Much appreciated, Dennis. Hope your holidays in Idaho are restful and exciting. jak

Nice to hear from you, Curmudgeon. Thanks very much. Yes, the Kites are quite handsome. Glad I could share them with you. jak

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

Thanks, Doddy. Appreciated. jak

That’s very kind, kpmac. Thanks for the nice words. Have a nice holiday weekend. jak

Why, thank you very much, NMGal. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season. jak

Yes, the raptors make good subjects. I appreciate the kind words. jak

Thanks very much, Manglesphoto. Wishing you a great holiday season.

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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White-tailed Kites near a former nesting site

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Same White-tailed Kites from a different angle

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Peregrine Falcon harries a resident Red-tailed Hawk

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Peregrine Falcon swings past the Red-tailed Hawk

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Male Surf Scoter, a winter visitor


Red-tailed Hawk at Talbert Regional Park

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Red-sholdered Hawk at Gum Grove Park in Seal Beach

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House Wren at Gum Grove Park.

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Nice to hear from you, tomcat. I guess that's why they are pretty much always hunting for food...lots of small meals. I've seen them and American Kestrels eating much smaller insects, grubs, caterpillars, and small rodents. But then Woodpeckers are about the same size and they eat spiders and other tiny creatures found under the bark of trees. Then there are many birds that feed on aphids, ants and other tiny insects. Thanks for viewing, for writing, and for sharing your own photos. Take care. jak

Thanks vey much Bubalola. It was fun creating the pictures...so glad you enjoyed the results. jak

Thank you, Barn Owl. I'm glad you liked them. I'm about to stud a set of photos I got today of a Cooper's Hawk purchased in the shade of a nearby bush. I'm hoping for some good ones and expressions, but I don't think they can measure up to the Merlin because of its activity and continued presence over time. Have a great week, and thanks again. jak

Thanks, Sylvias. I appreciate your kind words and am glad you enjoyed the pictures. Have a great, creative week. jak

imagemeister, thanks for the kind words and support. I was really stoked by the captures I was luck to get. Your support is very much appreciated. jak

Bubba, thanks so much. It was cool...to see and get such a great opportunity to photograph this Merlin. I've seen a few over the years, but none so close up or attractive. Have a great week. jak