San Diego County Cache Critters

[+travelita]

June 30 Bird Sanctuary Bug Drop (GC18Y9P)

 

Great Blue and White Herons

 

Great White Heron

 

Osprey

 

"You only protect what you love,

You only love what you know,

You only know what you learn."

Somali Proverb

[+travelita]

July 1 Penny Pines (GC1FDGA)

 

Dropped off a Zebra TB and then parked on the 12266 road to explore both sides of the Nobel Canyon trail. It occasionally sprinkled throughout the day but I was committed to a wild orchid hunt. Along the way I saw variety of critters.

 

 

 

 

For at least half a minute, I was working out which angle would give me the best flower shot when I stepped off trail to get in closer. Between me and the flower was a snake; black with a long yellow stripe indicative of a Racer. I only saw it when it made its super fast get-a-way!

 

 

Up the hill, I stopped just before I would’ve walked directly in front of this Rattlesnake. It was coiled and waiting for action on the side of the trail. I was studying and photographing the snake from one side only for about five minutes, and then got a couple of uninteresting shots at ground level. It started flickering its tongue, rose up quickly, hissed, rattled and moved down into the brush! It was larger than I thought, about 3.5’.

 

 

 

[+travelita]

July 1

 

 

 

 

Still jumpy four minutes up the trail, I spotted what I thought was a grass pattern off to the side that didn’t quite fit in. I stepped back trying to figure out what it was and got clued in quickly after I noticed the button tail.

 

 

 

 

[+Team Gecko]

July 1

 

Still jumpy four minutes up the trail, I spotted what I thought was a grass pattern off to the side that didn’t quite fit in. I stepped back trying to figure out what it was and got clued in quickly after I noticed the button tail.

 

What fantastic critter experiences you are having. Well done on the photography.

 

Both snakes are Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis), the most aggressive and venomous of our local rattlesnakes. It is also one of the most frequently encountered in Southern California in local areas such as Mission Trails Regional Park and the Lagunas.

-GD

[+travelita]

July 1 Larger Shots from Nobel Canyon

 

 

 

 

[+travelita]

July 1 Larger Shots from Nobel Canyon

 

 

 

 

[+travelita]

July 1 Larger Shots from Nobel Canyon

 

 

 

[+SD Rowdies]

July 1 Larger Shots from Nobel Canyon

 

Very nice ...

 

 

Beeth are our friendth ...

 

[+travelita]

July 3 Noble Canyon near Penny Pines (GC1FDGA)

 

[+SD Rowdies]

July 3 Noble Canyon near Penny Pines (GC1FDGA)

 

Oboy! ... a prime candidate for Photoshop enhancement.

 

 

Couldn't resist the challenge of those semi-transparent wings.

Edited July 4, 2009 by SD Rowdies

[+dtn92129]

July 1 Larger Shots from Nobel Canyon

 

 

Great shots!

I can't see very well in the picture, but are those Eleodes (Stink Bugs)? Could you please tell me what they were doing?

Thanks

[+travelita]

July 6 GC18Y9P

 

[+SD Rowdies]

July 6 GC18Y9P

 

It's the water ...

 

[+travelita]

July 8 Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)

 

Observed the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron with its adult breeding plumage hunting for its prey of choice across from Bird Sanctuary Bug Drop (GC18Y9P) today. Turns out that it’s a rare visitor to San Diego.

 

 

 

 

Also saw California Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus), domesticated Green-Cheeked Amazons (Amazona viridigenalis), and a fledgling Western Gull (Larus occidentalis); pics posted at same site. Correction: Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) in my prior pics not Least Terns. dtn92129 - ? a start - The Coleopterists Society and H. - Beautiful PhotoShop work.

 

Thanks!

[+travelita]

July 9 Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)

 

Headed out to the San Diego River for some birding in the Southern Wildlife Preserve on the way to Jake -101 Dalmatians (GC1H0N3) and got sidetracked near Quivera Basin. Watched a Little Blue Heron swallowing a fish.

 

 

 

Congrats on the new Yrium TNG Card 9 Harmon!

