Quail on the lookout

The California quail, state bird of its namesake, is really quite beautiful with its varied plumage patterns. During much of the year it can be challenging to capture these birds out in the open. However, early in the breeding season (this shot is from mid-May) the males are much more willing to make a spectacle of themselves while hoping to draw the attention of a female. Unfortunately for this one who set up his lookout post along the trail, there was only a nosy photographer around.

Late evening avocet

It's been far too long since I've posted a shot of a shorebird, and I'm glad to fix that with this American avocet at the Radio Road Ponds in Redwood City. It's getting to that exciting time of year when the shorebirds are passing through the Bay Area from their summer on the tundra, and its always fun when you get to see some of the birds we normally get here in their basic plumage all decked out in their breeding colors. Of course, avocets are resident birds around the Bay, so we can take advantage of their beautiful colors all summer long.

As an aside, the Radio Road Ponds are a great place to kill time while waiting to pick someone up from the airport. It's pretty easy acess to the 101, and only about 15 minutes from SFO. I took this shot just after the sun had set while waiting for my wife's flight to land.

Sea lion portrait

Two takes on this peaceful sea lion at the Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. I like the late light reflecting in the water on the first one, but I'm partial to having the flipper in the second shot. Either way it was nice to see these guys in a more quiet setting than I have in the past.

Sunset at Kehoe Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore

A typical summer sunset at Kehoe Beach in Point Reyes National Seahsore -- with the marine layer of fog already in place.

View more photos from Kehoe Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore.

California sea lions, on the rocks

A group of California sea lions in a relatively quiet moment as they settle in for the evening at Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, CA.