Awesome Ospreys

Awesome Ospreys


The Osprey is a large bird of prey found commonly throughout the world. Their beautiful creamy vanilla bellies and dark chocolate wings are contrasted by their harsh rasping squeals and whistles.

The majestic "fish hawk" can be found at just about any fish-filled lake or marsh and is sighted flying overhead in other areas during migration. 

Close-up of an Osprey at Laguna Niguel Regional Park.

Ospreys have the beauty of a Bald Eagle, the sharp eye of a Peregrine Falcon, and the grace of a Turkey Vulture. They hunt by soaring overhead to watch for ripples and locate fish. Then, they plunge down into the water feet-first, grab the fish, and use tremendous strength and skill to pull themself out of the water. Special gripping feet ensure the fish do not slip from their talons. Ospreys usually fly over to a perch to snack on their prey, but have been seen eating "on the go."

After my death, I would like to be reincarnated as an Osprey. Just think: fresh fish for lunch every day!

Osprey with lunch at SJ Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Conservation: Unfortunately, the population of nesting Ospreys in North America was almost eradicated about a century ago, along with many other raptors, due to the extensive use of the noxious pesticide DDT. When it was banned, the Osprey made a slow but steady comeback. However, the current number of Ospreys is far from the historic populations recorded in North America. 

Today, conservationists help the now steady population by erecting platforms for Ospreys to nest on. 

Nesting pair at the SJ Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the first nesting pairs in OC. Both mates help with the construction of the large nest and with the care of the chicks. 

The nesting pair at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the few that overwinters in the US. Most depart to warmer regions of the world for winter.

The same Osprey as the one in the first photo.

Make sure you keep a distance from Osprey nesting sites to avoid disturbing them. Stay on all trails.

Raise awareness of the Osprey and remind others to be respectful of its nesting sites so in the future, we will be able to enjoy the beauty and grace of the "fish hawk."

-chiccadee

Backyard Bird Photoshoot!

Backyard Bird Photoshoots

Sometimes, when the air is warm and the breeze is soft, I like to sit for a half-hour or so roaming around my tiny, messy backyard and shooting birds.

I really like to shoot birds. It's one of my favorite activities. Especially when you shoot a really rare or beautiful bird!

With a camera, of course (In all probability, someone is going to read just the above three sentences and go on a two-hour rant). Despite what people think, point-and-shoots can take good pictures.

Lesser goldfinches are one of my favorite subjects. 

This big, bad, goldfinch isn't afraid of the thorn bush!

Lesser Goldfinches are plain but beautiful at the same time.

Hummers come up next. 

Half of the photos I take in the backyard are of hummingbirds. 

This little, bad, hummer isn't afraid of the thorn bush either. 

A male Allen's Hummingbird shows off his gorgeous gorgets to the ladies. 

To take this shot, I had to learn the habits and timing of this feisty little male. 

Last but not least, the beloved MODO! 

This pair shamelessly gets into it all the time on my fence.

Next time you're tired and don't want to go anywhere, why not just take a chair, grab a camera, sit outside, and start watching and taking photos of birds?

-chiccadee

Magic of the Monarchs

Magic of the Monarchs



Every winter, millions of monarchs are on the move. The majority of them overwinter in a small, local grove of trees in Mexico. Where do the rest go?

The other monarchs end up in a few small, scattered groves around Central California. The groves all are well sheltered from wind and gusts by a large expanse of tall trees and natural geographical blockades.

The most famous monarch grove, at Pismo Beach, holds tens of thousands of monarchs a year!. Sadly, the number has been declining over the last couple of decades. 

This winter, I visited three monarch groves, including the Pismo Beach one. It's a magical experience. At first glance, the monarch grove is just a couple of old trees with thick clusters of leaves. A closer look, and every leaf becomes a beautiful butterfly, perfectly aligned against a hundred others. 

Yes, those are all monarch butterflies!! Pismo Beach grove.

 The sheer amount of monarch butterflies is overwhelming. 

Monarch butterfly warming its wings on a sunny day. 

 A smaller grove in central CA lets you get up close and personal with the butterflies.

More clusters of monarch butterflies. 

Next winter, visit the monarch groves more yourself for a breathtaking experience! 

Sadly, these majestic winged beauties have been declining significantly in the last couple of decades. Here's how you can help:

>Plant a milkweed garden. Milkweed is the "caterpillar plant" of the monarchs and is a key component of their survival. Keep it pesticide and herbicide free! 

>Raise awareness of the monarchs and the monarch groves.

-chiccadee

Snipes by the Stream

Snipes by the Stream
Snipes ("Zigzag Zeppelins") are among my favorite birds, right next to American Woodcock. They waddle like obese penguins and their mellow winnowing is one of my favorite common sounds of marshes and creeks.

Their camouflage keeps Wilson's Snipes from being seen by most predators/humans, but when spotted and encroached upon by a larger creature they will flush up into the air in a millisecond and disappear into thin air. They stay well hidden (when not flushed)  until breeding season, causing lots of frustration for birders and predators alike!

Snipes feed and often act like woodcocks, probing mud with their flexible and fantastic-looking bills and bobbing around cutely. 

Wilson's Snipe, Laguna Niguel Regional Park 

(Look at that adorable face!)

Ditto. 

Sadly, snipes are commonly hunted throughout their range.  What kind of person would want to shoot snipes with their adorable innocent faces and waddling? Respond in the comments.



-chiccadee 

:)