[+Eric and Hill]

Yosemite Trip and all the animals I saw.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[+ThePolarBear]

Yosemite Trip and all the animals I saw.

 

Why don't you post a picture of the bear going through the backpack and the 7 ft, 300 lbs ranger chasing it off with a 12 gauge shotgun. Please tell the story too, it was really funny when you told it to me...

[+SD Rowdies]

[+kwvers!]

 

We enjoy looking at this site and wanted to share a few pictures of our adventures in Tennessee while attending Woodstock 7. There is a short critter section so thought this would be a good means of sharing..

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnsZvx5g9vo

[+SD Rowdies]

We enjoy looking at this site and wanted to share a few pictures of our adventures in Tennessee while attending Woodstock 7. There is a short critter section so thought this would be a good means of sharing..

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnsZvx5g9vo

Very nice but let's cut to the chase ... who did the video production?

 

Details please.

Edited July 11, 2009 by SD Rowdies

[+kwvers!]

We enjoy looking at this site and wanted to share a few pictures of our adventures in Tennessee while attending Woodstock 7. There is a short critter section so thought this would be a good means of sharing..

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnsZvx5g9vo

Very nice but let's cut to the chase ... who did the video production?

 

Details please.

 

Mrs.kwver did it using Proshow

[+SD Rowdies]

We enjoy looking at this site and wanted to share a few pictures of our adventures in Tennessee while attending Woodstock 7. There is a short critter section so thought this would be a good means of sharing..

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnsZvx5g9vo

Very nice but let's cut to the chase ... who did the video production?

 

Details please.

 

Mrs.kwver did it using Proshow

Say, not bad for a girl.

[+Team Gecko]

Speaking of bears and Yosemite, here are a few shots from my bear encounters during three different days of skiing in the Valley back in February.  You can read a more complete account on my post to our virtual cache Yosemite Valley High Water - The 100 Year Flood.

-GD

 

Bear 9, a delightful two-year old

 

Bear 3565, five year old alpha male

 

Call of the wild

 

Leaving no doubt this deer is his

 

No Tag - Bear 9's companion

 

Unfettered enthusiam

[+SD-Weiss]

Speaking of bears and Yosemite, here are a few shots from my bear encounters during three different days of skiing in the Valley back in February.  You can read a more complete account on my post to our virtual cache Yosemite Valley High Water - The 100 Year Flood.

-GD

 

Bear 9, a delightful two-year old

 

Bear 3565, five year old alpha male

 

Call of the wild

 

Leaving no doubt this deer is his

 

No Tag - Bear 9's companion

 

Unfettered enthusiam

Great pics.

[+travelita]

July 12 Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) and Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

 

 

[+travelita]

July 12 Different Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) in same area. Can't wait to capture a clear shot of these birds in flight!

 

 

 

[+travelita]

July 13 Queen and common western yellow jacket wasps (Vespula) Famosa #4 – By te River! (GC1BFXM)

 

 

 

July 13 Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Cat’s Amusement (GCW62JN)

 

[+travelita]

July 14 Ancient Puli NOT a Dog Lil' Dragon's playtime (GC1BENN)

 

 

Took a walk along Southern Wildlife Preserve on the San Diego River as far west as Dog Beach. Dropped off a couple of TB’s and a new TNG 9 card at Jake - 101 Dalmatians (GC1H0N3). Saw a man at Robb Field walking a bizarre creature. I strolled over to get a pic. The entire chat was fascinating and although I remain skeptical, I got your critter story

 

“It’s not a dog, it’s an Ancient Puli; not a dog like a Hungarian Puli.” he insisted. Upon petting its head, I was surprised. It had a cranial ridge like a baboon. He said one Doctor thinks the Ancient Puli might be related to a baboon. When I asked about DNA testing, he said, “it shows a dead end and doesn’t match anything.” Its feet were smaller with much larger front pads than rear but it had dog-like toenails. He said to look up Tibetan Wolves to learn more about the Ancient Puli. In fact, tomorrow he was meeting with National Geographic to try and form an expedition to investigate the part of Tibet that has most of the 100 left in the world; his was the only one in America. This might not happen because the Tibetan tribes allow no one in and protect the Pulis. His Puli 10 years old and he mentioned he knew of 2 other females.

