Just a few recent highlights...
Dec 23, 2023 02:29:40 #
Winter is often one of the best times to see and photograph birds in Southern California, especially along the Pacific Flyway. While the attached photos are not rarities, I enjoyed finding and recording these photos over the past few days.
The pictured pair of White-tailed Kites have returned to Fairview Park in Costa Mesa where they have nested in past years. While there is not sign of mating or nesting yet, we suspect to see signs soon. Meanwhile, these beautiful birds are offering many nice photo opportunities in an area that permits pictures to be taken from several angles.
While watching a Peregrine Falcons yesterday morning at the Bolsa Chica Pocket Pond in Huntington Beach, a Red-tailed Hawk swooped in, fording the falcon from its perch. The falcon flew to a nearby branch of the same tall snag and then proceeded to dive repeatedly at the hawk. It ultimately chased the hawk from its perch and threatened the hawk over and over as it flew away.
Next, the uniquely decorated Surf Scoter returns to Southern California's bays and beaches where it spends a temperate Winter.
I always enjoy photographing raptors...partly because they are fairly large and often perch where they are visible. I was lucky to capture portraits of a Red-tailed Hawk and a Red-shouldered Hawk in the last two weeks. Hope you enjoy these photos below.
Finally, the House Wren is a favorite subject. Though small, they are curious and don't seem to be afraid of people very much. Though very active, they like to find a perch and shout their calls, seeking companions or warning them away...not really sure. They always exhibit lots of energy and personality that I appreciate when I can capture it.
Enjoy the downloads and have a great holiday season.
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The pictured pair of White-tailed Kites have returned to Fairview Park in Costa Mesa where they have nested in past years. While there is not sign of mating or nesting yet, we suspect to see signs soon. Meanwhile, these beautiful birds are offering many nice photo opportunities in an area that permits pictures to be taken from several angles.
While watching a Peregrine Falcons yesterday morning at the Bolsa Chica Pocket Pond in Huntington Beach, a Red-tailed Hawk swooped in, fording the falcon from its perch. The falcon flew to a nearby branch of the same tall snag and then proceeded to dive repeatedly at the hawk. It ultimately chased the hawk from its perch and threatened the hawk over and over as it flew away.
Next, the uniquely decorated Surf Scoter returns to Southern California's bays and beaches where it spends a temperate Winter.
I always enjoy photographing raptors...partly because they are fairly large and often perch where they are visible. I was lucky to capture portraits of a Red-tailed Hawk and a Red-shouldered Hawk in the last two weeks. Hope you enjoy these photos below.
Finally, the House Wren is a favorite subject. Though small, they are curious and don't seem to be afraid of people very much. Though very active, they like to find a perch and shout their calls, seeking companions or warning them away...not really sure. They always exhibit lots of energy and personality that I appreciate when I can capture it.
Enjoy the downloads and have a great holiday season.
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White-tailed Kites near a former nesting site
(Download)
Same White-tailed Kites from a different angle
(Download)
Peregrine Falcon harries a resident Red-tailed Hawk
(Download)
Peregrine Falcon swings past the Red-tailed Hawk
(Download)
Male Surf Scoter, a winter visitor
Red-tailed Hawk at Talbert Regional Park
(Download)
Red-sholdered Hawk at Gum Grove Park in Seal Beach
(Download)
House Wren at Gum Grove Park.
(Download)
Dec 23, 2023 06:28:20 #
Dec 23, 2023 09:30:38 #
Dec 23, 2023 10:16:45 #
Dec 23, 2023 10:22:31 #
Dec 23, 2023 10:39:33 #
Dec 23, 2023 11:09:18 #
Love those Kites especially! I've never seen them. I think the Red Tail bit off more than he could chew, so to speak.
Dec 23, 2023 12:49:23 #
Dec 23, 2023 23:59:06 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
Fantastic set!!!
Thanks very much, Manglesphoto. Wishing you a great holiday season.
Dec 24, 2023 00:01:36 #
tcthome wrote:
Lots of predators! Nice set! 
Yes, the raptors make good subjects. I appreciate the kind words. jak
Dec 24, 2023 00:03:25 #
NMGal wrote:
Really nice.
Why, thank you very much, NMGal. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season. jak
Dec 24, 2023 00:05:42 #
kpmac wrote:
Nice set.
That’s very kind, kpmac. Thanks for the nice words. Have a nice holiday weekend. jak
Dec 24, 2023 00:06:48 #
Dec 24, 2023 00:11:47 #
Retired CPO wrote:
Love those Kites especially! I've never seen them. I think the Red Tail bit off more than he could chew, so to speak.
Thanks CPO. I’ve seen lots of Red-tails recently chased by crows, mockingbirds, and even a hummingbird. They’re big and dangerous if you’re a squirrel or a rabbit, but they’re like a bully who can’t take it when someone smaller fights back. Isn’t nature fascinating? jak
Dec 24, 2023 00:19:35 #
Curmudgeon wrote:
Beautiful set, love the White-tailed Kites
Nice to hear from you, Curmudgeon. Thanks very much. Yes, the Kites are quite handsome. Glad I could share them with you. jak
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