Thao_Nguyen
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
|
Carolyn681 wrote:
We have been seeing kites since our regular outings starting in April of this year. We see them consistently in the places we go to look for birds of prey. California's Central Valley agricultural practices attract a vast array of birds. On our current weekly outings we usually observe 6 -10 American Kestrels, 4-6 Red-tailed Hawks, about 3 Northern Harriers, and an occasional Cooper's Hawk or other species. During July, August and September where/when alfalfa fields are cut, baled and then re-flooded, it is not unusual to see more than 50 Hawks setting in a field waiting for an easy dinner. During the summer months Swainson's Hawks are numerous and they can be observed nesting along roadsides, but most have migrated out of the area by now. Once this last summer when we were visiting some nesting Swainson's we came across a field being flooded and there was a feeding frenzy happening with at least 300 birds, primarily vultures and hawks, but also egrets, herons and sea gulls. On several occasions we have seen recently flooded fields filled (>500) with Long-Billed Curlews and White-Faced Ibis. Photography of birds in these situations can be difficult because access is usually limited to the shoulder of a country road, which if busy, results in the birds moving to the center of the field, away from the road. Some trees are present in the valley, are often along the roads or dividing fields, so good places to look for nests. Birds of prey usually perch on telephone poles and wires, not the most photogenic. PM me for more details if you plan a visit.
Carolyn
...Show more →
Thanks so much for your precious info - I have sister live in Sacramento, I may make a trip there and check it out this California's Central Valley agricultural - Really appreciated Carolyn 
|
