2025
On a return visit to Colusa National Wildlife Refuge, one of our favorite spots, we were fortunate to capture this photo of a Great Blue Heron pausing from its hunting. The largest heron in North America, the Great Blue, is distinguished by its long legs, sinuous neck, and thick, dagger-like bill. Its head, chest, and wings display distinctive, shaggy plumes.
Great Blue's Grassy Retreat
A return to the beloved Woodbridge Ecological Reserve rewarded us with a stunning sight: a Great Egret, on full display, showcasing its elegant feathers. The sheer size and pristine white of this bird, also known as the common, large, or great white egret, were truly captivating.
A Moment of Grace: An Egret in the Garden
Amidst the bobbing yachts of Loch Lomond Marina, we observed a Horned Grebe, its small, streamlined body perfectly adapted for the water. The bird, in its nonbreeding plumage, displayed a clean palette of gray and white, its dark cap sharply delineated from its bright cheeks. Its straight, fine bill, so unlike the broad bill of a duck, hinted at its specialized hunting techniques.
Horned Grebe in Motion
Ah, the delightful quest for ducklings! During our recent visit to Elk Grove Regional Park, we were charmed by the sight of a particularly lovely golden one. The water's surface offered a stunning reflection, its gentle wrinkles adding to the scene's beauty. It's always fascinating to observe the surprising variety of colors among these little ones.
Golden Beauty
During our visit to Bodega Bay, California Quail was a common sight. This one perched on a log, beautifully set against a soft, buttery background. As the California state bird, established in 1931, these small ground-dwellers are easily recognized by their distinctive forward-curving crest (black in males, brown in females) and brown flanks streaked with white.
Bodega Bay Beauty: A California Quail Moment
Loch Lomond Marina is a fantastic spot for wildlife, and we recently caught a magnificent sight: a Snowy Egret on the hunt! It was incredible to watch this beautiful, active bird snag a crab for its meal. Snowy Egrets are small, graceful birds often seen darting through shallow waters. Their all-white bodies, black bills, black legs, and vibrant yellow feet make them easy to spot, along with a distinct patch of yellow skin where their bill meets their face.
Snowy Egret's Crab Feast
We recently discovered the Llano Seco Unit, a beautiful new location just 10 miles southwest of Chico in Butte County. This spot is well-equipped for visitors, offering a restroom, an information kiosk, an observation deck, an observation mound, and a trail to explore. We can't wait to return when the fall rain arrives! A highlight of our trip was spotting a Great Blue Heron in route, taking a peaceful break from hunting. It was the perfect chance for us to pull over, unwind, and snap some fantastic photos.
Stillness in Green: A Heron Moment
Las Gallinas is one of our go-to spots for birding since it's a great place to see birds year-round. It's a fantastic place to visit while we wait for migratory birds to return to the area. Located in San Rafael, the area's freshwater and saltwater marshes are a magnet for migratory waterfowl, raptors, and a variety of songbirds. On our most recent visit, we saw a snowy egret enjoying a yummy breakfast along the shore.
Snowy Egret’s Sunrise Snack
A breathtaking moment captured at Isenberg Sandhill Crane Reserve as a Great Egret launches into flight. Its pristine white wings are beautifully spread, contrasting with the vibrant blue sky and the green of the foliage below. The elegant curve of its neck and focused expression conveys the grace and power of this magnificent bird taking to the air.
White Wings and Blue Sky
Even though Staten Island is widely known as a vital winter haven for sandhill cranes and countless other migratory birds, this incredible moment with a vibrant Ring-necked Pheasant was the highlight of our visit! We spotted this colorful guy posing along the roadside of the 9,200-acre tract of farmland and wetland in San Joaquin County. It was a beautiful splash of color against the dry grasses.
Stately Pheasant in Iridescent Plumage
This head-on shot was captured while enjoying the paved walking trail at Loch Lomond Marina in San Rafael. The trail offers outstanding views and is a fantastic location for bird photography. We were lucky enough to spot this magnificent Brown Pelican flying right toward us! Its massive wingspan is completely extended, showcasing the intricate detail of its dark feathers against a brilliant, unbroken azure sky—a powerful and dramatic capture of this iconic coastal flyer soaring effortlessly overhead.
Brown Pelican in Full Glide
A male and female Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) stand in perfect profile atop a floating log. The calm, deep blue water creates a flawless mirror image, capturing the drake’s elegant white neck stripe and the hen’s intricate plumage. A serene moment showcasing the natural symmetry and beauty of waterfowl.