Point Lobos State Reserve - 1/29/13

On the Bird Island/China Beach trail

Elephant Seals at San Simeon - 1/29/13

Morro Rock - 1/29/13

Morro Bay at sunset - 1/29/13

Sunset at Morro Bay - 1/29/13

A wave crashes over the jetty as the sun sets

17 Mile Drive - Carmel, CA - 1/29/13

The Pacific Ocean at Pebble Beach - 1/29/13

Lakeside Park in Oakland, CA - 1/28/13

Dramatic skies at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge and San Luis National Wildlife Refuge - 1/20/13

I traveled up to Merced on Sunday to visit the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, and since I was in the area, I also visited the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, as it was only about 30 miles away. It was a very foggy morning when I arrived at the Merced NWR. However, after a while, the fog started to burn off. There were thousands and thousands of geese there.... Ross's, Snow and White Fronted Geese. You could hear their calls thru the fog, altho I could not see them at first. But once the fog burned off, I saw them....so many! Sandhill Cranes were also there, but not in as large numbers as the geese.

At the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge in Los Banos, CA, the first thing I saw was the Tule Elk. The bulls were grouped together some distance from the fence. In a month or so, they will drop their antlers. I drove along the waterfowl tour route and got to photograph my first Common Snipe. First time shots are always pretty awesome. I also got to photograph my first American Pipit at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. All in all, a good day. The only thing that would have made it better, would have been to get a good shot of the White Tailed Kite (a bird that continues to elude me), and if that darned Barn Owl would have sat on the fence long enough for me to get a picture....someday!

The full photo album can be seen here... Merced and San Luis NWR - 1/20/13

Next weekend, I think I may travel to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge up in Willows, CA.  I haven't been there in years. I think I am due for a trip.

Until then, happy trails!

Here are some links for info on the refuges:

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge
Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Cottontail - 1/20/13

cr_MNWR - Cottontail (10), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

It's not all about the birds at the refuges. Cottontail Rabbits are very common at the refuges. Several were in the parking lot, in fact.

San Luis NWR - White Tailed Kite - 1/20/13

cr_SLNWR - White Tailed Kite (1), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

One day I shall get a good shot of this bird, Until then, here is a less than stellar pic of a White Tailed Kite.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - American Pipit - 1/20/13

cr_MNWR - American Pipit (3), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The American Pipit is a common sight in the fall, winter and spring at the refuges. He is usually way more shy about getting his pic taken though. This is my first good shot of this particular brid.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Red Tailed Hawk - 1/20/13

MNWR - Red Tailed Hawk (3), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This Red Tailed Hawk was just sitting in a short tree, not 10 feet from my car. Of course, he was on the passenger side of my car and I was driving - lol. He sat there while I took pic after pic of him. He was actually too close to get a full shot of with the lens I had on the camera. This photo isn't cropped at all. He seemed totally indifferent to my presence - lol.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Great Egret - 1/20/13

cr_MNWR - Great Egret, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This Great Egret struts his stuff in the early morning fog.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Sandhill Crane - 1/20/13

cr_MNWR - Sandhill Crane (4), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Sandhill Crane is the largest bird you will find at the refuges. They start arriving in the fall and stay thru winter. It was a foggy morning at the refuge.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Killdeer - 1/20/13

cr_MNWR - Killdeer (8), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Killdeer are year-round residents of the refuges.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Common Yellowthroat - 1/20/13

cr_MNWR - Common Yellowthroat (36), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

I love these guys. The males look like little bandits.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Song Sparrow - 1/20/13

cr_MNWR - Song Sparrow (1), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Like their name implies, the Song Sparrow likes to sing!

Merced National Wildlife Refuge - American Avocet - 1/20/13

cr_MNWR - American Avocet (2), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This American Avocet is in his winter plumage. He is a tan color instead of grey the rest of the year.