 

He then told a story of how in WWI the Germans would send massive packs of Police Dogs into the trenches to pin down soldiers who would then be bayoneted and shot by the following troops. The allies eventually brought in Ancient Pulis to join the troops to turn back the packs of German dogs. Ancient Pulis hiss, spin, throw Chi forward and charge like a Komodo Dragon, but are known as defenders and don’t attack. He asked me if I knew what Chi is and I said, “Yes, it’s like a force from the body” and he explained, “the Puli throws chi forward and it can be felt in the middle of your chest from the back.”

 

He said most dogs run when they see the Ancient Puli because they know it’s not a dog. Dogs that try to attack would get wads of fine dreadlock-like hair stuck in their throats and choke to death. He said Terriers aren’t afraid of his Puli, and he actually had to rescue one so it wouldn’t choke to death. In a test conducted with 5 Police Dogs, the dogs fled to the tops of cars. He said dogs have always been used in war, and Gengis Khan used the Ancient Puli to keep the flocks of sheep and goats with the advancing armies. When Hitler conquered a country, he would kill war dog breeders and their dogs.

 

I will say this critter was large, mellow and constantly rolling or spinning on the ground. Its locks had a couple of distinct “cores” running its length not in the manner of matted dreadlocks. I ceased research on the Internet but here are a few links:

 

Komondor

 

Puli

 

Tibetan Wolf

 

For Size Perspective

 

More 7/14 Pics

 

July 14 Osprey Nest Lil' Dragon's playtime (GC1BENN)

 

 

The Ancient Puli owner told me the Osprey clutch was 2 months from the first hatch to the last and the last chick is still hanging at the nest. Although it can fly, it refuses to fish to feed itself, depending on its parents for food. He thinks it might die.

 

For More

[+Duncan!]

July 14 Ancient Puli NOT a Dog Lil' Dragon's playtime (GC1BENN)

 

 

Took a walk along Southern Wildlife Preserve on the San Diego River as far west as Dog Beach. Dropped off a couple of TB's and a new TNG 9 card at Jake - 101 Dalmatians (GC1H0N3). Saw a man at Robb Field walking a bizarre creature. I strolled over to get a pic. The entire chat was fascinating and although I remain skeptical, I got your critter story

 

"It's not a dog, it's an Ancient Puli; not a dog like a Hungarian Puli." he insisted. Upon petting its head, I was surprised. It had a cranial ridge like a baboon. He said one Doctor thinks the Ancient Puli might be related to a baboon. When I asked about DNA testing, he said, "it shows a dead end and doesn't match anything." Its feet were smaller with much larger front pads than rear but it had dog-like toenails. He said to look up Tibetan Wolves to learn more about the Ancient Puli. In fact, tomorrow he was meeting with National Geographic to try and form an expedition to investigate the part of Tibet that has most of the 100 left in the world; his was the only one in America. This might not happen because the Tibetan tribes allow no one in and protect the Pulis. His Puli 10 years old and he mentioned he knew of 2 other females.

 

He then told a story of how in WWI the Germans would send massive packs of Police Dogs into the trenches to pin down soldiers who would then be bayoneted and shot by the following troops. The allies eventually brought in Ancient Pulis to join the troops to turn back the packs of German dogs. Ancient Pulis hiss, spin, throw Chi forward and charge like a Komodo Dragon, but are known as defenders and don't attack. He asked me if I knew what Chi is and I said, "Yes, it's like a force from the body" and he explained, "the Puli throws chi forward and it can be felt in the middle of your chest from the back."

 

He said most dogs run when they see the Ancient Puli because they know it's not a dog. Dogs that try to attack would get wads of fine dreadlock-like hair stuck in their throats and choke to death. He said Terriers aren't afraid of his Puli, and he actually had to rescue one so it wouldn't choke to death. In a test conducted with 5 Police Dogs, the dogs fled to the tops of cars. He said dogs have always been used in war, and Gengis Khan used the Ancient Puli to keep the flocks of sheep and goats with the advancing armies. When Hitler conquered a country, he would kill war dog breeders and their dogs.

