Sanderling stands tall, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

A sanderling stretches to its full height amidst the crowd at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Sanderling splash, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

A sanderling ruffles its feathers and splashes water as it bathes in the shallows at Parker River NWR

When I photographed this flock of sanderlings at the Lot 6 Beach in Parker River National Wildlife Refuge last month, I set up in my ground level position fairly near to the edge of the receding tide. I barely had to move over the next 45 minutes as the flock surrounded me and the birds went about their collective evening routines. It was a delight to share space with them in the fading light, but especially to watch the birds wade and bathe in the shallow water of the ebbing tide. I had never been quite this close to a splashing shorebird before, but I'd love to have the chance to repeat the experience again!

View more photographs of sanderlings

Tule elk in velvet with wild radish, Point Reyes National Seashore

A bull tule elk stands in a field of summer wildflowers in Point Reyes National Seashore

Quail portrait on a fencepost, Point Reyes National Seashore

A California quail posing on a fencepost near Abbott's Lagoon in Point Reyes National Seashore

I've been posting a lot of shorebirds lately since I've had some great recent outings in the area, but I still have a backlog of images from my five day trip to Point Reyes National Seashore over the summer. As I always do while in the park, I was constantly scanning for opportunities to photograph California quail. This particular male perched himself on a relatively plain fencepost, but in front of a nicely colored hillside for a backdrop.

View more of my photographs of California quail.

Sanderling preening in pastel evening light, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

A sanderling preens in the pastel light of dusk after the sun had slipped behind the dunes