The American River

Another B-E-A-Utiful weekend here in Northern California. #Chloe_dog and I tried to take full advantage by heading down to the American River. The salmon are just starting to run. Lot's of fisherman, from the bridge's, the bank's and guided drift boats. I got a few photo's, thought I'd share them with you.

Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area 10-16-11

It's always nice when you wanna get away and spend a little time to yourself, to have somewhere to go that's not so far away. One of my favorites is the Vic Fazio Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. About 20 minutes from my house, it's locate along the Pacific flyway and along Highway 80. After a long dry summer there is much water in it yet, but in another couple of months the entire area will be flooded.

I wasn't sure what, if any birds I would see today, but the Causeway never disappoints. There were a variety of raptors and shorebirds on hand. I also took the dog with me so she could run on the levee surrounding the Bypass.

Remember - if you click on the pic, you can see it full size

It was a great day with just a few high thin clouds. 80 degrees.

What?



Must have been a couple thousand of these guys, they were every where



Still dry is the Bypass, but give it a couple months





A pair of Kites



I guess Mr Redtail Hawk is not allowed in Mr Kite's territory



Mr Redtail hiding out




In the summer, they grow rice in the Bypass. Looks like these guys are parked until next year

Egret





White Faced Ibis



Guess I spooked them



Mr and Mrs Kite moved to a better tree



Great Heron





Harrier - taken through the windshield - cruising over the wetlands looking for lunch



Coots and Mallards are always in the Bypass



Pied-Billed Griebe



Black Pheobe



Cattails are blooming



Coot