 

I will say this critter was large, mellow and constantly rolling or spinning on the ground. Its locks had a couple of distinct "cores" running its length not in the manner of matted dreadlocks. I ceased research on the Internet but here are a few links:

 

Komondor

 

Puli

 

Tibetan Wolf

 

For Size Perspective

 

More 7/14 Pics

 

July 14 Osprey Nest Lil' Dragon's playtime (GC1BENN)

 

 

The Ancient Puli owner told me the Osprey clutch was 2 months from the first hatch to the last and the last chick is still hanging at the nest. Although it can fly, it refuses to fish to feed itself, depending on its parents for food. He thinks it might die.

 

For More

 

 

Great pics, T!

I think you're right to be skeptical. If that thing is related to a baboon, then I'm a monkey's uncle. I share more DNA with a baboon than that shaggy professor! Sounds like the guy you talked to likes to weave tall tales. Keep the pics coming!

 

D!

[+FlagMan]

Wow, Annette!!! You're really giving Gecko Dad a run for his money with the incredible nature pics!! Love 'em!!

[+SD Rowdies]

July 14 Ancient Puli NOT a Dog Lil' Dragon's playtime (GC1BENN)

 

 

Took a walk along Southern Wildlife Preserve on the San Diego River as far west as Dog Beach. Dropped off a couple of TB's and a new TNG 9 card at Jake - 101 Dalmatians (GC1H0N3). Saw a man at Robb Field walking a bizarre creature. I strolled over to get a pic. The entire chat was fascinating and although I remain skeptical, I got your critter story

 

"It's not a dog, it's an Ancient Puli; not a dog like a Hungarian Puli." he insisted. Upon petting its head, I was surprised. It had a cranial ridge like a baboon. He said one Doctor thinks the Ancient Puli might be related to a baboon. When I asked about DNA testing, he said, "it shows a dead end and doesn't match anything." Its feet were smaller with much larger front pads than rear but it had dog-like toenails. He said to look up Tibetan Wolves to learn more about the Ancient Puli. In fact, tomorrow he was meeting with National Geographic to try and form an expedition to investigate the part of Tibet that has most of the 100 left in the world; his was the only one in America. This might not happen because the Tibetan tribes allow no one in and protect the Pulis. His Puli 10 years old and he mentioned he knew of 2 other females.

 

He then told a story of how in WWI the Germans would send massive packs of Police Dogs into the trenches to pin down soldiers who would then be bayoneted and shot by the following troops. The allies eventually brought in Ancient Pulis to join the troops to turn back the packs of German dogs. Ancient Pulis hiss, spin, throw Chi forward and charge like a Komodo Dragon, but are known as defenders and don't attack. He asked me if I knew what Chi is and I said, "Yes, it's like a force from the body" and he explained, "the Puli throws chi forward and it can be felt in the middle of your chest from the back."

 

He said most dogs run when they see the Ancient Puli because they know it's not a dog. Dogs that try to attack would get wads of fine dreadlock-like hair stuck in their throats and choke to death. He said Terriers aren't afraid of his Puli, and he actually had to rescue one so it wouldn't choke to death. In a test conducted with 5 Police Dogs, the dogs fled to the tops of cars. He said dogs have always been used in war, and Gengis Khan used the Ancient Puli to keep the flocks of sheep and goats with the advancing armies. When Hitler conquered a country, he would kill war dog breeders and their dogs.

 

I will say this critter was large, mellow and constantly rolling or spinning on the ground. Its locks had a couple of distinct "cores" running its length not in the manner of matted dreadlocks. I ceased research on the Internet but here are a few links:

 

Komondor

 

Puli

 

Tibetan Wolf

 

For Size Perspective

 

More 7/14 Pics

 

July 14 Osprey Nest Lil' Dragon's playtime (GC1BENN)

 

 

The Ancient Puli owner told me the Osprey clutch was 2 months from the first hatch to the last and the last chick is still hanging at the nest. Although it can fly, it refuses to fish to feed itself, depending on its parents for food. He thinks it might die.

