There was a brief break between the storms today and the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine was the perfect place to take a quick walk, do a little birding and take some pictures. The Sanctuary used to be part of the Duck Club, ponds where migrating ducks could rest and possibly be hunted, but it has been replanted with native plants to ‘clean’ urban run-off water before flowing into the ocean and to provide a refuge for wildlife. There are crushed gravel trails around the ponds, benches placed in view areas and a wonderful butterfly garden. Sea and Sage Audubon has a small gift shop in the parking area that is staffed with knowledgeable birders that also lead interpretive nature walks. If you forget your binoculars, check with them, they may have loaners available.
I was really hoping to get some great bird pictures today but, because of all of the rain this week, this afternoon must have been the birds’ first chance to eat. About 90% of my photographs today were of bird butts poking out of the ponds. I did get a treat, however. For the first time I observed White Pelicans ‘herding fish’ (I had no idea that they did that). I also watched a snowy egret wiggle his golden toes in the mud to attract fish and then I saw him actually spear one (picture above).
I was really hoping to get some great bird pictures today but, because of all of the rain this week, this afternoon must have been the birds’ first chance to eat. About 90% of my photographs today were of bird butts poking out of the ponds. I did get a treat, however. For the first time I observed White Pelicans ‘herding fish’ (I had no idea that they did that). I also watched a snowy egret wiggle his golden toes in the mud to attract fish and then I saw him actually spear one (picture above).
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cool bird pics
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