jak86094

Summer here in SoCal is considered the slow season for seeing birds. Wading and water birds have migrated North and many song birds, etc. have flown to higher, cooler climes. We do still have some nice species, however, and over the last 2 weeks I have captured some shots I like with my Nikon D500 using a Nikkor 200-500mm superzoom. Most were taken between 7:00 AM and Noon as afternoon heat and bright sun make birding less successful.

I was compelled to include the whole branch with the Allen's Hummingbird in the first photo. I find the early morning light and greens in foreground, background and subject to be compelling.

American Kestrels largely disappeared starting in May, so I was happily surprised when I saw what appeared to be a family group of 4 hovering and soaring over the plateau at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa this month. I captured this one on the wing in what I think is an attractive pose.

Blue Grosbeaks are seasonal visitors to Southern California. On this particular day, I saw five in the tall grasses at Fairview Park, including both males and the more secretive female.

While the Song Sparrow is considered one of those very common LBBs (Little Brown Birds), it is often found in bushes and tall grasses singing a variety of beautiful songs. Unfortunately I did not catch this one in song. Still, the field marks and colors of its plumage draw the eye. (I suspect this bird was molting, making it look a little ragged.)

Some of the undeveloped land at University of California, Irvine, has been preserved for wildlife. While walking one of those preserves, we came upon a patch of cactus with two Cactus Wrens perched on top. Within minutes there were 6 of them in and around the same cactus. This was almost certainly a family group. I was lucky to snap a number of photos including this one.

It's not unusual seeing several species of Oriole during Southern California summers. Many homes have fruit trees and the neighborhood palm trees make ideal nesting spots. Most common are Hooded and Bullock's Orioles, though we sometimes get to see Baltimore Orioles and Orchard Orioles. In Fairview Park, a large yucca recently bloomed, attracting many species including these Hooded Orioles, which frequently chased away other species from what they considered a very fine feast. Maybe I'm just becoming more aware of them, but it seems the Oriole population is growing here in SoCal...beautiful birds.

Hope you enjoy these.

Allen's Hummingbird at Urban Forest, Huntington Beach

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American Kestrel at Fairview Park, Costa Mesa, CA

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Male Blue Grosbeak at Fairview Park, Costa Mesa, CA

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Female Blue Grosbeak at Fairview Park, Costa Mesa, CA

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Song Sparrow at UCI Wetlands, Irvine, CA

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Cactus Wrens at UCI Preserve in Irvine, CA

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Female Hooded Oriole at Fairview Park, Costa Mesa, CA

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Male Hooded Oriole at Fairview Park, Costa Mesa, CA

(Download)

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

Great set! That combo can produce some stunning images! Thanx for sharing.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Fantastic Images!!!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

A fine set.

LMG Loc: Arizona

Nice variety of birds, all wonderfully shot.

jak86094

Thanks, Sinewsworn. It's fun to share periodically and make contact with UHH acquaintances. Much appreciated. Have a great week and post some new photos when you get a chance. jak

jak86094

Thank you Manglesphoto. That's very kind. I was slowed down for a while by surgery and then I finally got caught by Covid-19, but it didn't keep me down long. All of these photos are from after I recovered. Doing well now. Hope you are also thriving. Take care. jak

Sylvias Loc: North Yorkshire England

Great set and beautiful variety jak.

jak86094

Why thank you, kpmac. Much appreciated. Glad to be back out there after some minor surgery and COVID-19. Kept me off the streets for about a week. Hope you are well and having a tolerable summer. jak

jak86094

LMG, I appreciate your taking the time to view and then comment on my posts. I have such fun trying to capture decent photographs...mostly avian subjects...and from time to time I like to share them. I am glad you can appreciate them. Hope you are having a healthy and enjoyable summer. Take good care of yourself. jak

jak86094

Thank you, Sylvias. I understand you are having a warm summer in the UK. Hopefully it isn't too intolerable and you are getting opportunities to get out and take photographs. Please share some when you feel like you have some pics worth sharing. I participate with several groups in bird surveys where we walk through a specified area to find, identify and count the species that are present. This is then shared with Princeton University for scientific analysis. Most of these surveys are performed with several people in a group, which gives us several sets of eyes...and ears...for finding and ID-ing the wildlife. That gives me an opportunity to find a variety of species and if I'm lucky in capturing decent photos, I get to share them with UHHers. Take care and have a nice summer. So far, here in Southern California, we're having a relatively mild summer, knowing that our really hot season often starts in September. jak

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

Outstanding set...I especially like the Kestrel.

jak86094

flip1948, thanks so much. Yes, Kestrels are one of my favorite to photograph...wrens also. I appreciate the kind comment and hope you have a good week. jak

gmontjr2350 Loc: Southern NJ

Beautiful set of images and a great narrative!

George

jak86094

Thanks very much, George. Part of the photography is learning about the subjects. I try to share a little of that learning with others. Have a good week. jak