 

For More

 

 

Great pics, T!

I think you're right to be skeptical. If that thing is related to a baboon, then I'm a monkey's uncle. I share more DNA with a baboon than that shaggy professor! Sounds like the guy you talked to likes to weave tall tales. Keep the pics coming!

 

D!

AKC Puli History

[+Team Gecko]

July 12 Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) and Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

 

 

Outstanding photographs, T!

 

Ospreys have long been one of my favorite birds, especially when they are diving. There used to be a pair on the SW light standard above the football field at Scripps Ranch High School. Every August during marching band camp, which both Groovy and Gecko Gurl attended, a feature was watching them grow as the parents fed them with fare from nearby Lake Miramar. Later on, I enjoyed observing their first tentative hop flights facing into the wind at the edge of the nest. One year, during the band's annual tournament, I found a sizeable largemouth base at the base of the light. After that, I always wondered how large a fish an osprey can carry.

 

Every season there were usually a two or three juveniles, making for a very crowded nest right before the youngster launched out on their own.

 

A few years ago I planned to hide a new GC with an osprey theme nearby but, alas, someone decided to destroy the nest, presumably as an "improvement". I'm not sure where the couple relocated after this disruption.

 

For those interested in the natural history of ospreys, you might enjoy "Return of the Osprey, A Season of Flight and Wonder", David Gessner, Algonquin Press, 2001.

-GD

[+travelita]

July 16 Pelagic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), CA Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus) <<< A GREAT BIRD WATCHING SPOT >>> (GC17NF7)

 

 

Sea Hawk (Pandion haliaetus) landing with fresh catch.

 

Ick, dried fish.

 

Sea Cat (Felis catus mare)

[+SD Rowdies]

 

Here kitty, kitty ....

Edited July 17, 2009 by SD Rowdies

[+travelita]

July 17 Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia) Tree of Life (GC17BZ1)

 

This pretty bird flew in to land, and as my Field Guide to the Birds of North America noted, would “nod and teeter constantly” on the rocks until I got closer, when it sat still to blend in, flying off when I turned to leave.

 

 

 

CA Brown Pelican (P. o. californicus)

 

 

 

[+Team Gecko]

July 17 Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia) Tree of Life (GC17BZ1)

 

This pretty bird flew in to land, and as my Field Guide to the Birds of North America noted, would “nod and teeter constantly” on the rocks until I got closer, when it sat still to blend in, flying off when I turned to leave.

 

6/1/2009

Seeing your photos inspires me to get back out to the shore soon. I have been doing mountains and deserts lately and have been missing the local scene. What a marvelous place San Diego County is for the variety of resident and migratory birds.

 

I also recently encountered some Spotted Sandpipers in their breading plumage, in this case up along the shore of Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic NP. Quite a different setting from our beach area. These were quite vocal and almost the only soundmakers around. If you look closely, the tip of its tail feathers is moving, the "teeter" part I guess.

 

Thought I would also share a couple of Osprey flyovers taken at the same time. Still working to improve my birds-in-flight photo skills.

-GD

 

Spotted Sandpiper

 

Osprey flyby

 

Osprey overhead

[+SD Rowdies]

May I?

 

 

Odd how digital cameras capture so much detail but fail to reveal it unless shot

and processed as an HDR sequence. Really terrific images Don, well done

 

Edited July 18, 2009 by SD Rowdies

[+travelita]

July 18 Green Heron (Butorides virescens) Rock Trinity (GCBB32)

 

Click for typical voice (allaboutbirds.org).

 

 

 

 

[+travelita]

July 18 Striped Mullet (Mugil cephalus) Rock Trinity (GCBB32)

 

 

 

[+SD-Weiss]

July 18 Striped Mullet (Mugil cephalus) Rock Trinity (GCBB32)

 

 

 

I have to ask. Are you a professional photographer?

