the predator is far enough away from their nest, they will fly away.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Black Necked Stilt

2012-01-07T19:39:00.001-08:00

crMNWR - Black Necked Stilt, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Black Necked Stilt is common along shores of lakes and oceans. They have long, pink, stilt-like legs, and both the males and females look alike.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Northern Pintail

2012-01-07T19:35:00.001-08:00

crMNWR - Northern Pintail (2), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

During winter, many water birds winter in wildlife refuges, such as the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. This handsome bird is a Northern Pintail drake. The hens are much less flashy.

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge - Pied Billed Grebe

2012-01-07T19:31:00.001-08:00

crSLNWR - Pied Billed Grebe (3), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Pied Billed Grebe is a water bird that is found in both freshwater and saltwater bodies of water. The males and females look alike.

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge - Belted Kingfisher

2012-01-07T19:28:00.001-08:00

crSLNWR - Belted Kingfisher (3), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

As their name implies, these birds are fishing birds, but they also eat amphibians, insects, small mammals, reptiles amd small crustaceans. This particulare bird is a female, as the male lacks the reddish "belt" across its breast.

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge - Tule Elk bull

2012-01-07T19:23:00.001-08:00

crSLNWR - Tule Elk (2), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Tule Elk is found only in California and is the smallest of elk subspecies. This guy was at the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge in Los Banos, CA. They also can be found at the Tule Elk State Natural Reserve near Buttonwillow, CA. Their larger cousins, the Roosevelt elk, can be found further north in California around Redwood National and State Parks.

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge - Tule Elk Cow

2012-01-07T19:18:00.001-08:00

crSLNWR - Tule Elk (3), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Tule Elk can also be found at Carrizo Plain National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore and along the Owens Valley from Lone Pine to Bishop.

Western Gulls - Morro Bay, CA - 12/26/11

2011-12-27T20:21:00.001-08:00

cr_western_gulls_morrobay, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This adult Western Gull has caught a crab dinner and its young is begging for a bite - but it didn't get any this time. Its parent ate the crab up and didn't leave a crumb for its chick - lol.

Long Billed Curlew - Morro Bay, CA - 12/26/11

2011-12-27T20:18:00.001-08:00

cr_long_billed_curlew_morrobay1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Long Billed Curlew is a large sandpiper, with a very long bill, measuring 4.4 - 8.6 inches long. These birds (once called the Candlestick Bird or Sicklebird) can be seen at shorelines of lakes and oceans, using their long bill to poke and prod at the sand in search of food, such as crabs, fish and insects.

House Finch (female) - Morro Bay, CA - 12/26/11

2011-12-27T20:10:00.001-08:00

cr_bird_morrobay, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This female House Finch is brownish in color, while the male has red on its breast, rump and crown. They are popular at bird feeders, eating both seeds and insects.

Yellow Rumped Warbler - Morro Bay, CA - 12/26/11

2011-12-27T20:06:00.001-08:00

cr_yellow_rumped_warbler_morrobay1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Golden Eagle - Santa Margarita, CA - 12/26/11

2011-12-27T20:03:00.001-08:00

cr_golden_eagle_santamargarita_1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

After many years of coming up empty handed, I finally got a pic of a Golden Eagle... and a pretty good one at that. This guy was out on the road to Santa Margarita Lake.

Coyote - Hwy 58 West - 12/26/11

2011-12-27T20:02:00.001-08:00

cr_coyote_hwy58_1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Ok, so it's not a bird, but if I see a photographable coyote, I am not passing up the chance to get a pic ;) We saw 3 of these guys on the trip, but this was the only one that I could get a pic of. He trotted across the road and then turned around to give us a look before trotting off.

Loggerhead Shrike - Hwy 58 West - 12/26/11

2011-12-27T20:00:00.001-08:00

cr_loggerhead_shrike_2_hwy58, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Loggerhead Shrike is a bird I have been trying forever to photograph. I finally got a decent shot yesterday. I always think this bird looks like the Lone Ranger, with its black eye mask - lol.

Red Tailed Hawk - Hwy 58 West - 12/26/11

2011-12-27T19:56:00.001-08:00

cr_red_tailed_hawk_hwy58_4, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This bird was perched atop a fence post along Highway 58. It sat for a bit, allowing us to get some nice, close up shots (I barely had to crop any of this photo). Beautiful bird.

Bakersfield - Cattle Egret - 12/23/11

2011-12-27T19:53:00.001-08:00

cr-White Ln - Cattle Egret, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

I actually found this bird in town near the Starbucks at White Ln and Stine Rd. At first I thought it was a youngGreat Egret, but judging by the buff colored patches on its body and crown, yellow bill and dark legs, turns out it is a Cattle Egret. I barely had to do any driving to find one of these (and it's the first photo of a Cattle Egret that I have gotten).

Tule Elk State Natural Reserve - Northern Mockingbird

2011-12-27T19:50:00.001-08:00

TESP - Northern Mockingbird (8), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

I found this fellow in a tree at the Tule Elk State Reserve. He sat there and let me take quite a few photos of him before he went to chase off another bird that was trying to land in the tree.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Juvenile White Crowned Sparrow

2011-12-27T19:42:00.001-08:00

cr- Sparrow (8), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

There is a photo of an adult White Crowned Sparrow posted below. The juvenile is not as colorful as the adult, and lacks the white crown.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Northern Shoveler

2011-12-27T19:39:00.001-08:00

cr-KNWR - Northern Shoveler, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This colorful fellow is the Northern Shoveler, a type of duck which is related to the Cinnamon Teal and Blue Winged Teal. It's broad bill (which sort of resembles a shovel) is used to strain seeds and small animals such as fish from the water.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Black Necked Stilt

2011-12-23T23:16:00.001-08:00

cr-KNWR - Black Necked Stilt (2), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Black Necked Stilts can be found year round at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. These birds make salt and freshwater marshes as well as shallow coastal bays their home.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Snowy Egret

2011-12-23T23:12:00.001-08:00

cr- Snowy Egret (6), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

There are a few types of egrets found here at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge, such as the Great Egret, Snowy Egret and Cattle Egret. This Snowy Egret is distinguished by its black bill and black legs with yellow feet. The Great Egret is larger, with a yellow bill and black legs, while the Cattle Egret is smaller than the other 2, with a yellow bill and pale yellow or orange legs (legs are dark in juveniles).

Kern National Wildlife Refuge - White Crowned Sparrow

2011-12-23T23:05:00.001-08:00

cr-KNWR - White Crowned Sparrow, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

There are many types of sparrows on the Kern National Wildlife Refuge, such as this White Crowned Sparrow.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Red Tailed Hawk

2011-12-23T23:03:00.001-08:00

cr-KNWR - Red Tailed Hawk (6), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Red Tailed Hawks are the most common hawks in North America. You will often see them perching atop fence posts, telephone poles and perched up in trees, and of course, soaring high up in the sky overhead hunting for prey.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge - White Faced Ibis

2011-12-23T22:56:00.001-08:00

cr-KNWR - White Faced Ibis (3), originally uploaded by kimberzy.