jak86094

I've spent a lot of hours taking and processing photos and haven't posted in a while. These photos were all taken in the last 10 days in Southern California using a Nikon D500 and Nikkor 200-500 telezoom. This is the start of one of the busiest seasons for viewing and photographing birds as they migrate from the mountains or colder climes into their winter grounds. Other than Mallards, most ducks have been gone through the Summer. They're just starting to migrate back in to our local wetlands and marshes. Other species, such as the American Goldfinch have donned their non-breeding plumages. Some of the beautiful bluebirds are starting to fade with the colder weather coming on. I'm sure I'll be out frequently over the next weeks, so maybe I'll post more. Meanwhile, Downloads look best. Hope you enjoy some of these.

jak

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Nuttall's Woodpecker at Huntington Central Park (CA)

(Download)

Western Bluebird at Huntington Central Park (CA)

(Download)

Allen's Hummingbird at Malibu Lagoon, Malibu, CA

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Brown Pelican at Malibu Lagoon, Malibu, CA

(Download)

American Wigeon in Eclipse plumage at Huntington Central Park (CA)

(Download)

Red-tailed Hawk at Malibu Lagoon, Malibu, CA

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Solitary Sandpiper at Malibu Legacy Park (CA)

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Least Flycatcher at Huntington Central Park (CA)

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American Goldfinch Urban Forest, Huntington Beach, CA

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NMGal Loc: NE NM

Wonderful captures. The wigeon is sure in some pretty crappy water.

jak86094

Thanks, NMGal. As for the floating plantlife, it's called Common Duckweed. According to the U.S. Forestry Service, "The duckweeds (genus Lemna) and related genera of the duckweed family (Lemnaceae) are the smallest flowering plants known.
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Duckweeds grow quickly and produce new offshoots rapidly. Dense populations are an important food source for aquatic waterfowl and fish, but can become a nuisance to humans. Scientists have recently come to appreciate the fast growth rate of duckweeds, however, and the plants are being used for bioremediation of waterways with excessive amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural runoff."

Duckweed can actually be harvested to remove the pollutants from the water. They may be a nuisance to humans (though I haven't seen any humans swimming in the pond at Huntington Central Park), but the ducks seem to like it quite a bit.

Thanks again for viewing and commenting. Stay well and have a great weekend. jak

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

Very nice series!

jak86094

Thanks so much. Have a great weekend. jak

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

Great Series. Very sharp images.

jak86094

Thank you very much, JD. I've enjoyed your postings over time. Keep up the good work. Stay well and have a great weekend. jak

Quixdraw Loc: x

Fine, sharp, diverse collection!

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Your usual excellent work, jak. I have missed your posts and I am happy to hear that more are in the offing.

jak86094

Thanks very much, Mike. I'll try not to be so long next time. Other than an auto accident totaling my car (no one was seriously injured), life's been treating me OK I've been outside quite a bit as well as enjoying grandkids, etc. Hope you have been having a nice end to your Summer and are looking forward to the Autumn. Take care. jak

jak86094

Many thanks for the kind comments, quixdraw. I've seen many of your posts and hope to see more. Take good care. jak

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Great pics - viewing much enjoyed - thanks.

angler Loc: StHelens England

Excellent set.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Great set.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Thanks for the info on the duckweed. Had no idea of it’s filtering properties. Barbara