[+Team Gecko]

Saturday, 7/18/2009

I had a bit of time today and thought I would check in on Travelita's Osprey family near Lil' Dagron's playtime. Alas, the nest was empty and looking a bit abandoned. Have the fledglings launched off on their own?

 

After circling the nest amid the frenetic activities of a gazillion soccer kids, I walked over to the canal to see what might be happening among the shorebird set. As always, there was some nice viewing, including a Little Blue Heron, a pair of Great Egrets, a California Least Tern hovering and diving in the low tide shallows, and a Snowy Egret putting on an awesome fishing show, and

 

The Least Tern is still listed as an Endangered Species. Fortunately, it has recovered significantly from the early 70s when I first learned about them in a marine biology class taught a local Least Tern enthusiast and conservator who featured these diminutive natives in his lectures and field trips. I got so caught up in its dives I never did get over the cache - guess I have a good excuse to return.

-GD

 

Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)

 

LBH on final approach

 

California Least Tern (Sterna antillarum)

 

Verticality

 

Approaching impact

 

Emerging from a dive

 

Ballerina (Snowy Egret) and Marbled Godwits

 

In attack mode

Edited July 20, 2009 by Team Gecko

[+Team Gecko]

July 18 Striped Mullet (Mugil cephalus) Rock Trinity (GCBB32)

 

Awesome juxtaposition. I believe the white companion is a juvenile Little Blue Heron (Egretta Caerulea). Only the adults are blue.

-GD

[+SD Rowdies]

For ten points:

 

 

What's the connection between this pair of Geocachers ...

 

 

And these two Geocaching critters?

[+travelita]

For ten points:

 

SwEet!!

 

July 18

 

Originally didn’t think this shot was interesting. On second look, it was the fattest Rattlesnake I’d ever seen in proportion to its own size and had dug in for some serious hunting. Wondering if it was pregnant and if its pose would trick another lizard scampering up the trail? Ref Post #1152

 

Waiting:

 

Another Lizard?

 

Pregnant? Twins = 10 points

 

GD – My reading list is growing, thanks! A quick Osprey read. Who knew? Spotted Sandpiper

SD-Weiss - Immersed in professional photography in some manner throughout my lifetime. Also had access to complete darkroom in garage while growing up. Hope you haven’t missed past Cache Critters postings.

 

Snowy_Egret (Egretta thula)

It’s a rare day that I find a Snowy Egret perched. During courtship their lores (space from bill to eyes) turn red, their feet orange, and they have long plumes on the head, neck, and back.

 

Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) either a Juvenile or Female, named after Anna Massena, Dutchess of Rivoli

 

Click to see the Second Act

 

I started out with a plan to locate the missing container at Runnin’ With The Pack – Capeheart (GC1NYGW) but my bike ride was interrupted when I spied a Green Heron through a fence. The light was wrong for my first set so I moved in closer and got a few pics before it lured me westward toward my secret birding spot across Rose Creek. After an extended photo session I pedaled north almost missing the Great Blue Heron standing below the Juvenile Snowy Egret. In this immediate area, it looks like the Friends of Rose Creek are busy with their native plant restoration project.

 

Green Heron (Butorides virescens):

 

 

*Sometimes they drop food, insects, or other small objects on the water's surface to attract fish, making them one of the few known tool-using species.

 

 

*Adults have a glossy, greenish-black cap, a greenish back and wings that are grey-black grading into green or blue and greenish-yellow legs. *Notes

 

Click for pic of Great Blue Heron and Immature Snowy Egret

 

Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)

 

Another pic of Black Phoebe

 

Another pic of Black Phoebe

[+SD Rowdies]

Patience and concentration.

 

Edited July 20, 2009 by SD Rowdies

[+travelita]

July 21 Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)

 

Started a bike ride over to Runnin’ With The Pack – Capeheart (GC1NYGW) when I saw a sleeping Cormorant near Rock Trinity (GCBB32) that awoke and began to struggle. I made a doomed try with the broken glass, wet rocks and cleats, but I got within 4' of it when it flapped into the water where I left it.

