This was my first and only visit to this location. I found it a bit overwhelming as it encompasses more than 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands and 12 miles of hiking trails. I had no idea where to go so I just started walking on a rare overcast, dull morning It's a great spot and I hope to return next time I'm in Southern California. All comments and critiques appreciated.
Gary
The perched hawk flew off after a while and I found him later sitting on a low power line so I moved in for a tight portrait. I found the Roadrunner perched on some type of nesting box so again I moved in for a tight portrait.
The highlight for me was the Clarks Grebe. A first. If any of the locals care to share their knowledge I'd really appreciate it. I'm wondering if they hatch chicks at this location.
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens600mmf/6.31/1000s2500 ISO-2.3 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens600mmf/6.31/1000s2500 ISO-2.3 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Z TC-1.4x lens710mmf/9.01/2500s2000 ISO-2.3 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Z TC-1.4x lens800mmf/9.01/2000s1250 ISO-2.3 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens600mmf/7.11/2000s1000 ISO-2.3 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens600mmf/7.11/1250s1250 ISO-2.3 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens600mmf/8.01/1000s1250 ISO-2.3 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens600mmf/8.01/1250s1250 ISO-2.3 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens600mmf/8.01/2000s1250 ISO-2.3 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens550mmf/6.31/3200s1250 ISO-2.3 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens440mmf/6.31/2500s1250 ISO-2.3 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens290mmf/6.31/12800s1000 ISO-2.3 EV
2, the road runner, and the last are my picks out of this excellent set. It can be challenging when you arrive at a new place when there is nobody to ask what's happening where.
louie champan wrote:
Killer set Gary, great variety and all very are special.
Thanks much Louie
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morris wrote:
2, the road runner, and the last are my picks out of this excellent set. It can be challenging when you arrive at a new place when there is nobody to ask what's happening where.
Morris
Exactly Morris. Even tougher when it's before sunrise and no other cars in the parking lot
I remember years ago my first time at Ding Darling. I got there in the dark as usual only to find the gates to Wildlife Drive didn't open till 7 AM. So I just started off walking past the gates and down the trail. Wasn't long before I realized; is it possible to trip over an alligator in the dark ?
Imagemaster wrote:
Great variety. Do you ever stay in one place for several days, or are you just a rolling stone?
Haha I've been spending a lot of time with my daughter lately. Probably half of 2023 on and off. She lives about halfway between downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena. It's a 20 minute drive to the Arboretum. About a 20 minute bike ride to the Audubon Center at Deb's Park. San Joaquin is just under an hour. About 40 minutes to San Pedro for Peregrines. So there's lots of opportunity out there. Here at home I've got a great spot for kayaking in spring, fall and summer. And also a couple of small nature preserves here locally.
gerov wrote:
Wonderful set, Gary. I'm chuckling over the apparent proportions of your little humming bird with it all puffed up like that
Gero
Ha ! That must be why his wings look so small
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Lil Judd wrote:
That used to be one of my haunts.
We would normally just take the day and hike around
The driving got to me. I live about 1,5 hour away and the days just too long.
I hope you make it back
You had good luck and got a great selection. The Road Runner is my top pick
Lil
I get it. It's about an hour drive for me from my daughter's house just a little north of LA. The ride down isn't bad because I leave so early in the morning. But the ride back is a killer. Not something I want to do too often.
Appreciate your comments !
This is one of my "must visit" spots, along with Bolsa Chica and San Pedro, when I visit southern California usually in late spring and/or summer), but I've never seen a Roadrunner there (or anywhere for that matter).
Your images from the LA Arboretum in your other thread are making me think I need to give it a try too.
johnohio wrote:
Good stuff Gary. All good but I like the first two and the roadrunner pics best. Glad to see you back on here.
John
Thank you John. I love the time I get to spend in California but after two months of trying to keep up with a two year old, it feels good to be back
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This is one of my "must visit" spots, along with Bolsa Chica and San Pedro, when I visit southern California usually in late spring and/or summer), but I've never seen a Roadrunner there (or anywhere for that matter).
Your images from the LA Arboretum in your other thread are making me think I need to give it a try too.
The Roadrunner was fun. I thought he'd just take off but he was actually very tolerant. I played down on my stomach and watched him for a good while hunting in the bushes on the side of the trail. Was hoping he'd come up with a lizard
Now's the time for Mergansers at the Arboretum. They started showing up around mid-December. Not sure how long they stay.
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cambyses wrote:
Sweet frames Gary... TFS...
I live about 15mins from SJWS and haven't been there in months! I should go there more often I guess
-Kambiz
There seems to be quite a bit going on there this time of year with the wintering birds.
It's a great spot and I hope to return next time I'm in Southern California. All comments and critiques appreciated.