 

 

 

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) on Shaka Island (GC12BJH)

 

Swam over from the west, noticed a nesting site with a critter and two eggs and swam back for my camera. The Lifeguard was perched above my bike as I waded over from the east for a few pics and left without a serious look for the cache.

 

 

[+travelita]

July 22 Rescue! Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)

 

Click to see the Third Act

 

Click to see the Fourth Act

 

travelita's new birding camo.

 

One of three Osprey in area today.

 

Teamed up with rjosprey for a possible critter rescue near Rock Trinity (GCBB32). Relieved to find a Cormorant relaxing on the same rock, but it was facing in the opposite direction and a fishing line wasn’t visible. I believed it was the same one, but since I couldn’t prove it, rjosprey preferred not to stress it out. Down the trail, I reviewed my pics and when I zoomed in on one, I finally got proof positive. We headed back for some action.

 

 

 

 

The end result was that rjosprey was able to cut 3’ of fishing line from the Cormorant’s throat that was badly wrapped around one of its wings, one of its legs and one foot. It was difficult trying to pry and hold apart the Cormorant’s beak to check for a line or hook left in its mouth or throat. That gorgeous blue tongue, mouth and throat!! We were both surprised by its beak strength that eventually made contact with rjsprey’s finger drawing blood. Released from the net and fishing line, the Cormorant had its mobility back and was gone in seconds! Used the camera’s video option today, but since I’m breaking out in laughter during the rescue, I didn't think it was appropriate for a public forum.

[+SD Rowdies]

 

We were both surprised by its beak strength that eventually made contact with rjsprey’s finger drawing blood.

No good deed goes unpunished.

 

--- Clare Booth Luce

 

And ...

 

 

At last, a fashion shot of Travelita. Well done you two, as devoted twitchers Sandy and I salute your efforts and

your photography

Edited July 23, 2009 by SD Rowdies

[+travelita]

Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus) 06202009 (GC1JA49)

 

 

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) Bird Sanctuary Bug Drop (GC18Y9P)

 

[+SD-Weiss]

For ten points:

 

SwEet!!

 

July 18

 

Originally didn’t think this shot was interesting. On second look, it was the fattest Rattlesnake I’d ever seen in proportion to its own size and had dug in for some serious hunting. Wondering if it was pregnant and if its pose would trick another lizard scampering up the trail? Ref Post #1152

 

Waiting:

 

Another Lizard?

 

Pregnant? Twins = 10 points

 

GD – My reading list is growing, thanks! A quick Osprey read. Who knew? Spotted Sandpiper

SD-Weiss - Immersed in professional photography in some manner throughout my lifetime. Also had access to complete darkroom in garage while growing up. Hope you haven’t missed past Cache Critters postings.

 

Snowy_Egret (Egretta thula)

It’s a rare day that I find a Snowy Egret perched. During courtship their lores (space from bill to eyes) turn red, their feet orange, and they have long plumes on the head, neck, and back.

 

Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) either a Juvenile or Female, named after Anna Massena, Dutchess of Rivoli

 

Click to see the Second Act

 

I started out with a plan to locate the missing container at Runnin’ With The Pack – Capeheart (GC1NYGW) but my bike ride was interrupted when I spied a Green Heron through a fence. The light was wrong for my first set so I moved in closer and got a few pics before it lured me westward toward my secret birding spot across Rose Creek. After an extended photo session I pedaled north almost missing the Great Blue Heron standing below the Juvenile Snowy Egret. In this immediate area, it looks like the Friends of Rose Creek are busy with their native plant restoration project.

 

Green Heron (Butorides virescens):

 

 

*Sometimes they drop food, insects, or other small objects on the water's surface to attract fish, making them one of the few known tool-using species.

 

 

*Adults have a glossy, greenish-black cap, a greenish back and wings that are grey-black grading into green or blue and greenish-yellow legs. *Notes

 

Click for pic of Great Blue Heron and Immature Snowy Egret

 

Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)

 

Another pic of Black Phoebe

 

Another pic of Black Phoebe

GREAT PHOTO'S AGAIN!!!